We’re recruiting for a Front of House Link Porter, so in light of this we spoke with David, one of the longest standing members of the team.
Job title: Link Porter
Length of service: 18 years and counting!
David, what makes The Chester Grosvenor a special place to work?
I can’t describe it... it just has what we call here ‘that Grosvenor feeling’. We’re very much like a family, and often even when colleagues move onto pastures new, they’ll return back to The Chester Grosvenor at some point during their career.
It’s such a diverse place to work with so many different departments under one roof. I like to think of it as a whole mini town in one building!
How do you usually begin your day?
No matter what time I wake I always make an effort to eat breakfast and listen to the news on the radio to see what’s going on in the world. That way I’m always up to speed if ever I engage in conversation with a guest.
How does a usual shift take hold?
I’ll arrive for 6:45am if I’m working the morning shift. Firstly I’ll report into the front desk ready for a handover from the Nights team and then I’ll begin my first duty of the day, checking all of the public areas to ensure they’re ‘spick and span’ and up to our five star standards – even the most minute detail out of place must be rectified.
We have a huge housekeeping team and a maintenance engineer on call 24/7. It’s the only place I’ve worked with a dedicated painter, on hand daily to touch up any marks or scuffs.
Our peak time of day is always between 11am and 3pm, when guests are arriving and departing. It’s my job to ensure the luggage is taken to the correct room along with valet parking guests’ cars and bringing them from the car park to the front of the hotel for departures.
When things begin to quieten down, I’ll do another cleaning check ready to hand back over to the evening shift. You must be able to multitask, that’s for certain!
What’s your highlight of working at The Chester Grosvenor?
Although we operate with utmost discretion and professionalism, meeting some of our ‘high profile’ guests is always atreat, as is valet parking some of the spectacular cars which arrive at thefront door.
Are you a people watcher?
Very much so. I’ll assist on the front doors when I’m not moving luggage, and that’s when I particularly enjoy the morning shift – watching the city bustling with people on their way into work.
We know you’ve got a passion for cars, if you could choose one to drive home in today – what would it be, and why?
I get asked this type of question quite a lot and people often expect me to name a supercar, but I’d keep it simple witha Fiat Panda 4x4 Cross! I’ve always loved Fiat after working for them almost 23 years ago. In fact, we held the Chester Chronicle Motor Show in the ballroom of what was then 'the Grosvenor hotel' back in 1974/75.
What is your perfect day out?
I love the great outdoors, so I’ll usually be found walking or mountain biking. I used to frequent horse riding a few years back, so it’s still a passion of mine and I’ll pick it up when I can.
After a long week, what do you like to do to wind down?
I love that my job is very people orientated, but when I’m winding down I like some alone time to read. Usually I’ll have my head inside an insight books or magazine featuring travelling or some sort. Either that or motorcars!
Do you have any hobbies which help you with your work?
I enjoy learning European languages and havea great interest in countries outside of the UK, which is perfect for when wehave international guests!
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