FOOD AND BEVERAGE ATTENDANT
SETTLERS TAVERN
What I love most about working in hospitality is the instant feedback. I love receiving nice feedback and smiles from happy customers. Those nice, positive interactions with patrons can really make your day.
Tell us how you spend your days. What do you do?
Depending on the day, my duties differ. I often work at the Bistro till, taking orders and sending them to the kitchen. I also run food when needed, seat people and don’t hesitate to jump into the bar to help serve drinks. After service finishes, I clean and reset the dining room ready for the next lunch or dinner service.
Did you always plan to work in this industry?
I didn’t always plan on working in the hospitality industry, for me it was circumstantial. I was a primary school teachers assistant until my personal circumstances changed and I sort of used those skills and ‘fell’ into hospitality naturally.
So, how did you get into tourism and hospitality?
After a move to Margaret River, I was looking for some steady income, so I started working at Settlers Tavern. Initially I was a dishwasher and helped run food and clear tables, whatever was needed really. After a while I was able to get out of the kitchen and work front of house, communicating more with customers, and I love it.
How would you describe yourself?
I find that I can be quite shy and timid day to day. Working in hospitality has helped me be confident and allowed me to meet and deal with all sorts of people from all walks of life.
What do you love most about the industry?
What I love most about working in hospitality is the instant feedback. I love receiving nice feedback and smiles from happy customers. Those nice, positive interactions with patrons can really make your day.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part about working at Settlers is being able to work with all of the other staff and managers. We have such a wonderful team who all like a bit of banter and make it generally a nice, light-hearted environment. And I love that everyone looks out for me.
What’s your best advice for anyone starting out?
Try not to take things personally and let stress get to you. You’re always going to come across people that are just unhappy in general, and you can’t let them affect you.
And what’s next for you?
I’d love to stay working at Settlers Tavern for as long as I can. It’s so good for my brain and keeps me feeling young. I currently work 4-5 short days a week so will maybe reduce that as time goes on.
