Meet the Team
Continuing our series where we get to know a little more about the people who make up Team Abbeydale, say hello to our Retail Manager, Lucienne! Lucienne joined the team in November 2025, but it feels like she’s been part of the family for much longer, as a familiar face within our local beer scene and one of the key people involved in making Deception a Sheffield household name in her past role as GM at Shakespeare’s. After 15 years working in pubs, a leap into breweries naturally occurred and we feel very lucky that her path has led directly to our roller shutter doors. Over to Luce!
First up, the basics! What’s your name and where do you come from?
My name is Lucienne, weirdly I still say I’m from Belper, even though I’ve lived in Sheffield on and off for 15 years.
What is your role at Abbeydale Brewery?
I’m the retail manager – it’s a multi-layered role, which means I can get involved in many different areas of the business, but my main responsibilities are looking after our on site shop and brewery website, sending beer to our lovely customers around the country!
What’s your favourite beer/beer style and why?
Right, I’ve got a few answers here. My “desert island” beers are Abbeydale Deception and Redwillow Weightless, so easy-drinking session pales are something I look out for.
The beer that most sticks in my mind is from Nevel – Pine Cones and Cemeteries, a barrel aged wild ale. I put it on the bar at Shakespeare’s and my whole life changed.
I really, really love Mild.
And finally a special shout out to surprise pints of Saison Dupont on holiday. I love walking into a bar that looks rubbish from the outside and finding treasure.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Abbeydale Brewery?
Honestly, I like everything! But particularly the crew and the really lovely work environment.
Favourite pub to enjoy a pint?
Oooh. Let me think! I’m going to be predictable actually and say my two favourite pubs are two that I’ve worked in – Shakespeare’s, and the Exeter Arms in Derby. I’m generally a big fan of pubs with character and these have that in abundance.
Shout out my local The Notty House as well, and in Derby I also love the Alex and the Smithfield.
Where did you have your first (legal!) pint?
It was the Queen’s Head in Belper, and it was a pint of Bass!
Favourite snack to enjoy alongside a beer?
It’s got to be Scampi Fries really, hasn’t it. I don’t even have a “ooo maybe this” option, it’s just Scampi Fries.
When you’re not being of charge of our shop, what do you like to do?
Walking in Derbyshire, exploring other cities, and travelling around Europe as much as I can. It’s apparently no secret that I’m also quite partial to gawping at trains, cranes and other such heavy industry!
Who’s your hero?
My mum and dad. I couldn’t have had better role models.
And finally… If you were a cartoon character, who would it be?
OK I’ve been thinking about this one and I really wanted to be a big kickass kinda cartoon character, but I think I’m a little Moomin.
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If you would like to come and say hello to Lucienne in person, you can usually find her in our on site shop, every weekday 9am-5pm!
Cheers!
