Why diversity is important to Lauren

Lauren is 28 and is a Chef at at The Colton Mill Harvester.

"Before joining M&B, I studied childcare & education and health & social care at college. After this, I joined the hospitality sector and worked in a fast-food restaurant before joining M&B in 2012 when I decided that I was after something new.

The best thing about working at the Harvester is being around good people. I enjoy myself and have fun, and that’s what work is about! It’s a great team to be a part of because we’ve worked together for some time, so we know what we’re doing, bounce off each other, and all get along really well.

Diversity is important because it makes things more interesting – everyone has different interests, and you learn new things from each person. One of the guys that works with me in the kitchen is 60 years old, and we have lots of similar interests, but we wouldn’t know this if we didn’t work in this diverse kitchen."

Lauren gave us a little glimpse into what it's like to work in our kitchens, and she's not the only female chef to speak up about how interesting a kitchen career can be. Check out our conversation with Louise to hear why more women should pursue a kitchen career.

Recognising and valuing diversity in both employees and customers

Catherine Wilkin is 53 and is a member of our waiting staff at The Colton Mill Harvester.

"10 years ago, I joined M&B because I was looking for something more flexible. Before this job, I was a manager at another business, but I went looking for a job that could offer me part-time hours to fit around looking after my children, and I’m still here.

It’s the people that make working at Harvester so great. We’re a friendly team, and we’ve got a mixed variety of ages and personalities. This is important because the guests that we serve are a real mixture, so it means we understand them better."

Catherine is spot on here. One of the reasons why diversity matters in hospitality is because it gives you a better representation of the people who walk through the doors each day.

"We all have a lot of fun, and one of the funniest stories I have from my time here is watching one of the lads, who was known as Bambi on ice, fall into the chicken machine. He didn't hurt himself, don't worry!"

Enjoying meeting people from all walks of life

Monica Krief is 74 and is a member of our waiting staff at The Colton Mill Harvester.

"Just over eight years ago, I was made redundant from my job at a hotel. After six weeks, the boredom became too much, and I realised that I needed a part-time job. I now work morning shifts during the week at Harvester, and this suits me perfectly!

The team that I work with and the guests we serve all feel like one big family to me. I treat everyone who comes through the door like I would anyone who comes into my home. People are diverse, so it's important that we don't have preconceptions about them and make sure everyone feels welcome, whether that's team members or guests."

As Monica points out, life at M&B is about having fun and meeting people from all walks of life - just a few of the top reasons to love working in hospitality.

We've got the local job you're looking for!

At M&B, we know that creating a diverse workplace is a journey. We've been chatting to teams across the country to learn more about how they're welcomed in and supported, regardless of their gender, sexuality, age and background. Our diversity content is shining a light on the brilliant variety of people we have working with us, and we hope that it shows that there's a place for everyone at M&B.

Now you've got a little taste of the mix of people we have working in our teams, why don't you explore our jobs and see if you think you'd be a good addition to the mix? Whether you’re starting out on an apprenticeship, looking for a promotion or want some part-time work, browse our latest kitchen jobs, bar and waiting roles, or management jobs. With over 1,600 businesses and 13 brands, you're sure to find the local job that's a perfect fit for you.