Ann, Front of House Team Member, Beefeater
Getting back into the working world after a while, or embarking on something new later in life can be daunting. Fear, self doubt and questioning whether it’s even possible is holding people back from starting a new chapter in their life. At Whitbread, we want to turn around the negatives and help you change your story – both the stories you tell yourself about lack of confidence, ability or employability, and your future ambitions too. You’re at the best place to #ChangeYourStory, with the UK’s leading hospitality business.
“If you are sitting at home, wondering what to do next with your life, come and look inside a Whitbread restaurant. See the life on the floor, the smiling faces on our guests – how could you not enjoy being here involved with this?
“I always think that when we start a shift, we leave our worries at the door. Whatever’s happened that day we park it and get on with giving people a great time.
“I’m good at it too – if you read TripAdvisor about The Packet Steamer my name’s all over it! If we didn’t love working here, it would be written all over our faces. You just can’t fake hospitality. Your face is your picture of service, of pride – and it’s written across all of us at Beefeater.
“I wasn’t always so sure footed though, so I understand what might be holding people back. I actually started here in 1995 when I plucked up the courage to apply because I wanted to learn how to drive. I was timid, I was shy. I’m from a big family and I guess I wasn’t used to striking out on my own.
“What I found when I joined was a team that felt like family and a business that cared for the people who looked after their guests. In all this time, nothing’s changed – our guests are the most important thing and, when you step inside our doors, we take care of you.
“There’s no doubt that this job has bought me out of myself. It’s given me the confidence to talk to people, to engage with guests and those guests have become friends.
“I send and receive Christmas cards from all over the world – Canada, Australia – from guests who have enjoyed eating here and people I’ve worked with who have become friends for life.
“It’s a special place to work and Whitbread’s consistently recognised just how special it is. We won ‘Restaurant of the Year in 2015 and we were all taken to Celtic Manor to celebrate. I met Vernon Kay and a whole host of leaders who thanked me for looking after their guests.
“I was invited to this year’s summer party by my Regional Operations Manager who personally invited me. I saw Craig David, Pixie Lott – we met Rylan Clark – it was brilliant!
“I did pass my driving test eventually, but carried on working here – would I really want to leave this? The banter here is amazing – the chefs in particular! It’s social and at my age, I like to keep fit. I’m 67 but I’ve got the mind of a 21 year old!
“So come and be a part of this - just do it – be strong and back yourself. You won’t regret it.”
#ChangeYourStory with shifts to suit everyone at the UK's leading hospitality business here…
