Louise Hubbard
Cafe Team – Cafe Team
I started working at Holkham by applying online through a local advert over three years ago. A typical day at the Courtyard Cafe begins with greeting the team and finding out if any functions around the estate will involve us that day. We then start to prepare for the day by putting away the deliveries, turning on the machines, ovens and dishwasher. Hot food then needs to be cooked, and we begin to prepare the fresh sandwiches and salads for the day. Throughout the cafe opening hours, we all work together to ensure all aspects of the role are covered in producing the food, drink and welcome to the customers.
Career advice
My advice for anyone joining the cafe team is to ask for help or support at anytime whilst they navigate the varied range of duties. There is a wide selection of people of all ages and genders to work alongside, making it very interesting getting to know other personalities. We all work together to showcase quality local produce that we’re all very proud of.
Training and development
During my time at Holkham, there have been training courses that I’ve attended which have proved invaluable for my health; it has been very rewarding putting into action what I’ve learnt, particularly on the sustainability drive we have here. We’ve made huge headway since I started in the cafe, and I’m sure we will continue to learn and keep improving where possible.
What makes Holkham a great place to work?
Holkham is a great place to work as we generate a family feel throughout the estate giving each other friendship and support. Blink, our internal employee app, where all staff can share work related news and images, is a great tool to see the wider areas of Holkham and appreciate what others do and the work that goes on.
How I’d spend a day out as a visitor
I’ve been visiting Holkham since I was a child and then came to visit with my own children. Finally having both sons move on to universities, we made the permanent move here a few years ago. If I was to spend a day at Holkham as a visitor, it would be to my absolute special place which is the path from The Lookout, through the Holkham National Nature Reserve, past Meals House then onto Gunhill Beach; I never tire of it and find it peaceful and so beautiful, a must for the soul.