Robbie Bargh – My worst job
Robbie Bargh is the founder of the Gorgeous Group.
What has been your worst job?
Working on teaching practice in Bootle, Liverpool, when studying for a BEd at Chester College. The kids were out of control and the parents could become thuggish. Some over-zealous parents once cornered me in an Asda car park in Birkenhead.
I quickly switched degrees, having decided teaching wasn't for me. I took up theatre studies, which set me in good stead for all the dramatic situations I find myself in during openings.
My worst industry job was running a restaurant in Cardiff in 1988. I was the only non-Welsh, homosexual licensee in the city. I was sent there by the company to uncover some liquor control irregularities and discovered that the person ripping the business off was the general manager. It was a great job on the other hand, however, as it became my ticket to London where I took on a new role working with a great company opening up a restaurant called Palio in Notting Hill - and the rest is history.
What did you learn from the job?
Lots about how to run a business, to manage upwards and downwards, to work within a community and to stand on my own two feet. I had the best manager while working in Cardiff. She was truly inspirational and without her wise words and guidance I don't know where I would be today.
What do you enjoy about your current job?
Creating fantastic food and beverage concepts that guests and clients love. My job is to inspire operators to inspire their teams and to inspire our guests. It is our job to make sure every time a guest walks into a bar, restaurant or hotel they are able to experience a great story, something which will stay with them for a long time.
I love everything I do. I know it sounds like a cliché, but I have the best job in the world - so good, in fact, I don't really know when to stop and switch off. I also work with the best people, without whom I am nothing!
What's next?
We have just opened The Arch hotel in London, creating HUNter 486, a fabulous food and beverage concept. We have also just opened the Exchange restaurant and Pima bar at the Hilton Liverpool, which are very cool - and Liverpool is such a great city.
In the new year, we will be stepping up a gear, working with the great team at the Savoy to help it open - we are working on the iconic American bar and the Beaufort bar, both of which will be truly amazing. Also very exciting is the fact we will be opening our own café operation - watch this space.
