Our people
Chris - General Manager
Shilling Brewing Co.
Meet Chris
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Why did you choose to work for us?
Truthfully, I had never heard of the company when I applied for my first Glendola job blind from a Gumtree advert. Having said that, I have worked in other bars, and having seen first-hand the way Glendola treat their staff, I can’t really imagine leaving the company for another job in the industry in
the UK. -
Tell us about your story so far?
I started working part-time in Horton’s Bar & Kitchen almost eight years ago, the hours suited me while I was at uni. As soon as I graduated after three years, I was promoted to Supervisor, and was able to tailor the bar’s products and menus to where I thought they should be. When Horton’s closed down, I was involved in the development of the Shilling Brewing Company project and by the time we were ready to open the doors I had been promoted to Assistant Manager/Brewer. I've now been working as General Manager for over a year, which has been challenging and rewarding.
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What do you get up to on a typical day/shift?
Through the week, I’m leading our brew beer product offering with our head brewer Declan. The day could consist of doing a brew, moving beer between tanks, cellar work. Wet work essentially. Though not in the KGB sense of the word, more in that water is heavily involved. As GM I'm responsible for everything including sales strategy, financial performance, leading and engaging our amazing team at Shilling, and developing our products.
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What do you like most about working here?
Truthfully, I like being able to work without being chained to a desk. I worked in offices for years, I’ve done my time and I couldn’t go back to that horrendous life, having to explain every second of my day. I like being able to chat to people about booze and having a degree of autonomy in how my bar operates.
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What’s been your biggest achievement so far?
In terms of what felt like the biggest accomplishment, it would be the opening of Shilling. On a personal level though, my biggest achievement to date was probably turning Horton’s from a wine bar into a cocktail bar. I expanded the range of cocktails from nine to 50, trained my staff to expert level on the lot, wrote and designed the menus, and ran cocktail masterclasses.
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What makes someone successful here?
Work ethic. If you’re personable and are prepared to work hard and learn, then you’ll go far in Glendola.
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Tell us about the training and development…
I was a weekend Bar Tender or a Full-Time Supervisor, so the courses I’ve been on myself have been largely developmental in terms of learning a new role. I’ve also been fortunate enough to be a part of two opening teams, once as a member of new staff and once as a manager of a new unit. I’d say that
Glendola will absolutely ensure that you have all the tools and knowledge to succeed, from day one right up to taking on new roles and responsibilities. I’ve never seen that kind of level of support, in this industry or the countless others in which I’ve been involved. -
What is it really like to work here?
If you’re hard-working and honest then I’d suggest that Glendola are the best company in the industry to work for.
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What do you think makes us unique as an employer?
Support is the key thing for me. The company are developing their portfolio in an extremely diverse and interesting way, and they do seem keen to utilise the skills and interests of the staff they have. I never thought I’d still be working here, and brewing beer, when I started working weekends eight years ago.
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What would you say to someone who was thinking of applying?
I’d say, “this company will give you opportunities you simply won’t get elsewhere, and will make sure you’re fully supported throughout.”
A bit more about you...
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What is your favourite story (film, play or book)?
Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson - dystopian, robot uprising. End of days.
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What’s your favourite song?
Crack Open An Ice Cold Christmas by Still Stevens.
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If you could invite anyone to a dinner party, which 4 people would you choose?
Schwarzenegger, De Vito, Berlusconi and role model Oliver Reed.
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What would be your ideal holiday destination and why?
Japan, it seems like the exact opposite from here, in terms of a developed country. Or the Moon.
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