Our people
Danny - Assistant Manager
Shilling Brewing Co.
Meet Danny
-
Why did you choose to work for us?
It was actually just through chance. I had left Glasgow’s largest Wetherspoons to go and work in a smaller old man style pub, and quickly realised I had to be back in a busy environment, and Waxy O’Connor’s Glasgow was literally just round the corner. I went in with a CV and was fortuitously hired pretty soon thereafter.
-
Tell us about your story so far?
I joined Waxy's around Christmas time, and stayed there for three years or thereabouts. Having previously been a Supervisor in Wetherspoons I had always intended to move up the company, but found the opportunities limited, until The Shilling came into being, and I had to bid a sad farewell to the team at Waxy's and be part of opening the new unit as Supervisor. From there, I became Assistant Manager and completed the Management Development Programme, which was a great professional and social experience.
-
What do you get up to on a typical day/shift?
General operational duties; opening the bar, cash duties, making up daily planners and compiling and receiving orders etc. There’s also usually also bookings to take care of and social media duties and basically overseeing the smooth running of the bar.
-
What do you like most about working here?
Having worked amidst the misery and tyranny of Wetherspoons I find this company very decent to work for. There is a degree of autonomy for staff at all levels here which I find people can generally thrive in.
-
What’s been your biggest achievement so far?
Probably being entrusted with the supervisor position in this new unit. However, acing my wine exams and getting sent to Bordeaux was pretty good going also. And, completing the Management Development Programme.
-
What makes someone successful here?
The same as any other company really, you need to be hard working and willing to go the extra mile. I think you also have to be fairly approachable which is maybe different from other companies. The management in the units I’ve came across all seem pretty friendly to everyone at all levels, which is in stark contrast to some of the other places I’ve worked. It also helps if you’re pretty sociable.
-
Tell us about the training and development…
Having been part of the opening of a new unit, I can say the training for that was very thorough and has proven to be successful. I think generally the training I have received has always been quite interesting and useful, which again is not always the case with other companies. There also seems to be genuine interest and concern from the upper management of the company about how useful certain training is and also how successful its execution is. Or at least that was my impression from staff council meetings. There always seems to be a training that people can go on to broaden their knowledge and impart on the rest of the staff.
-
What is it really like to work here?
I can genuinely say it’s very rare that anyone leaves the company to go to another hospitality job and finds it anywhere near as enjoyable. The units I’ve worked in always seem to have a strong bond, and be something more like a big family, that is certainly rare.
-
What do you think makes us unique as an employer?
There’s definite reward for hard work. People that work in this company feel like they have a voice and aren’t just a cog in a machine.
-
What would you say to someone who was thinking of applying?
I’d highly recommend it. My brother is now old enough to work in a unit, and I’d definitely recommend Glendola to him, as a lot of people seem to have started here part time while in further education and have wound up making a career out of it. I also know that the company tries to help people in their studies wherever possible, such as giving business management students insight into that side of the company etc.
A bit more about you...
-
What is your favourite story (film, play or book)?
Withnail & I
-
What’s your favourite song?
Echo & The Bunnymen - Lips Like Sugar
-
If you could invite anyone to a dinner party, which 4 people would you choose?
Jim Kerr for his bizarre post-Glasgow Scottishisms. Oliver Reed, both a gentleman and a drunk. Hunter S. Thompson for some old Kentucky wisdom and political bants. Finally, the Shilling’s very own Craig Woffendin, because he said he’d invite me.
-
What would be your ideal holiday destination and why?
I’d bomb down Route 66 and try and see what once made America great.
Meet some more storytellers
Ally
General Manager
Alston Bar & Beef
It's the full package that seems to make us feel special
More about mePeter
Assistant Manager
Angels Share Hotel
Sometimes you just need to push yourself to that next level
More about meClaudia
Assistant Manager
The Fox
I started as a Bar Tender, now I'm an Assistant Manager
More about meJoe
Assistant Manager
Crown & Anchor
My biggest achievement was becoming Assistant Manager
More about meAdi
Duty Manager
Prince Alfred
I started off as a Waiter, now I'm managing this business
More about meHamish
Assistant Manager
Prince Alfred
You will have support every step of the way, you are never alone
More about meFrankie Mae
Sales Manager
Waxy O'Connor's & Waxy's Little Sister (London)
I have gradually been given more responsibility at work
More about meChris
General Manager
Shilling Brewing Co.
I started working part-time five years ago, now I'm Assistant Manager
More about meCraig
Pizza Chef
Shilling Brewing Co.
My biggest achievement was getting my Supervisor certificate
More about meDanny
Assistant Manager
Shilling Brewing Co.
Completing the Management Development Programme was a great experience.
More about meJim
General Manager
It's great to work in a business where there are so many opportunities
More about meCourtney
Bar Tender
I will always be grateful to the management for seeing potential in me
More about meDanny
Assistant Manager
Hard work, commitment and dedication make someone successful here
More about meDavid
Commis Chef
Waxy O'Connor's (Glasgow)
I went from part-time to full-time with the support of a great team
More about meAnnette
Bar Tender
Waxy O'Connor's (Glasgow)
My biggest achievement was becoming a trainer for new starters
More about meJodie
Bar Tender
Waxy O'Connor's (Glasgow)
Not many people enjoy going to work, I can say that I do
More about meDouglas
Bar Tender
The World's End & The Underworld
There are some great opportunities through the company
More about meGints
Assistant Manager
The World's End & The Underworld
You need the energy and will to learn
More about meNoemi
Bar Tender
The World's End & The Underworld
Working at Camden Town's biggest pub is definitely something to be proud of
More about meAbbie
Floor Supervisor
Angels Share Hotel
I believe I have developed my hospitality skills from working here
More about meCharlotte
Bar Tender
Waxy O'Connor's (Glasgow)
Working here has helped build my confidence so much
More about meDavid
Bar Tender
Alston Bar & Beef
Everyone is committed to helping you be the best you can be
More about meJenelyn
Floor Supervisor
Le Monde Hotel
I love working in an organisation that's leading the future of the industry
More about meNicol
Group Development Chef
Group Support Office
I opened a restaurant and picked up a few awards on the way
More about meNikki
Sales Manager
Le Monde Hotel
All the sites are different and quirky in their own way
More about meSarah
Shanghai Nightclub Manager
Le Monde Hotel
After starting as a glass collector, I’ve advanced to the role of Manager.
More about meThomas
Supervisor
Waxy O'Connor's & Waxy's Little Sister (London)
On a typical day we handle anything and everything
More about meVictor
Assistant Manager
Crown & Anchor
Working here enriches your life and you meet great people
More about meVictoria
Bar Tender
Prince Alfred
Glendola hire positive people which makes it a perfect workplace
More about meJames
HR Manager
Group Support Office
I love helping people move on with their careers in Glendola
More about meBobby
Operations Manager
Group Support Office
The MD is an active participant of the Management Development Program - that speaks volumes
More about meLauren
Chef
Alston Bar & Beef
There's a huge support network which is really positive to work with
More about meMichael
Bar Assistant
Alston Bar & Beef
Working here is hugely enjoyable and surprisingly relaxing
More about meLynsey
Bar Manager
Alston Bar & Beef
You can use your own skills to go the way that you want
More about meCatia
Bar Tender
The Barley Mow
We always have fun with the customers and our colleagues
More about meDean
Supervisor
Waxy O'Connor's & Waxy's Little Sister (London)
I have the opportunity to make friends from all over the world
More about meSean
Assistant Manager
Frankenstein's
I've had the chance to progress and further my career
More about meSean
Operations Manager
Group Support Office
I am given space to develop the business with support as required
More about me