Take your hospitality career to the countryside with Vintage Inns

Ever dreamed of swapping city noise for birdsong? Of trading commuter chaos for winding country lanes and rolling green hills? With a hospitality job at one of our Vintage Inns pubs, that dream can become your day-to-day.

At M&B, we have some seriously stunning rural spots where you can build a rewarding career, places where your "office view" might just include a herd of deer or a sunset over the hills. 

Just ask James Hicks, General Manager at The Shy Horse in Chessington. With over a decade at M&B, James has worked his way up from the kitchen to running the show, while soaking up the countryside charm that comes with life at a Vintage Inns pub.

Keep reading to discover why James loves life (and work) in a rural pub, and why a hospitality job in the countryside could be just what you’re looking for. 

1) Why start your hospitality career at M&B?

“I was looking for a career in pubs and restaurants, and I knew the M&B brands well from going as a guest. I knew it would be a great place to work, and I recognised there was the potential to progress at M&B as long as I put the effort in.

I started 11 years ago in a sister pub as a Kitchen Porter doing Saturday shifts. Within two years, I was promoted to Kitchen Manager. 

Then I saw an opportunity to support the front of house (FOH) team, and before I knew it, I was an Assistant Manager. Since then, I’ve steadily built my FOH career and was appointed general manager this year.”

One of the best things about working at M&B is having lots of great brands under one roof; it means plenty of chances to grow your career, switch things up, and work in different places across the country.

2) What’s the best part about hospitality jobs in rural pubs like Vintage Inns?

“We get a lot of new faces passing through due to our location. 

There is nothing better for our guests than stopping for a nice hearty meal, sitting by a warm fire, and watching the sun go down over the hills. 

We're surrounded by nature and the countryside, making it the perfect spot to relax.”

3) What does a typical day in a countryside hospitality job look like?

“I always start my day by seeing the pub through our guests’ eyes. I head to the car park first, making sure everything looks spot-on from the outside, then step inside to check that it’s just as welcoming. I get the fires going for that warm, cosy vibe, make sure the flowers on the tables are looking fresh, and then it’s time to greet the team.” 

We’re all about creating memorable experiences that keep guests coming back, with great service, top-quality food, plenty of choice, and real value every time.

“We chat about how the business is doing, run through our daily specials, and catch up on how everyone’s week is going. From there, I’m all over the place, checking in with the team, chatting to guests, and finding ways to bring a bit of fun and energy into the day. 

And when it’s time to head home, I always pause for a moment to watch the sunset turn the sky pink over the hills behind the farm. It’s the perfect end to a busy day.”

4) What’s the most rewarding part of your hospitality career journey?

“I love passing my knowledge on to the team. After all, they’ll be running the show one day. I want to give as much guidance to our future leaders as I can, so they have everything they need to help the business succeed.” 

We’ve built a strong team culture where you can count on your teammates and managers to have your back and support you at every step of your career journey.

5) What do you get up to when you're not working at your Vintage Inns pub?

“I spend my time with my two children, who are five and eight years old. They keep me on my toes as we go hunting Pokémon and exploring nature.”

6) Why choose a hospitality role at one of our rural Vintage Inns pubs?

“Because they are surrounded by beauty, you might wake up on the wrong side of the bed in the morning, but then you see the view. 

We have so much nature around us. We get deer in the car park and gardens, hedgehogs that live in the bushes, and a robin that comes to say hello most days.”

Ready to bring your hospitality skills to a Vintage Inns pub?

If the idea of working in a countryside pub where robins say hello and hedgehogs hide in the hedges sounds like your kind of vibe, this could be your next move. 

Our Vintage Inns pubs are part of the Mitchells & Butlers family, with warm welcomes, roaring fires, and hearty menus that keep guests coming back for more.

With hospitality career opportunities all over the UK, including in peaceful rural spots, there's a perfect fit waiting for you. 

So why not take your next step with us? Browse our latest hospitality jobs at Vintage Inns, and see how you can build your future at one of our beautiful country pubs.