Why General Manager Catherine loves her live in job at M&B in Bristol

Why General Manager Catherine loves her live in job at M&B in Bristol

Amandeep Chahal our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 04/10/2021

Have you ever thought of a live in job? A lot of people might jump at the chance - “No commuting to work you say? Well, sign me up!” But for others, there will be a bit of hesitation, because before you start the role, what can you really expect? At M&B, we offer live in options for our chefs, head chefs, assistant managers and for general managers like Catherine.

Catherine has been with us for 20 years now, starting as a part-time employee to help fund her way through university. Over the years, she’s put the work in and has built a successful career for herself. Her live in job at The Brassmill - a Vintage Inns pub and restaurant - suits her down to a tee. Read on to hear what she loves most about the role and why it might just suit your lifestyle.

When did you join M&B and why?

“I joined M&B in 2001 as part-time bar staff in a busy pub in Glasgow. I needed to earn some extra money to get me through uni. It was a typical Glasgow pub, you know the type that showed football and served pies at lunchtime, but upstairs they’d host karaoke every evening, so I loved working up there!”

What do you enjoy most about your job at M&B?

“The variety - every day is different. I love looking after my guests and making sure they have the best time possible. The buzz you get from that is great. Problem solving and multitasking means it’s never a dull day!”

What are the best things about the live in benefit in general?

“Living in is so convenient – I don’t have to spend any time commuting! The financial side is a great added benefit too because  its much cheaper than rent. I will say that you need to be strict in terms of work-life balance. Building a team that can manage the site when you aren’t there is the way to make sure you have the balance right, and it is what they need for their development.”

What are the best things about the live in benefit at your business?

“The Brassmill is right on the outskirts of Bristol, so we have the best of both worlds: a thriving town nearby as well as being right next to the River Avon for great walks. If you love the countryside, all the Vintage Inns are in great locations for walks and exploring. My kids have really settled here and are at a great school.”

How has M&B encouraged you to develop?

“From the beginning of my time at M&B, there was always an opportunity to learn and take on new challenges. I’ve managed a number of sites now, each one with its own quirks, so there’s always a development opportunity. I also took on the responsibility of being a district trainer, so I lead the training during refurbs for Vintage Inns and have helped across different brands. Depending on what you are interested in, there is always more to learn and great tools to do it with.”

What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

“Going exploring with the kids and dog. But most of the time it’s getting the kids to all their many clubs!”

What would you say to somebody considering relocating to a site with live in benefits?

“Do it! But make sure you are strict with the team about your time off. Be available to answer questions if needed but give them the tools to find out the answer themselves. Make sure you give yourself time to appreciate some of the amazing locations of our pubs, and you will love the job even more.”

If you were stranded on a desert island, what is the one ingredient you'd take with you?

“Not very healthy but chocolate!”

Join the M&B family and we’ll help you build a career to be proud of

Whether you’re looking for a job that puts you in the charming countryside or the bustling city, we could have a position for you. With over 1,600 businesses across the country, we have live in jobs to suit everyone.

Browse our live in opportunities which have onsite live-in accommodation included and get your job application started!

List #1

Some articles you might like

smiling lady on laptop sitting at pub
The dos and don'ts when writing your hospitality CV

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/07/2024

Summary

So, the job search is on. Many people dread the process and see it as a race to the finish line where they’ll receive the prize of a job. While that should be your ultimate goal, there’s no sens

Teaser

CV writing a chance to figure out your core skills, which pub and restaurant job is right for you and which type of company you want to work at.

Find out more
Sue Bayley

by

Sue Bayley

Sue Bayley

by

Sue Bayley

What can you expect from a Christmas job at M&B?

