Andrew Stones
Company:
Be At One Cocktail Bars
Job title:
Operations Director
How did you get into the sector:
I served my first drink at the age of 15 in my Aunt's hotel; I loved the buzz of the bar and knew that I wanted a career in this industry.
What do you enjoy about your role:
I spend my days in a vibrant office with great people and my evenings in the best bars in London – what's not to like.
Career high:
Overseeing the expansion of Be At One; every bar we open just gets better. Our next bar opens in Monument and is our biggest yet with a capacity of 340 guests, when we open the doors it will feel like it has always been there, the service will be that slick. Our bartenders go through an extensive training programme lasting eight weeks to ensure that they know all of our cocktails to spec, I'm proud to be part of a business that continues to invest so much in their people.
Career low:
I worked for Esporta when it went into administration despite having a seemingly highly profitable business. It is never easy going through that sort of process.
What are your plans for the next year:
We are opening at least four more bars next year and may venture outside London.
What was the biggest break of your career:
Hearing about the vacancy in Be At One from Krishnan at COREcruitment
What are you most proud of in your career:
I believe that I have always improved any business that I have work in. I am building a great team at Be At One and I am confident that we will leave a real legacy.
What advice would you give to people keen to progress in the
industry:
Take your time recruiting the right people but when you find them, look after them.
Who inspires you:
Raymond Blanc - his energy, drive and passion is amazing; I stayed at his hotel a few months ago and on my way to breakfast he was in the garden picking herbs for the day, he is completely dedicated to the quality of service and produce.
What do you do in your downtime:
I have ten month old twins, what downtime?
What question do you always ask in interviews:
What three positive character traits don't you have?
Tips that have made you a success:
- Clarity of vision
- Quick decision making
- No complacency
- A lot of hard work