One week on from Channel 4′s Hotel GB, we are catching up with Chris to find out about his experience as an undercover employer on the show and his advice for people keen to make it in hospitality. As General Manager of our little gem of a hotel in Mayfair, he knows what he’s talking about!
Fleming GM Chris went undercover on Hotel GB last week
How would you describe your experience of Hotel GB in 3 words?
Unusual, fun and interesting.
Have you adjusted to TV fame since your appearance?
It’s been hard walking down the street since the show as obviously everyone recognises me?! Whilst I have not exactly been propelled into fame and a life of glitz and glamour, it really opened my eyes as to the reach of TV. People from all across the country have commented on the show and I had not advertised my involvement beforehand so it was quite surprising.
Who do you think was the best celeb manager?
I liked Mary Portas because she seemed to take a real personal interest into each of her trainees. Gok Wan seemed very much at home though and appeared to do very well with his team.
Do you think the programme will have inspired unemployed people to pursue a career in the hospitality industry?
I think that the programme will have raised some awareness. I hope that it will have raised awareness of the low barriers to entry that there are in the industry and the variety of entry level roles available. It will have helped Springboard as a charity and I think that is fantastic as ultimately, the work that Springboard does also helps unemployed people into the industry.
Let’s hear you top tip for someone looking for employment in hospitality…
Hospitality is a very credible industry with immense opportunities for bright, passionate and driven individuals. It is an industry that is very rewarding and with the right ethos and development could result in you running a multi-million pound business with no prejudice on age. My top tip is to be different and show an employer that you are passionate about entering our industry. I always tell anyone that I coach to think X Factor when they go for an interview – the employers (judges) are not just looking at your credentials (singing voice) – they want to witness a spark and something that stands you apart from the rest (the X factor). Sell yourself and be yourself!
We’re currently in negotiations to find out who we’ll be hiring from Hotel GB – watch this space!
If you’re interested in hotel jobs in London and think you’ve got ‘the X factor’ to work with us at Flemings, get in touch.
