Foodservice Cateys 2019: General Manager of the Year – Trevor Bostridge, Bartlett Mitchell

Sponsored by Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division

 

Trevor Bostridge is regarded as fundamental to the success of the multimillion-pound turnover of the Bartlett Mitchell site he oversees as general manager in east London. He has looked after the client since 2014 and last year supported the business’s four-month transition from Canary Wharf to Stratford, where his team of 60 caters for more than 3,000 people every day.

 

The complex hospitality requirements of the new site include a large restaurant, outside terrace, two coffee bars and more than 60 meeting rooms. Bostridge heads the operation in a calm and inspirational manner, with a passion for food and team development always at the forefront of what he does. Moving to the new site was a logistical challenge that the Bartlett Mitchell team took in its stride, with the client commenting: “You listened to what we were looking for and were the only service provider who delivered a seamless move.”

 

The past year has been particularly remarkable, with a 28% increase in restaurant takings, which has been driven by the introduction of a more contemporary food experience, a new rotisserie offer and a series of pop-up events. These events followed on from a Festival of Food fortnight that celebrated the launch of the new site – culminating in a Food Glorious Food flash mob, developed in partnership with the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

 

Asian, Moroccan and Italian-themed menus and Meatopia (a barbecue chef competition) helped boost sales, while chef’s table events with Adam Byatt of Trinity restaurant in London’s Clapham and Andrew Dargue of Vanilla Black in London’s Holborn created widespread interest.

 

By engaging with customers about their favourite recipes, chosen dishes have been costed and added to the menus, further driving footfall. The increase in business is all the more impressive given that there are 63 different F&B outlets within 10 minutes’ walk of the site.

 

Bostridge’s success in driving the business forward has undoubtedly been helped by the positive spirit he has engendered among his team. He is regarded as a natural mentor, coaching staff to help them recognise their potential. Attendance at company-run development courses alongside craft courses and barista training is encouraged, while the deputy manager has developed her managerial skills and improved her self-esteem under Bostridge’s guidance.

 

Bostridge’s engagement of staff in involving them in key decisions is highlighted by the process used in introducing new uniforms. After organising an informal fashion show of all possible outfits, the team shortlisted their favourites, then wore them during a two-week trial before making the final decision based on what felt and looked best.

 

Only four people have left his team over the past year (half were repatriated and half were promoted elsewhere within Bartlett Mitchell), testament to the fact that Bostridge is an exemplary general manager who plays an integral role within the wider Bartlett Mitchell business when it comes to bidding for new contracts. Prospective clients’ visits to Bostridge’s site led in no small way to an impressive £12m of contract wins during 2018.

 

###The shortlist

 

Trevor Bostridge Bartlett Mitchell

 

Richard O’Keefe Rapport Guest Services

 

James Pike Green & Fortune

 

###Past winners

 

(Previously Catering manager of the Year)

 

2017

 

Paul Bate Amadeus

 

2016

 

Murray Soper Bartlett Mitchell

 

2015

 

Emma Williams Green & Fortune

 

2014

 

Jamie Stevenson BaxterStorey

 

2013

 

Renier Oberholzer Harbour & Jones