A fault free day rarely occurs at the Hotel…and with a busy Saturday night, a wedding, birthday dinner, a full restaurant and our own function we had arranged, I had arrived to work somewhat apprehensive!
As I walked through the door, I was greeted with some good news straight away. Our singer for the function we had put together and marketed had got food poisoning, and was unable to come in…..my head drops! We then had to find an alternative act, and inform all the guests that we had had to change the line-up…my shoulders sink!

After getting over the initial disappoint I walk around the hotel to discover the Duty Manager and Restaurant Manager have played a stormer, and all other preparations for the day are all on schedule…a smile creeps on my face!

Next port of call is Chef, to see how his day is, and whether he’s prepped for the festivities that await in the evening. I walk in to his office to see him topping up his caffeine drip (it’s a hard life being a chef!), and ask about the night ahead. I wish I hadn’t. Whilst walking around I had managed to, from the area covering the reception and restaurant, to the kitchen, fill myself with false hope that all was wonderful, and I may even be able to slip in a sly cup of tea at some point…not a chance. Chef begins to go through the bookings for the evening, and the fact that despite us being full the brim, and then some, we had decided to take a table of 10 in the middle of service…I drop to my knees! I have never turned to God before, but now seemed an appropriate time.

Now, whether my little chat worked, or whether all the staff saw me walking around with a face on, is somewhat a mystery. But, the Bride and Groom were really pleased with their day, the Birthday dinner went fantastic, it turned out our alternative entertainment could sing a tune or two, and all the guests were having a good time.

As I left the building, my head held high, and a grin across my tired face, I reflect on a great night at work…and look forward to doing it all again tomorrow…my head drops….!