Celebrating success with our apprentices
We all know as an apprentice with Mitchells & Butlers you receive 33% discount across every Mitchells & Butlers pub and restaurant. But did you also know that every year our teams across the UK take time out to #ApplaudAnApprentice who they think deserves to be put in the spotlight? This can be recognising everything from their attitude to their ideas and hard work. So, this #NationalApprenticeshipWeek we’re showcasing eight different apprentices who are being recognised by our teams.
1. For always looking to learn, Stuart McPhillips, Toby Carvery
Stuart’s described as an absolute gem. His team says he is always there when he’s needed, takes feedback on board and turns everything into a positive. He helps anyone who enters the restaurant, whether it’s a guest or team member, you can always rely on Stuart’s smile greeting you. He's taken on the role as team trainer with gusto, a definite star of the future.
2. For rolling the sleeves up to get involved, Luke, Vintage Inns
Luke joined The Lamb Inn on the kitchen apprenticeship scheme. Luke has gone from strength to strength in the past month, showing a tenacious attitude and getting stuck to every challenge! Luke’s team wants to recognise all of his hard work and they can't wait to see how far he goes!
3. For having a drive to succeed, Lucy Anne Brennan, Toby Carvery
Lucy’s team decided to applaud Lucy after joining Toby Carvery Snaresbrook around two years ago as a team member and developing leaps and bounds, with fantastic personal drive and ambition.
4. For always being there to lend a helping hand, Gareth Connell, All Bar One
All Bar One Newcastle’s Kitchen Apprentice Gareth Connell is being applauded for always being eager and willing to learn. Gareth’s co-workers say he is a valuable member of their kitchen team, always helps when he’s needed and plays a vital role together with the rest of the kitchen team.
5. For having a “can do” attitude, McKenzie Smith, Vintage Inns
McKenzie Smith gets great comments and feedback from her Lifetime Training coach. She has mastered starters and desserts and is now moving onto creating main dishes. She has a “can do” attitude and gets great feedback from her co-workers!
6 & 7. For seizing the moment for progression, Chelsie & Rebekka, Harvester
Chelise and Rebekka work together in a Harvester restaurant and have been applauded for their pride and engagement in the restaurant! They are both progressing brilliantly as Chelsie has recently become an Assistant Manager, with Rebekka on her way to becoming a Shift Supervisor.
8. For serving with pride, Zak Torak, Nicholson’s
The team at Nicholson’s Henry Addington say they feel privileged to have Zak as part of our kitchen team. He is professional, adaptable and always approaches his work with a smile. Zak has an extremely bright future, watch out for the name!
So that’s eight rounds of applause for our eight apprentice stories, but there’s so many more happening across our pubs and restaurants. If you feel inspired by one of these eight stories to discover how an apprenticeship could be the kickstart to your career journey, check out our apprenticeship page.
Hungry for more?
Pop in your email and we’ll dish out the tastiest stories from across M&B, served to you fresh. Choose your interests, and we’ll make sure you’re always first to the table.
By clicking submit you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
See what we’re all about
We're shaping a workplace where everyone thrives. Explore the heart and soul of Mitchells & Butlers by checking out our guiding principles.
Our valuesOur Stories
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/28/2026
Summary
Graduating is exciting. It’s also when you suddenly realise there are approximately a million graduate schemes out there. Marketing? Finance? HR? IT? Something completely different? And then the
by
Katie Handy
Teaser
Our BrandsContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/28/2026
Summary
When Sarah joined M&B in 2021 as an Assistant Manager, she was looking for an opportunity to grow her career in hospitality. Nearly five years later, she's proudly leading The Five Bells in Ayles
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
Our CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/14/2026
Summary
Manchester has a reputation for doing things its own way. Big personalities, brilliant food, legendary nights out and a community spirit that’s hard to beat. It’s also a pretty great place to bui
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/14/2026
Summary
Think hospitality apprenticeships are just about learning on the job? Think again. Maybe you’ve heard you need loads of experience to get started. Or that apprenticeships are only for school leav
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
Career DevelopmentContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/03/2026
Summary
When Caitlin started her photography degree, a career in hospitality wasn’t exactly part of the plan. She was simply looking for a part-time chef job that would fit around her studies. Nearly eig
by
Sophie Russell
Teaser
Career DevelopmentContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/20/2026
Summary
A lot of people join Harvester looking for a job. Many stay because they discover a career. If you enjoy working as part of a close-knit team, love the buzz of a busy kitchen and want to keep l
by
Rachel Hoggard
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/19/2026
Summary
Are you the person who keeps everyone smiling when plans change? Do you notice when somebody needs a hand? Maybe you get a real buzz from meeting new people or pulling together as part of a tea
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
Career DevelopmentContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/19/2026
Summary
Your first hospitality job might begin as a way to earn some extra money, work around university or find something that fits alongside the rest of your life. With a few shifts under your belt,
by
Sue Bayley
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/19/2026
Summary
At Toby Carvery, we’re the Home of the Roast, where every day is a Sunday. Guests might come for the perfectly ruffled potatoes, giant Yorkies and all the trimmings, but it’s our people who help
by
Laura Kelly