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: 08/10/2021

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

rising star - general managers at M&B
Essential skills for becoming a successful General Manager at M&B

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

Thinking about becoming a General Manager? Here’s what you’ll need to succeed The path to becoming a General Manager is as rewarding as it is challenging, but success doesn’t happen by chance.  I

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

General Manager of the year awards - three people smiling on stage
Celebrating M&B’s General Managers of the Year: Inspiring Stories of Growth and Success

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), our General Managers are the heartbeat of our business, driving excellence in hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.  We believe in celebrating su

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Image of scottish hills and lake
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day: Job opportunities in Scotland

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

As we approach St Andrew’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate not only the rich culture and history of Scotland but also the opportunities available within Mitchells and Butlers.  What is St

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

waiting staff greeting guests at M&B - customer service in hospitality
Crafting memorable moments: The importance of customer service at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

In today's busy world of pubs and bars, it's not just about the drinks. What really sets a place apart is how well they treat their guests. At M&B, we believe that every interaction is an opportu

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Christian from Stonehouse
Can you go from Chef to General Manager? Yes, you can!

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers, we pride ourselves on the growth and development opportunities we provide to our employees.  We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christian, General Manager of th

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

live in job - two people smiling at the pub
5 unmissable perks of our live-in jobs you need to know!

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/14/2024

Summary

A live-in job, you say? Right, well, before we go any further, let’s break down the basics: What is a live-in job? Simply put, it’s a job that includes live-in accommodation as part of the benefi

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

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

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Assistant Manager

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, CH49 5LW

Departments

Assistant Manager

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Birkenhead

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

2343742

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Assistant Manager

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

O’Neill’s Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 2SX

Departments

Assistant Manager

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

O'Neill's

Location

Portsmouth

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

2343652

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Assistant Manager

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Buckhurst Hill, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5HT

Departments

Assistant Manager

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Buckhurst Hill

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

2344649

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search