Former Christmas temp has the White stuff with managerial promotion

An East Midlands restaurant has promoted a member of staff onto the management team having started her career as Christmas temp.

Sophie White, who works at Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian at the Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth has now been appointed as assistant restaurant and bar manager.

Having started work at the venue during the 2015 festivities, White has now worked her way up the career ladder, taking on various roles such as bar supervisor towards her latest position.

She said: “I cannot wait for the new challenge especially as we’re now able to reopen following the latest lockdown. Guests have been waiting to go out for so long and I want our team to make their first night out to be a memorable one.

“Marco’s New York Italian here in Kegworth is a stunning space to dine and is a real hidden gem in this delightful village. We just want it to be buzzing as it was pre covid.

“And I can honestly say that despite sharing the same surname as Marco, we’re not related!”

Heather Thornton, director of sales and marketing added: “It’s great to promote someone from within and if anyone deserves it, it’s Sophie.

“She is extremely popular with our guests as well as the whole team as nothing is ever too much trouble for her. Her innovation and zest for life made her the perfect candidate to be our new assistant bar abd restaurant manager.

“When the 17 May date was announced the phones and online booking system went into overdrive and the next few weeks we’ll be operating at well over 80% capacity and shows the pent-up demand in the area.

“Of course, we’ll still be operating the required social distancing measures, but the feeling is guests now regard this as being the norm. I truly believe there is a healthy appetite to dine out and we now want customers from across the region to come and enjoy a relaxing meal out and can’t wait to welcome them back.”