A beginner’s guide to hospitality…

My name is Brad, I’m from Wellesbourne but I’m an Oxfordshire lad at heart! I have always loved my food but have never seen what goes on behind the scenes, so when an opportunity to join the NJR team popped up, I couldn’t refuse!

I started at the end of July; the wolf pack is now five! I’m not from a hospitality background, in fact, I’m a complete novice, but this is what the team liked about me, so I hear… a blank canvas as such. With this in mind, Nick sent me away for two weeks to gain some valuable knowledge and experience. So off I went to the wonderful Peach Pubs. I can honestly say that my time with Peach was peachy; they had me involved with all sorts, from peeling potatoes to serving gin and tonics. I learned so much about the industry within these two weeks, as well as the understanding of how much effort and works goes in; it’s tough and tiring, but incredibly satisfying.

The first week of my time at Peach, I was in the kitchen with the Head Chef Leon at The Star & Garter. Leon is a great chef and put me to the test. He had me making chicken stock for the Sunday lunches to making shortbread. If you had the springs rolls a few weeks back, that was my handy work! The kitchen was a very exciting experience for me as I have never been in the kitchen before. It was remarkable the hard work that goes into making the guests food to a high level. I learned so much from Leon, including the understanding of everyone’s roles. I was only in the kitchen for four days but by the third I was really struggling with tiredness, but it was all worthwhile. I managed to escape without doing any washing up!

For the second week, I went over to Witney to go and work in The Fleece with Mike and his team. Mike was a really fun guy to work for he kept everyone’s energy levels high. My time at The Fleece flew by, Mike had me serving behind the bar to waiting on tables. I really enjoyed working behind the bar, especially talking to the locals and learning how to make different types of drinks. It was very weird for me because I am used to being the other side of the bar on a Friday night! I did also enjoy serving the tables, learning the specials board and making the customers time memorable. I had a couple of near misses with dropping plates but luckily, I got away with it!

I am now back in more familiar environments, but I enjoyed every single minute with Peach. I am now using my knowledge placing wonderful candidates into amazing jobs, and I will never look at a plate of food the same way again!