Mike Dobinson: From Cocktail Bars to Tech Innovation
Early Career: A Strong Foundation in Hospitality
Mike Dobinson, a versatile professional from Brighton, England, built his reputation in the bustling world of hospitality. With a career spanning more than a decade, he became known for his ability to manage high-volume bars, deliver outstanding customer experiences, and lead diverse teams to success.
Dobinson began as a bartender in respected venues such as Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill, Las Iguanas, and Be At One Cocktail Bars. In these early years, he honed essential skills—crafting signature drinks, coordinating busy shifts, and developing an eye for detail that customers valued.
Shuffle Bar & Kitchen – A Defining Chapter
His five-year tenure as Bar Manager at Shuffle Bar & Kitchen in Brighton marked a turning point. Here, Dobinson not only managed day-to-day operations but also introduced creative marketing campaigns that caught the attention of industry leaders.
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Jameson Whiskey Recognition – He won a nationwide competition for innovative promotions.
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Absolut Vodka Collaboration – His marketing flair earned him an invitation to the Absolut Vodka distillery in Sweden.
These achievements cemented his reputation as an inventive and results-driven hospitality professional.
Transition to Technology: From Cocktails to Code
While excelling in hospitality, Mike Dobinson harbored a long-standing fascination with technology. In 2023, he made the bold decision to pivot careers, enrolling in an intensive full-stack software development boot camp at Northcoders.
Despite starting without prior coding experience, Dobinson thrived in this challenging environment. He mastered modern programming languages and frameworks, including:
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JavaScript
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React.js
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PostgreSQL
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Firebase
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Express.js
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Jest
His training also focused on agile methodologies such as test-driven development (TDD), Kanban boards, and pair programming—skills that would prove vital in his tech career.
Hands-On Projects
One of Dobinson’s standout achievements at Northcoders was developing a functional application that blended his hospitality insight with technical problem-solving. This project demonstrated his ability to merge creativity with logical coding practices, setting the stage for his next venture.
Founder of BarByte: Merging Hospitality and Technology
In 2023, Mike Dobinson founded BarByte, a tech company dedicated to streamlining operations in the hospitality industry. His mission is clear—to address common pain points through innovative digital tools that boost efficiency and enhance customer experiences.
BarByte focuses on:
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Simplifying staff scheduling
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Improving team communication
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Enhancing customer engagement
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Automating repetitive administrative tasks
Dobinson’s unique blend of hospitality expertise and tech skills makes him a rare figure in the industry—someone who understands both the operational challenges of a busy bar and the digital solutions that can solve them.
Personal Life: The Maisie Adam Connection
Mike Dobinson’s personal life came into the public eye thanks to his relationship with English comedian Maisie Adam, known for her appearances on shows like Mock the Week and QI.
The couple first met in 2018, bonding over shared creativity and ambition. In December 2021, Dobinson proposed during a romantic trip to Prague, choosing the iconic Charles Bridge as the perfect backdrop.
In June 2023, they were married in Brighton, a day before Maisie participated in the Soccer Aid charity match at Old Trafford. Their relationship is a testament to mutual respect, support, and shared aspirations.
Mike Dobinson in Brighton
Brighton has been central to Dobinson’s journey. Known for its creative culture and thriving hospitality scene, the city provided the perfect backdrop for his professional growth. From managing Shuffle Bar & Kitchen to launching BarByte, Dobinson has left an undeniable mark on Brighton’s business landscape.
Achievements in the Cocktail Bar Industry
Dobinson’s decade in hospitality was defined by more than just management—it was marked by creativity, leadership, and industry recognition.
Notable Highlights
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Winning the Jameson nationwide competition
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Collaborating with Absolut Vodka in Sweden
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Leading successful promotional campaigns
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Managing high-pressure service environments
These achievements underscore his adaptability and passion for delivering exceptional experiences.
A Vision for the Future
Mike Dobinson’s journey from hospitality to technology is still unfolding. With BarByte gaining traction, his goal is to revolutionize how bars, restaurants, and hospitality businesses operate.
His vision includes:
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Expanding BarByte’s offerings to a global market
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Leveraging AI to predict staffing needs
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Creating personalized digital experiences for customers
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Continuing to merge creativity with technical innovation
Why Mike Dobinson’s Story Inspires
Dobinson’s career is a lesson in adaptability and lifelong learning. He proves that it is never too late to change direction, embrace new skills, and apply past experiences in fresh, innovative ways.
His ability to bridge the gap between two distinct industries—hospitality and technology—positions him as a leader with a unique edge. Whether managing a cocktail bar or coding a new app, Dobinson approaches each challenge with creativity, precision, and a relentless work ethic.
Conclusion
Mike Dobinson’s evolution from a celebrated hospitality manager to a tech entrepreneur showcases the power of reinvention. His path reflects dedication, innovation, and the courage to follow one’s passions—qualities that continue to inspire others in both industries.
From the vibrant streets of Brighton to the fast-paced world of software development, Dobinson’s journey is far from over. As BarByte grows, so will his influence on how hospitality businesses operate in the digital age.