Our Perfect Pat!

“It all started on a Sunday afternoon 6th June 1982…

“We were out for a walk with friends and as we came past the Balmoral Nursling Beefeater, there was a sign outside saying they needed a washer up. My second child had just started school, I had a bit more time on my hands and I decided to apply. 

“I got the job, it was part time, The Balmoral was just on my doorstep and it helped bring a little extra money in.

“One day a waitress approached me and said I’d be good at waitressing. Hesitantly I said 'No, no, no I can't talk to people!'. After all, I was happy enough in the background because I was shy. Well, I surprised myself and actually did take her up on her offer. She trained me up, I then went on to become an in-house trainer and when my daughters were old enough I trained them too when they came to work here! 

“When the Travel Inn was built, I was asked to stand in for sickness and holidays. I absolutely loved it! No computers back then, we did housekeeping sheets with good old reliable pen and paper. But you had to work out the departs and changes. 

“When the computers did come, oh what an easier life! Whitbread gave me the opportunity to train and progress in the job. I have had two computer systems and now I'm about to explore a third. Not bad considering I came out of school with nothing.

“After around 13 years I heard they were building a Travel Inn in Eastleigh. I applied for full time and got it! Whitbread then bought Premier Lodge and we changed to Premier Travel Inn and then the Premier Inn we all know and love now.

“I have had colleagues and managers come and go and even now when they come in they still stop to say hello. It’s the guests that make this job so worthwhile and working as a team has made me very happy. Whitbread is a very good company to work for, lots of benefits and opportunities. The pension is the best. 

“I’d like to thank my team for celebrating my 40th year of service and hope there are many more to come.”

Take a look at all our current roles at your local Whitbread hotel or restaurant…