As I walk into the hotel past the friendly receptionist who never fails to say hello I already know what the day has in store for me. With a large wedding, 2 function rooms in use plus dinner for around 90 people I know it will be a challenge, that’s not mentioning the 2 really tight turn arounds we have in the Gainsborough.
I walk in to the restaurant and am delighted to see that my team have already got stuck in and started the transformation of clearing the room after breakfast and getting the room looking glorious for the wedding party which are due to arrive in and hour and a half. I take a small moment to appreciate the dazzling view of the sun over the bay and can’t help but feel a bit privileged to see it every day. The team are in high spirits after just having won department of the quarter and everyone is feeling positive about the day ahead……and then it begins!!!
The phantom head ache which appears from no where, the request for holiday at a time when 5 other members of staff are already off, the joyous news that my team leader was and hour and a half late for work and one team member did not bother to show up at all. Then there was a booking for 15 which taken in a full restaurant at the same time the function was due to start and the crack in the restaurant door which appeared over night.
After fielding the constant calls of ‘please miss can i….’ I get to the task in hand, chair covers and sashes, favours, table confetti, flowers and the magnificent wedding cake which should be protected from damage by an invisible force field as the staff stand and gawp open mouthed at the confectionary sculpture. The room looks amazing and with 5 minutes to spare we have a team briefing to explain in detail the function ahead and every individuals duties for the rest off the day.
As the congregation file through the room is filled with congratulations and drink induced humour and there is an air of anticipation as 120 starving guests take their seats for dinner, after a round of applause for the beautiful bride and the handsome groom the show is on and we are away.
Service runs without a hitch and with murmurings of approval from staff and guests the bride and groom have been given a day to remember. As the party trickles out to the bar it’s another race against the clock to change all the tables and chairs around for dinner. The evening commences and the first of the residents arrive for their dining experience. The kitchen team are in high spirits with our resident cabaret chef singing hey there Delilah and they get down to the task in hand.
Once again another successful day draws to a close and as my team leave the hotel dragging their feet from exhaustion but still smiling, I know they are dreading the thought of being back in a 6.30 the following day but I can’t help thinking they’re not a bad bunch really.