It’s time for a new ‘Meet The Team’ post, and this time we’re so happy to introduce you to Sophie, who joined us just over two years ago.
Sophie, like many other of our team members, has not only grown in confidence, and ability but also in her role. As she learned new skills, she has moved swiftly up the ranks from waitress and bartender to a supervisor. Read on to find out more about Sophie.
Q: How long have you been working at Healing Manor?
I have worked at Healing Manor for just over 2 years.
Q: What role do you play in the Manor’s incredible team?
I started out as a waitress and bartender. I am now currently a Food and Beverage Supervisor.
Q: Had you worked in hospitality before joining Healing Manor?
I have had two previous jobs in the industry. One was mainly focused on functions; Birthdays, Weddings, Christenings and bar work. The other was in a hotel doing the breakfast shifts.
Q: How did you feel about the job when you first started?
When I started at Healing Manor I was nervous, mainly about having to learn how to do things differently.
Q: And how do you feel about it now – has working in the industry changed your opinion or given you a different perspective/insight?
Since working at the Manor, I’ve learnt how much goes on behind the scenes that our customers don’t know about!
Q: What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about working in hospitality?
I think the biggest misconception surrounds the amount of pressure we are under. For example, when the restaurant is busy, we try our hardest to make sure the customers are happy and that everything runs smoothly, which means that from the outside everything looks very relaxed and easy!
Q: What skills has the experience given you that you perhaps did not have before? And which of those would you say are transferable and why?
I have developed better customer service skills and gained more knowledge of the industry. Hospitality has aided my personal and professional growth by gaining customer service skills; it’s helped me learn how to build a rapport with people.
Q: And within that, how has Healing Manor Hotel particularly worked with you to support you?
Healing Manor has supported me with my child care and outside life, while helping me develop from a very shy person into a more confident individual.
Q: What has been your favourite part of the job, why so?
My favourite part of my job is being part of a work family, and actually enjoying coming to work and seeing familiar faces.
And a few silly ones…
Q: Favourite dish,
Pasta Carbonara and a good Sunday Roast.
Q: Favourite dessert
Any sort of cake except carrot cake or banana loaf.
Q: Biggest food dislike
I really don’t like stuffing.
Q: Favourite drink – non-alcoholic and alcoholic
I love fresh iced water and occasionally a glass of Malibu and coke in the garden.
Q: Favourite song
I haven’t really got a favourite song, but I prefer 90s music!
Q: Biggest pet peeve
My biggest pet peeve is when people don’t work as a team as this impacts everyone.
Catch up with our The Hidden Side of Hospitality blog series here. Interested in joining the team? Take a look at our vacancies.
