![steel pans hanging up in commercial kitchen](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/EQsbdpRMBkYFwQjagEKjNA/Ellie.jpg?v=a504d0cddba8448dcd581fac7738081a)
Ellie dishes up what it means to be a female Kitchen Manager
Ellie dishes up what it means to be a female Kitchen Manager
If you're familiar with the role of a Kitchen Manager, you'll know it's a job that requires a certain type of person. People like Ellie. But that's not to say she knew she was right for the job.
Ellie joined Mitchells & Butlers in 2018, starting behind the bar. Before she knew it, she was training in the kitchen, and it wasn't long until she realised that she'd found a new passion. She’s now the Kitchen Manager at O'Neill's in Kingston-upon-Thames.
We caught up with Ellie to hear how she came to be in this role and what it means to be a female working in a professional kitchen. So if you want a taste of what it's like to be a Kitchen Manager at M&B, you might be interested in Ellie's story.
What made you pursue a kitchen career?
"It was all by chance really. I was hired for a front-of-house job and was asked if I wanted to be cross-trained. I had never worked in a kitchen before, but I really enjoyed the new challenge and never went back to the bar. Four years later, I’ve worked my way up to Kitchen Team Leader and now Kitchen Manager. It’s been a challenging journey for sure, but I wouldn’t change any of it."
And it's not just Ellie who has smashed her career goals at M&B. Ben worked his way up from Apprentice to Kitchen Manager, and he's enjoyed every minute. It just shows that no matter what role you join the business in, whether it’s in a bar staff role or as an apprentice, you can cook up a career to be proud of.
What is the soundest thing about being a Kitchen Manager?
'Seeing my team grow and develop. I’ve recently had a few bar staff team members transfer to the kitchen, and seeing them thrive and show a passion for what they do is so rewarding.
Also, the opportunities are endless - there is always the support to develop even more and progress further.'
Unrivalled chef training programmes are just one of the highlights of a Kitchen Manager job at M&B. When talking about our KM induction programme, Kitchen Training & Development Manager Andy Foley said he's 'yet to see [it] bettered anywhere else'.
How are things changing for women in the kitchen?
'There’s definitely been more of a female presence within our kitchens over recent years. Firsthand, I’ve seen that everyone is welcome and included, regardless of gender. We are all able to go after the same opportunities.'
We're making it a top goal to become more diverse and inclusive across all our teams - from bar and waiting to kitchen, and from management to HQ.
Do you have any advice for other women considering a kitchen career?
'Go for it, especially if it's something you haven’t done before. From my experience, progression is offered equally, and female representation is on the rise.'
Are there any female chefs you look up to?
'I don't necessarily have any chefs that I look up to. But within our district, we have a lot of strong women in our sites, running our pubs and managing the kitchens.'
Fancy being a part of our diverse kitchen team?
If you think an M&B kitchen could be the place for you, well, you might just be right. Whatever your level of experience, we've got a whole menu of roles for you to tuck into. Just check out the latest kitchen jobs here and use our speedy application process to send over your details.
If you haven't got any experience working in a kitchen, but you're inspired by Ellie's story, not to worry. Enrol in our award-winning chef apprenticeship programme, and you'll get all the training you need to kickstart your kitchen career.
Receive articles like this
Looking for more related content to feast on?
If you like what you're reading but you're hungry for more, we've got a little something for you.
