Esther Redfern-Ghaleb, who is the general manager of the historic Compton Arms, ranked the UK’s second-best pub by Time Out magazine

I MOVED to London about 10 years ago, I was originally working in The Hawley in Camden, and I was doing ballet as well – that’s one of the main reasons why I moved over.

I was working one Easter weekend, fell behind the bar, dislocated my knee, and couldn’t do anything. I was going to have to stop ballet, otherwise I was going to be in a very bad way for the rest of my life.

I started working full-time, but after five years it was time to leave; the atmosphere was changing, and the people were changing.

I had an interview at the Compton Arms, which eight months prior had been bought by Nick Stephens (who previously owned The Lock Tavern). I was hired as assistant manager and took over as general manager (GM) about two years ago.

I had zero confidence before I worked in pubs and was so shy when I first came to London from Birmingham. My confidence has just built from being around people all the time. I never thought I would be able to kick someone out of a pub but it’s actually quite enjoyable, and easy.

Although our customers are a lot nicer than the ones I’ve dealt with in the past, it’s still a struggle, especially being a female telling someone they need to leave. Ninety per cent of the time, Nikki (Paraskeva, the assistant GM) and I don’t get taken seriously. We get a few animated people but they’re normally quite understanding – every now and then you will get the occasional silly goose that won’t be told off by someone who’s 5ft 5.

The Compton Arms had its licence reviewed last year after four neighbours made a complaint. It made us busier, everyone kept coming to the pub because they wanted to see this pub that was under review. It was a struggle for our mental health, but we managed to crack on and not let it affect the dynamic at work, and we wanted to make sure that everyone was still having a great time. The complaints were thrown out.

The support from the community and staff was overwhelming, and it made everything worthwhile; we’re like a family here. It makes a huge difference when the people that you work with are also your best friends.

We make the effort to hang out outside of work but still keep it very professional as well.

I was meant to work in a pub. I didn’t think I’d be doing it, but I love it so much. It’s stressful and draining, I’m always tired but I enjoy coming to work every day.

I joke about having career changes all the time, but I don’t think I will. My dream is to have my own pub by the seaside. However, it’s difficult now to try to find anything that is affordable.

But maybe I will get my big break soon. Who knows? I turn 30 this year. I’m like a ticking timebomb. It’s a dream at the moment, but sometimes dreams happen.