On International Women’s Day every year, the voices and stories of women across the world are celebrated, as we address the issues that cause gender inequality and diversity. But despite these issues remaining, such voices and stories take a backseat once the day is done.
We think it’s worth doing the opposite and actively challenging the issues that create these gaps in our industry. So, we’ve launched this weekly series, Wednesday Women, where we’ll profile the stories of the inspiring women in this great and wide industry.
Today we speak with Ciara Doran, Managing Director of The Doss House in Sydney, and sister venue Frank Mac’s.
Underground whiskey bar The Doss House first opened its doors in March 2018, led by Doran and owned by a handful of partners.
“The vision behind The Doss House was to create a space where people could escape the fast pace of modern life and enjoy the timeless tradition of sipping whiskey in an intimate, candlelit setting,” Doran explains.
A couple of years later, having established a unique community and enjoying great success, the same group unveiled Frank Mac’s in October 2021.
In the years that followed both The Doss House and Frank Mac’s became favoured destinations for quality cocktails in a heritage space, and it was last year that Doran launched Heritage House Co – a female-led hospitality group – and took full ownership of both venues.
“We launched Heritage House Co in 2023 and the name stems from my passion for restoring and reviving heritage-listed buildings, which I have done with the two existing bars, The Doss House and Frank Mac’s.”
Having poured heart and soul into each venue, Doran says it’s rewarding to now be able to call them her own.
“Both venues occupy spaces built in the 1840s so it’s been a real honour to repurpose these character-driven venues steeped in history into bars that can continue to be enjoyed.
“Having been part of these venues since their inception, stepping into full leadership felt like the culmination of years of hard work, vision, and dedication. These venues are not just businesses to me, they’re a reflection of my heritage and love of hospitality and community.
“These venues are a reflection of my commitment to creating unique, memorable experiences for guests. Heritage House Co gave me the freedom to shape the future of both venues exactly as I envisioned. It also came with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had the opportunity to further build on the foundations I had helped establish and lead the business in a direction that aligns with my core values of innovation, authenticity, and community,” she added.
A celebration of heritage
If you ask Doran what drives and inspires her, it’s the ability to create spaces where people can connect – not just with one another but also with history, culture and tradition.
Speaking about The Doss House and Frank Mac’s, she says: “Both venues have their own unique personalities, but at the core, they share a common purpose: offering guests an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. It’s not just about serving a drink or a meal, but about building a community that celebrates culture, and leaves people with stories they’ll want to share.”
With a stylish vintage interior and historical charm, The Doss House is an intimate space that captures the spirit of one of Sydney’s oldest suburbs.
“The design is rustic yet elegant, with exposed sandstone walls, vintage furnishings, and small, cosy rooms. We wanted every detail, from the décor to the carefully curated whiskey list, to evoke a sense of history as well as culture and heritage,” says Doran.
She also recalls the inspiration for Frank Mac’s – to create a lively and character-driven bar that honours her heritage, paying homage to her great uncle Frank Mac.
“Frank Mac was a colourful character who held court at the heart of our local village bar in Ireland, entertaining people with his stories and cheeky humor. In a nod to his vibrant personality, we have created a venue expressing the tradition of an Irish general store, just like the store my grandmother owned and ran.”
From her observations of the hospitality industry, Doran says a standout trend has been the growing demand for personalised and unique experiences, so it’s fitting that both venues are steeped in history, with an authentic story to tell.
“Guests are no longer just looking for a place to eat or drink – they want something memorable, whether that’s an immersive experience, live music performances, or bespoke drink offerings that cater to individual preferences. We are continually coming up with innovative experiences for both venues to stand out within the industry.”
Working towards an inclusive hospitality industry
Doran has a strong vision for the future of the hospitality industry, and now, heading up Heritage House Co, she is committed to creating environments where people feel safe, valued and empowered.
“I feel very proud to be one of the few female-led hospitality groups. For a long time, the hospitality industry has been male dominated. The drive for me came from the desire to break down barriers, challenge outdated norms, and highlight the talent, creativity, and leadership that women bring to this industry. I also hope to inspire others in the industry and contribute to a shift where more women step into leadership roles,” she stated.
“I am so proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and we remain committed to furthering our growth in a direction that centers on preserving and promoting Irish culture and heritage. We have big plans for the future and are currently working on a very exciting project, can’t wait to share it with our customers and the wider community.”
While Doran strives to create a safer, more inclusive hospitality industry, she also acknowledges the role the wider industry plays in uplifting women and fostering a healthier culture.
“As a woman in hospitality, I would love to see the industry evolve into one that is more inclusive, diverse, and equitable at all levels. However, we still have a long way to go,” she says.
“Open, honest, and difficult conversations need to take place so that men and the industry as a whole understand the challenges women face. There also needs to be greater awareness of how women often have to work harder to succeed.
“Increasing the representation of women in leadership roles is crucial to making this a priority. This includes not only management positions but also ownership, decision-making, and creative direction. Programs that encourage mentorship and career development for women can help bridge this gap.”