On the road with …

This month we caught up with our new Operations Manager to discover more about the journey that brought her to us. Originally from Cheshire, Kelly has nearly always worked in the service industry, starting as a pot wash at 15 and moving up through different roles including waitressing, through to running pubs and restaurants. She had an 8 year “break” when she felt she needed to get a “proper job” and moved down South to work in recruitment. However she realised she hated the 9-5 routine and that hospitality was her true calling. As Kelly enthuses, “I truly believe being in hospitality is about letting your guests relax, escape from whatever they want and for me to make sure we create the best memory possible, no matter if it’s just for a pint or a full stay. It is my job to make sure it’s with a smile. You can’t please everyone, but it doesn’t stop me trying.”

She joined The Falstaff on May 5th this year and professes to have loved every minute of it; “The Falstaff came like a little ray of light; it had everything I was looking for both in terms of role but also the location and look and feel of it. And as the saying goes, the rest is history. It’s just magical. And I’m not just saying that, I truly love the building and its history and design. Getting to know my team, meeting the amazing mix of guests that visit for so many different reasons. It has been hard work, anyone in this industry knows how hard the job can be at times, but it has been such a wonderful journey thus far.”

Outside of work, she enjoys country walks with her two dogs, photography and relaxing in the evening with a lovely glass of chilled white wine to soak up the silence. As she says, “I think you have to do this to recharge the batteries when you speak to people all day long.”

We are delighted to have her and her sunny disposition at The Falstaff, and hope you agree. So, the next time you are visiting, keep a lookout for Kelly and be sure to say hi. She won’t mind; “I love people. If I can make someone’s day better, I will.”

What brings you to Canterbury?
I have always loved Canterbury, the vibe, atmosphere diversity of people and of things to do. I love architecture and the mix of the old and new, which Canterbury has in abundance, so when I saw the advert for Operations Manager at The Falstaff, I knew I just had to apply. Luckily, I got the job, so I get to work in an industry I love and in a city I love. Perfect!

Where did you go on your last journey?
I went to Tenterden with my Mum. She was down visiting and I took her to see the village and we spent time just browsing the various shops and stopped for a spot of lunch. I spend much of my time in the country with my 2 dogs when I am not working. We go off exploring the forests/ fields/ orchards of the Kent Countryside.

What is your preferred mode of transport?
If I have somewhere to be, it has to a car, but if I don’t – an aeroplane, as I know it is always taking me to somewhere lovely where I can relax and just recharge.

Describe your favourite journey
My favourite journey was when I travelled 1st class on a plane. I have only ever done it once and it was a real treat. I felt so relaxed and special. I didn’t experience any of the usual stress at an airport. I will probably never do it again and most can’t even say they have ever done this, so I am very humbled by the experience. It was also just a girls’ holiday, my first ever, so I had many 1st experiences on this holiday, and it was just wonderful. I love experiencing new things. I think it helps you to appreciate what you have but also helps you to aspire and live those dreams. White sandy beaches, cocktails and girls just chatting about girl things. It was very wholesome, and the memories will last a lifetime.

Home or away? Why?
Away – Bahamas is where I went, which was another first again. Reasons are above. But I love home. I love what we have as a nation to explore; the differences in areas, local foods, sights… the list is endless. We don’t spend enough time looking at what we have. One of my favourite places of all time is the New Forest which is simply beautiful.

Tell us about your worst journey
This is actually quite funny. I am only 5ft 3 and I had to travel on the London Underground for a work meeting. There was a gentleman holding on to the bar in the middle of the carriage and I could see a little space. So, I tucked myself in, I did not think any more of it, until the train started to move. The gentleman considerately put his arm up higher so I could reach the bar also, but I fitted perfectly under his armpit and basically spent the rest of my journey tucked under the armpit of a complete stranger! It was a hot day! I think we both froze with, “I know she’s under my armpit”, whilst I am thinking,”I am under his armpit” but neither one of us moved, I think for the fear of offending the other one, as if this was a completely normal experience and how you should ride the tube! I still laugh about this today.

If you could travel anywhere at any time… where and when?
Japan – Please take me… I would love to go there to see the Cherry Blossoms and experience the culture and food. I want to go within the next 10 years. That sounds like a long time, but I want to visit when I don’t have such a busy life and can afford to take more time off. But also, if I won the lottery, I would fly there immediately!

What essentials do you always travel with to ease your journey?
Depends on where I am travelling to, but I very rarely travel without a book. I don’t use kindles because I love the satisfaction of closing the last page and you can’t replace the smell of an old book. I will not leave the house for a journey unless I have a good playlist. You never know when you might get delayed so the thought of doing that without music sounds awful!

What is your favourite travel song?
Impossible to answer… I love too many different artists – but I definitely listen to Khalid, Kygo, Tom Walker without fail.

Where is the strangest place you have slept on your travels.
On a plane, when I get tired, I fold down the tray, cross my arms, get my neck cushion and fall asleep folded forward. I wake up every single time with an imprint on my head, a stiff neck and dead arms, so I wouldn’t recommend this!

Who is/would be your ideal travel companion?
David Attenborough! He has been everywhere so we would probably never get lost. I find him interesting and inspiring and I would just love to see the world through his eyes, even just for one short journey.

Describe the best/most unusual meal you have eaten whilst travelling.
So, working in hospitality I have a naturally experimental palette and tastes. When I went to Goa, I visited a local family and had dinner with them. It was amazing to experience their typical food, which used such unusual flavour and spice combinations, and eating with my hands was a whole new experience. The lentils I had were out of this world and I have never had anything like it since, nor do I expect to. I also tried spicy scrambled eggs when I was there which didn’t get my vote. Devilled eggs – beautiful; spicy scrambled eggs not so much!