Front of House Team Member Review

My role involves serving customers, greeting people, conflict resolution, cash handling, training new members of staff, changing barrels where necessary, making drinks and desserts, taking orders, keeping public areas clean and tidy, keeping back areas and the cellar clean and tidy, stock rotation, refilling bottle and dessert fridges where necessary and cashing up the tills.

I have learned about business legislation that affects me in my day to day role, I have learned about pairing the correct food and drinks together, and the importance of menu creation and how upselling certain dishes can increase company profits especially if they are one of our most profitable dishes.

The programme has been useful for me in my journey to becoming a team leader. Although hospitality is not the industry I want to stay in, I believe I have learnt many transferable skills and that this programme will help me in my future endeavours, regardless of the industry differences.

The programme is structured in a way that is easy to understand and tasks in modules are broken down so it is not overwhelming. It makes it easy to do a few tasks at one time and I feel as though that is enough rather than looking at an entire module in one sitting.

I receive training on the job from my employer, and my assistant managers have been really good in training me in different areas of the business - such as changing barrels, stock checks, line check etc. Although I have not had much support from my line manager in regards to the apprenticeship I am doing.

I have always had a designated person from the training provider who has been easy to access at all times. I have never been left waiting more than a day when I have had a query. My provider has made the process very easy and has been very supportive through the programme.

I think knowing about the industry as a whole and the importance of certain aspects such as brand standards and upselling helps me to perform better in my role as I am constantly aware of how I am representing the business. I am also often encouraging others to make sure they are working within brand standards, such as always carrying drinks with a tray and not letting customers stand at the host station without being seen to.

We do not have access to professional networking events at my level, although as I am interested in moving into marketing in the future, my line manager has introduced me to some of the marketing team when they have visited the pub. We also have social events regularly, as everyone who works at the pub are close friends.

No

While the company does offer some good benefits (staff discount, friends and family discount and partner discount schemes) it feels as though the company does not care about front line staff. Hours have been cut dramatically, meaning a drop of 300-400 a month, which is a lot when you live on your own.

Be honest in your application, be a confident and positive person, do not be afraid to be yourself. I would also say take advantage of the apprenticeship programmes Greene King offers as they can be done alongside your usual job, which you will still be paid in full for, rather than on an apprentice wage.