Anna Pollock, 28
What: Front of house manager
Where: Leading hedge fund in Mayfair
Company: Vacherin
Talk us through your CV.
I joined Vacherin two years ago as catering manager of this contract but took over more responsibility and got promoted. I have a degree in hotel and catering from Middlesex University and, after uni, I became assistant manager with Giraffe and then joined Coffee Republic. Before this job I spent a year travelling in the USA.
Why the break into contract catering?
I wanted to work for a more private catering operation. I like the type of people I look after here and have been able to build up a good rapport with them - after all, they see me and my six-strong team more than they see their families.
What does the job entail?
The nature of our clients' work is stressful and they work long hours, so we offer escapism. We start at 7.30am and serve full English breakfast; lunch service is ˆ la carte, with dishes such as moules frites or steak sauté; then it's afternoon teas and cakes; and we close at 6pm.
Would you work in another city?
I grew up abroad even though I am English, but I have only ever worked in London. You could get this type of New Age, funky operation in other major cities, such as Manchester or Bristol, but I love London. It's like Marmite: you either love it or hate it.
Any tips for would-be Londoners?
It's important to search for the right job if you are moving to a new city. It took me three months and I used a recruitment agency. If you find a good job that you enjoy, it will help make up for things like commuting. I get up at 5am. It's a half-hour Tube journey from Muswell Hill in the morning but can take an hour to get home at night. I couldn't do that for a job I didn't like.
What about life outside work?
The social side is great. I have bought a flat, have a great bunch of girlfriends and a boyfriend and I am really enjoying the capital and reaping the benefits.
Isn't it pricey?
London's expensive, but my friends live in Bristol and it's expensive there, too. You get a more competitive salary in the capital but it's also harder to get a job here because employers want the best people. You are up against more talent.
Did the bombs affect you?
I experienced 11 September in the USA and lost friends. It just makes you want to continue. When the bombs went off here, the company made sure we got home OK. I was a bit apprehensive of Tubes, as my line was the one that went, but you can't run scared.
Vacherin
- Independent contract caterer set up in 2002
- Founders are Mark Philpott and Clive Hetherington
- Niche blue-chip contracts
- Contact: 020 7404 227
- www.vacherin.com