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/02/2024

Summary

Mulled wine and pigs in blankets season is upon us, and we're ramping up for a busy time of year. Our hospitality teams work hard all year round, but in December they make experiences extra special

Teaser

Find out more
Amandeep Chahal

by

Amandeep Chahal

Amandeep Chahal

by

Amandeep Chahal

susan and chris with their family at bassets pole, harvester
Celebrating 25 years of dedication: Susan & Chris at Bassetts Pole, Harvester

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

09/30/2024

Summary

In a world where career longevity is becoming a rare feat, Susan and Chris celebrate a remarkable milestone: 25 years as General Managers at Bassetts Pole, Harvester.  Susan and Chris first joine

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

chater siblings at m&b
Celebrating National Sisters Day: Stories of sibling bonding at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/05/2024

Summary

What is National Sister Day? National Sisters Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate that special bond with your sister, whether she's your best friend, your biggest rival, or a bit of both!  Thi

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

yorkshire green landscapes with a bridge and sunset
Embrace a Fulfilling Career in Hospitality in Yorkshire: Celebrating Yorkshire Day

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/30/2024

Summary

What is Yorkshire Day and when is Yorkshire Day? Yorkshire Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the historic county of Yorkshire in England. It takes place on August 1st and was first celeb

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Male and female in Toby carvery
10 Reasons to Love Being an Assistant Manager

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/16/2024

Summary

<!-- Hotjar Tracking Code for https://www.mbcareersandjobs.com/ --> (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){ h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)}; h._hjSettings={hjid:2713474,hjsv:6}; a=o.ge

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

duty manager talking to chef and wait staff at pub
What is a Duty Manager job?

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/11/2024

Summary

So, what's a Duty Manager job all about? As a Duty Manager, you’re at the heart of the action, ensuring guests have a fantastic experience and the team stays motivated and on point.  You’ll be st

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Russell

by

Sophie Russell

Sophie Russell

by

Sophie Russell

smiling deputy manager and chef in pub
What is the role of a deputy manager?

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

06/26/2024

Summary

Are you passionate about leading teams and keen to climb up the ranks? We’ve got just the position for you at Mitchells and Butlers. As a Deputy Manager, you'll wear many hats - you're key to gu

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

keith pictured in a pub holding an award and a bottle of alcohol
Keith explains how M&B has been supportive of the LGBTQ+ community

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

06/18/2024

Summary

To celebrate National Coming Out Day this year, we spoke to several people at M&B to hear about their experience, including Keith Meadows who works at The Hesketh Arms Pub & Restaurant. Keith is o

Teaser

Find out more
Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

image of the all female management team at M&B - international womens day 2024
International Women’s Day 2024: Meet our all-female management team

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

06/18/2024

Summary

The 8th of March is International Women’s Day 2024 and here at M&B we want to take the opportunity to celebrate the inspirational women of Mitchells & Butlers. Introducing our all-female manag

Teaser

The 8th of March is International Women’s Day 2023 and here at M&B we want to take the opportunity to celebrate the inspirational women of Mitchells & Butlers.

Find out more
Martha Doherty

by

Martha Doherty

Martha Doherty

by

Martha Doherty

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Assistant Manager

Salary

Up to £40000.00 per annum plus bonus

Location

Browns Victoria, London, SW1E 5AG

Departments

Assistant Manager

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Browns

Location

London

Description

As Deputy Manager at Browns Victoria, you’ll bring your experience to the table. From the moment you step through the door, you lead by example. You'll pull everything together to make sure our guests

Reference

2306214

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Sue Bayley

Author

Sue Bayley
Sue Bayley

Author

Sue Bayley
Apply Add to shortlist
Assistant Manager

Salary

£32500.00 - £35000.00 per annum plus bonus

Location

Browns Victoria, London, SW1E 5AG

Departments

Assistant Manager

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Browns

Location

London

Description

As Assistant Manager at Browns Victoria, you’ll bring your experience to the table. From the moment you step through the door, you lead by example. You'll pull everything together to make sure our gue

Reference

2306152

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Sue Bayley

Author

Sue Bayley
Sue Bayley

Author

Sue Bayley
Apply Add to shortlist
Assistant Manager

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Snaresbrook, London, E11 1PE

Departments

Assistant Manager

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

London

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As Assistant Manag

Reference

2306105

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search