Axis is a space built on warmth, quality, and community — a bar where exceptional beer and wine meet genuine hospitality. Co-founded by Alice and her partner Alex, Axis draws inspiration from the vibrant hospitality cultures of Australia and New Zealand, reimagined for the North East. In this conversation, Alice shares the story behind Axis, the realities of leading a business as a woman in hospitality, the moments that make her proud, and the changes she hopes to see across the industry.
What inspired you to open Axis, and how did the idea come to life with your partner, Alex?
Axis was inspired by the outstanding hospitality businesses myself and Alex both frequented and worked amongst during our years living in Australia & New Zealand! Upon returning to the UK we wanted to bring back that focus on really high quality beers and wines, served in a beautiful yet welcoming and unintimidating environment.
As a woman running your own business, what’s been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far?
The biggest struggle I have found aside from the day-to-day organisational challenges has definitely been an assumed lack of knowledge or competence imparted on me - often subconsciously I’m sure - by visitors to the business. Offering a recommendation which showcases my beer knowledge over my wine knowledge can all too often be met with surprise and isn’t always taken seriously.
Since opening Axis, is there a moment that’s really stood out to you—where you felt proud of what you’ve built?
I feel most pride every time I see sets of customers going from strangers to friends and knowing that we’ve played a part in facilitating that. It serves to remind us that at the end of the day it’s not all about serving beer and wine, but about being part of a community and bringing people together that otherwise might not have.
What women in business—whether in hospitality or beyond—really inspire you?
I struggle to pinpoint this to particular women because I get inspired simply watching any woman do what she does really well. Recently I was sat in a packed, bustling wine bar and restaurant in Paris with three women working the whole bar and floor. Watching people like them effortlessly manage the whole shift always fills me with an excitement to get back to work serving all our lovely customers - and being in the North East, I’m lucky enough to never be short of equally talented & inspiring women to look up to.
What changes would you love to see in the world of small business and hospitality to make it more supportive, inclusive, and accessible for everyone?
I’d love to see a shift towards more regulated policies implemented across hospitality with women’s health and wellness in mind. More transparency around maternity leave, family planning, leave relating to female health issues and company policy around sexual harassment. These may sound like basic things to anyone who hasn’t worked in hospitality but I know across my breadth of previous jobs they have rarely been discussed with me - and it would mean women and girls could more often see hospitality as a lifelong career instead of a stepping stone. Not only would I love to have had this in the past as an employee but from a business-owner’s perspective, I’d love for these all to be made easier to actually implement too - simplified advice, guidance and transparency from all levels.
