Why working in a pub is the ultimate summer job adventure

Looking for a summer job that's more than just a pay cheque? Consider a pub position. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere with like-minded people who appreciate good food and company! At Mitchells & Butlers we pour 400 million drinks a year, so we know a thing or two when it comes to creating an unforgettable experience.

Katie is one of our Marketing Executives for our Premium Country Pubs. With her infectious enthusiasm, she has become an invaluable member of our team! From summer shifts to photoshoots, her dedication and commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences quickly saw Katie rising through the ranks of our pub family. 

But is it really worth getting a summer job? We grabbed a cuppa with Katie and asked her to spill the tea on the joys of working in a pub through summer.

“What could be better than working in the sun?”

I had previously worked in retail and fancied a new challenge! One of my best friends was working at the pub with the best garden in the local area and I thought this would be a great place to spend my summer – getting to work in the sun every day with one of my best mates, what could be better? After my interview, I discovered how exciting and expansive the menu was, which definitely placed working in a Premium Country Pub (PCP) at the top of my list for summer work!

Secret tip: If you’re leaving college or wondering how to earn some extra cash through summer before uni starts, the flexibility offered by a summer job is great for students. There are plenty of full time and part time summer jobs, from serving up cooling drinks behind the bar to helping the kitchen dish up sizzling delights.

“A brilliant experience and clear development path from the start”

It was brilliant – I was able to select the hours around my own plans, and I could also pick up extra shifts when I had more free time. The new M&B Flexible app makes this even easier now for anyone starting out in shift work. I learned valuable skills that I still use to this day, most notably developing my knowledge around food safety, food pairings with drinks, and my personal favourite – how to make cocktails from scratch! The development path was also explained to me very early on and I knew the steps I’d need to take to progress to Team Coach and Supervisor, which I went on to do. There were also lots of incentives to get guest reviews, including monthly prizes and a team leader board.

“I had the most fun working our summer parties”

The most fun memory of my summer job at M&B was working at our summer parties. In the four summers I worked, we had at least one big garden party each year with a DJ, pop up bars etc. The team I worked with at The Minnow were all super engaged with these events, and we’d make flower walls, branded t-shirts and even put together our own table decorations which our local influencers loved. 

“Frequent catch-ups kept me in the know”

Whilst working in the retail side of the business, I frequently had development catch-ups with my GM and was approached by my RBM to take on the district social lead role, meaning I worked closely with the brand marketing team. I did extra social reporting work for marketing and attended photoshoots and engagement days, none of which I was even aware of when I just started what I thought would be a standard summer pub job!

“So much to love about my role!”

In my current role, I love working with suppliers to build mutually beneficial partnerships through key date projects and summer activations etc. Also, with my background of working in a pub, I really enjoy collaborating with ops to deliver successful campaigns in the sites. Leading photoshoots are also incredibly fun and allow me to really explore my creative side.

“My most epic moment? Definitely my first day as Marketing Executive”

My first day in the role as Marketing Executive fell on our divisional marketing meeting, where we were hosted at Waddesdon Manor by Waddesdon Wines and treated to an incredible evening of wine tasting and a private dining experience in their incredible restaurant! This definitely opened my eyes up to the perks of working in hospitality!

“What makes M&B different? Where do I start?!”

The variety in brands; from premium food-led businesses with seasonally inspired luxury menus to bustling city centre sites with heaving bars every night of the week, not to mention the powerhouses that are Harvester and Toby Carvery, which are two of the most loved and accessible brands in the country.

Summer adventure, comin’ right up!

If you want to make the most of your summer like Katie did, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re after full time or part time summer jobs, seeking industry experience, or craving a close-knit community, a pub job offers all this and more. 

So what are you waiting for? Explore our current summer waiting staff jobs, and apply now for a summer adventure packed with memories and opportunities. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Sign up to job alerts to be the first to hear about our latest opportunities.