Some articles you might like
![Scenery of Paris, a capital city of France and is renowned for its rich history, art, fashion, and culture, known for its charming neighborhoods, delicious](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/p1UzovTuvEu2TQjcn_1j1w/75/shutterstock_2413454881+(1)+(1).jpg)
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/16/2024
Summary
Ever thought about how much an Olympic athlete has in common with your favourite bartender or chef? It might sound a bit crazy, but stick with me—there are some wild and fun similarities between
by
Rebecca Houseago
![team leader smiling at customers in pub](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/W9z6eYbYhUW2AAjcn_1j1w/75/Premium+Country+Pubs+-+Front+of+House+(1).jpg)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/11/2024
Summary
What is a Team Leader job? Are you a natural-born leader with a passion for food? Then we’ve got a place for you as one of our Kitchen Team Leaders at Mitchells and Butlers. As a Team Leader in
by
Rebecca Houseago
![bar staff smiling holding a tray with drinks in summer beer garden](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/oZXKtzrlpES13gjcn_1j1w/75/Toby+Carvery+-+Front+of+House+(1).jpg)
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/04/2024
Summary
Whether you’re a school leaver, a student, or a parent looking to put some extra cash in the bank, a summer pub job can be the perfect solution. But how do you find that ideal summer job that’s fun, a
by
Rebecca Skeet
![keith pictured in a pub holding an award and a bottle of alcohol](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/K39Y_IG2tUMyMgjZiYUoDg/75/Keith+Meadows.jpg)
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish 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
by
Rachel Weaver
![chef with chef hat mixing up salad in a bowl in a kitchen](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/hWSTjl_EM0MW3gjcg4SG8A/75/Screenshot+2024-06-05+at+13.44.43.png)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/05/2024
Summary
At Mitchells & Butlers, our chefs are the heartbeat of our kitchens, infusing passion into every dish they craft. But what about when they need a little culinary comfort themselves? We've delve
by
Rebecca Skeet
![4 people stood in a kitchen, one with their back to the camera, each are wearing striped aprons and chef hats.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/NbtLkFcm2kEXmgjcapSrQA/75/medium-Vintage+Inns+-+Back+of+House.jpg)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
05/02/2024
Summary
Ready to turn up the heat in the kitchen? Whether you’re moving between Mitchells and Butlers brands or teams, or looking for an exciting new role, there are plenty of kitchen assistant skills that
by
Rebecca Skeet
![A smiling man in a grey shirt in a restaurant kitchen stood in front of four plates of food.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/w5-iD2B6dkP9EwjcZIHSYQ/75/medium-Vintage+Inns+-+Front+of+House.jpg)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
Think that being a Kitchen Assistant is a boring job with no career progression? Think again! That’s just one of many big myths about working in a kitchen. There’s much more to being a Kitchen Assista
by
Rachael Langley
![Young woman serving bright cocktail on a bar with fully stocked shelf of spirits as a backdrop](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/mKOkcC0sqkJHkwjbPMJdDw/75/M%26B+-+Title_+Why+working+in+a+pub+is+the+best+summer+job+for+students+.jpg)
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/24/2024
Summary
Evenings are staying lighter for longer and the days are growing warmer. Dare we say summer is on the way? If you’re thinking “How can I make money as a student?” and are keen to make some extra cas
by
Jess Birch
![sous chef standing over a kitchen apprentice watching them prep food](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/GArb_tw0T0SviwjcTxCcvg/75/medium-Castle++-+Back+of+House.jpg)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/05/2024
Summary
Step into the kitchen with us as we delve into the world of sous chefs! You know what a sous chef job is all about, but have you ever wondered what it takes to be a great sous chef? When it comes
by
Rachael Langley
![Waitress bringing food to the couple by the table](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/03O1vdkPhEY2UAjcMTRHSg/75/medium-RJ1A9548.jpg)
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/28/2024
Summary
Welcome to your go-to guide for mastering hospitality interviews! Working in a pub, bar or restaurant is like no other job. It’s a whirlwind of excitement, human connection and showing guests a good t
by
Amandeep Chahal
Jobs you might like...
Salary
Up to £38000.00 per annum plus bonus
Location
Miller & Carter - Nunthorpe, 21 Cotcliffe Way, Middlesbrough, TS7 0RS, United Kingdom
Departments
Head Chef-Kitchen Manager
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Regional role
Brand
Miller & Carter
Location
Middlesbrough
Description
An exciting time in Nunthorpe as this new Miller & Carter is due to arrive this summer! We are looking for a highly experienced Kitchen Manager to join us before summer in order to be a part of the op
Reference
2217013
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rachel WeaverAuthor
Rachel WeaverSalary
Up to £12.40 per hour plus tronc
Location
Miller & Carter Stevenage, Stevenage, SG1 1XN
Departments
Chef
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Miller & Carter
Location
Stevenage
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 a Chef at Mille
Reference
2236752
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Up to £12.00 per hour
Location
Miller & Carter Stevenage, Stevenage, SG1 1XN
Departments
Chef
Hours
Part Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Miller & Carter
Location
Stevenage
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 a part time Che
Reference
2236748
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Perks of the job...
Love dining out? You'll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all our brands when you join us. Whether it's date night at Miller & Carter or family roast at Toby Carvery, we’ve got you covered. See what other tasty benefits we offer…
Fancy an
award winning apprenticeship
Ever thought about an apprenticeship? Fire up your career with one of our multi-award winning apprenticeship programmes which are designed to give you the skills to become a hospitality pro.