With three restaurants to choose from, food and beverage play a huge role in what makes Watergate Bay. But who is the person behind your plate of Cornish venison and dauphinoise potatoes or your glass of Trevethan’s honey oak Cornish gin, that ensures things run smoothly behind the scenes? Enter Christina, our food and beverage operations manager. We spent some time finding out all about her experience working for Watergate Bay Hotel.
What drew you to Watergate Bay?
I worked for Watergate in 2003 for three years as the Beach Hut manager. I left in 2006 and moved home to Hale with my daughter. I love Watergate Bay, it’s a family run business and I grow with the company. It’s unique and you feel part of something special. I love Cornwall and in Summer 2017 I relocated back and accepted a job as restaurant manager in Zacry’s.
How have you progressed in the company?
I joined in 2017 as a restaurant manager and in May 2018 I was promoted to food and beverage operations manager.
What’s a normal day like for you?
No day is the same, it’s varied and exciting. I enjoy being on the floor with the team and connecting with the guests. Behind the scenes I recruit, train and develop staff.
What were you doing before you joined Watergate Bay? Have you always worked in restaurants?
I’ve always worked in food and beverage and before Watergate Bay I worked for Pizza Express as a regional trainer. I helped open new restaurants and trained and developed staff.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I like to develop and grow people and get the best out of them. I like to drive teams forward to achieve their full potential. I enjoy making guests happy. Perhaps they have stressful jobs or lives and they come to Watergate for a relaxing happy time. It’s important for me to ensure guests are content and enjoy the Watergate Bay experience. My job satisfaction is knowing guests are having a lovely holiday and they leave feeling relaxed and happy with the service.
Can you sum up your job in one sentence?
Keeps me on my toes.
When you’re not at work where could we find you?
Enjoying life, spending time with family and friends, vintage shopping, eating good food with a large glass of gin!
If you’re interested in a career at Watergate Bay, take a look at our jobs page.