Monday 13th January
I’m now a week into my new London life – although this last week felt the equivalent of a month, what with the daily Insanity, pulling pints, restaurant reviews and multiple other things, I’m still as happy and positive as I was when I first started. Also, my body feels slightly firmer after two weeks of Shaun T. I’ve already learnt a lot from Ben – I now know all about margins, constructing a rota and keeping on top of the banking and since asking why food sales aren’t as high, have subsequently been put in charge of organising a Moroccan themed evening for the end of the month. But most of all, I’ve learnt that it there isn’t really THAT much to it! Sorry all pub managers out there, but as long as you’re organised and keep on top of things and have well trained, it seems pretty straightforward. Well, I guess I’ll be able to tell when Ben leaves me in charge next week. It might all end up going to pot, with me setting fire to the place or something. So maybe I should wait to give my opinion on pub management until then…
Compared to the King John, life here seems to be the complete opposite. The locals are brilliant – generally pretty sarcastic with a dry sense of humour (which I love) and the staff are (still) equally great. The only thing I’ve taken issue with is the constant drink and offerings of delicious food being piled down my throat by Ben and Matt. I’ve ended up drinking every single night this week so there officially goes one of my new year resolutions and I think this foie gras approach has resulted in me putting weight on. Sorry Shaun, I’m committed to you at least! In all seriousness though, I’m not complaining – I’m being treated incredibly well and if my only complaint is too much food and drink, I like to think I have it pretty good!
I did quite a bit of restaurant research this week too, I ate at Fratelli la Buffala, Giant Robot, Beard to Tail and Caravan. (If you click on the names you can read the reviews). So, I’ve eaten pretty well! I also chose to be super productive and did some location based research whilst carrying out the reviews – so I analysed Soho, Clerkenwell, the Southbank and a little of Shoreditch. My verdict? Soho has pretty much everything you could possibly want, with 4 Italians on one small street alone, I think the market is saturated but Old Street in Shoreditch could be a definite contender…. AND, I made Jamie’s pizza, which wasn’t entirely successful so I feel a lot more pizza practising is in order.
All in all, a brilliant week. Let’s give this one an 8.
