Annie Patterson, waitress, Sam's Brasserie and Bar, Chiswick
Annie Patterson, 19
What: Waitress
Where: Sam's Brasserie and Bar, Chiswick
How long have you been in the job? I arrived on 1 August for my placement year, as I'm currently on a four-year course at Oxford Brookes University, studying hotel and restaurant management. I will do three months of waitressing, then a stint on the bar.
Are you from London? No, I'm from Tonbridge in Kent. We had a choice of doing our year out in the USA, Australia or anywhere in the UK, but I have always wanted to try London. I chose Sam's because it's a new restaurant in Chiswick, which is a lovely area.
What do you think of London so far? It's very challenging and busy. There are lots of different situations and you meet a wide variety of people. The standards are different, too.
Where do you live? I share a flat with a university friend in north Dulwich, which is fun. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour on the Tube, but if I work late I drive home or get the night bus.
Are you getting a social life? I occasionally go out on my nights off - there are so many places to go. Admittedly, it's more expensive, but you get better things for your money.
Would you work there when you qualify? Yes, definitely. I am really enjoying it.
What would you say to someone following in your footsteps? The transport system in London is very different - you need to get used to commuting at rush hour. The closer you can live to work, the better.
Sam's Brasserie and Bar
Proprietor is Sam Harrison
Rick Stein and Rebecca Mascarenhas are investors
Head chef is Rufus Wickham
All-day 100-seat brasserie; 80-seat bar
Contact: 020 8987 0555
