Redefining Hospitality: Lotte's Innovative Approach To Event Planning
A Spotlight on Lotte, Meadow Brown Restaurants Event Planner
Today, we had the privilege of sitting down with Lotte, the delightful event planner at Meadow Brown Restaurants. In our conversation, Lotte graciously shared insights into her background, her unwavering passion for hospitality, her journey to becoming an integral part of the team and more. It was truly inspiring to hear about her experiences and the dedication she brings to creating unforgettable moments for our clients and guests alike.
Our questions and answers session with Lotte
Welcome to our casual Q&A session with Lotte! In this candid exchange, we've transcribed our conversation into text to capture every instance of spontaneity and insight. Get ready to dive into a relaxed dialogue where questions flow freely and answers come straight from the heart.
Can you share a bit about your background and how you ended up in the events planner role at MBR?
“I started my journey in hospitality working at Stoke Rochford Hall and then went onto work for Belvoir Castle at The Fuel Tank and Balloon Bar in 2019. My first shift was for a bonfire night spectacular, I just loved the buzz of big events. I was then asked to start introducing and hosting events in the Balloon Bar which started out as Gin and Jazz evenings which went down brilliantly. I hosted a couple of birthday parties for the Duke and Duchess of Rutland family. Helped in events inside Belvoir Castle too. Then in 2022 Meadow Brown Restaurants took on the lease of the Fuel Tank and Balloon Bar and I was given the role of being the Events Manager there. They gave me a goal to make the Balloon Bar an events venue destination within that area, which was achieved massively going on to host several event occasions from wedding receptions, birthday parties, baby showers, hen parties, anniversaries etc. Sadly, Meadow Brown Restaurants left The Fuel Tank in December 2023, but kindly asked me if I would like to stay within their company. The role I was offered was an amazing opportunity for me to share my time across 6 sites and become the Event Planner for Meadow Brown Restaurants sharing all my ideas within each individual site”
(Lotte's journey to becoming an events planner at MBR is a tale of passion meeting opportunity. With a background in hospitality management and a keen eye for detail, she seamlessly transitioned into the role, driven by her love for events)
What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality?
“The industry of hospitality and events is something I have huge passion for. I strive on making customer experiences the best they can be and purely on that basis of making people happy and being in the hustle and bustle of busy events, I just love that energy it gives me”
How would you describe your coordination and management style?
“I am a very professional and organised person who likes to give a clear instruction to any team member that is helping deliver an event. I am the type of person who likes everything to be right. So just so a perfectionist. Hosting any event isn’t an individual effort, it is also about the amazing team you have too. A positive and energetic approach makes things happen! If I have an idea in my head, I like to make it happen”
What do you believe sets MBR apart from other contract catering companies?
“Meadow Brown Restaurants is a family run business and is very much of the view that anyone who works for the company is part of the Meadow Brown Restaurant family. Everyone within the core team is very approachable if you need any help and nothing is too much trouble. I like the way the core team, Cherie, Raj, Dipesh, Tania and Alex are always around on major events and never frightened to help or get stuck in with what needs doing”
Are there any particular values or principles that guide your professional decisions?
“I like to come across with a warm, personal approach, but in a very professional manner with honesty being the key to every decision”
How do you foster a positive and cohesive environment among your colleagues?
“Lead by example and demonstrate positive values and behaviour. I try to show empathy, fairness and transparency in my interactions and create a positive fun vibe”
Can you highlight any specific challenges you've faced since joining MBR and how you've overcome them?
“Coming from being an events manager based at one site to becoming a remote events planner for multiple sites has taken a little while to adjust to as I was used to working in faster pace environment and dealing with customers every day. Trying to introduce new ideas to individual sites and discovering that each site is a very different work environment and customer target. After visiting each site, I have put a plan of what I think we could try this year and plan to try and push for more next year”
What strategies do you employ to ensure high-quality customer service and satisfaction?
“I always like to give the customer the best customer service experience by listening to there needs and requirements. Be open and honest with them and if something isn’t possible, to offer other channels. I always interact with the customer throughout the process on a friendly yet professional basis. Always asking for feedback and act on the feedback”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations or goals for the future of your role at MBR?
“Constant growth and skill enhancement. Contribute to the growth of MBR within all sites and bringing passion and enthusiasm towards all event planning and making that idea happen”
Can you share any memorable moments or achievements from your time at FT / BB and MBR?
“Every event in my eyes was a memorable moment, as seeing people faces on the day and making their big day and dreams become real to them meant that I had achieved my goal of making them happy. Specific ones which come to mind, our first ever event hosted by Meadow Brown was a wedding reception that we had only two weeks notice to pull it off and we smashed it! A 50th birthday party which they were very specific on what they wanted, again we pulled it out the bag! And of course, a group of ladies on a hen party doing a cocktail masterclass and everyone wanting to make Lotte a cocktail! Ha ha! Seeing lots of parents and children’s faces on our magical princess days but most importantly bringing fun and light, but remaining professional is the most important part to hosting any event”
What Lotte’s colleagues have to say about her
“I worked with Lotte (Events Manager) at The Fuel Tank and Balloon Bar. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm towards any upcoming challenges has really inspired me. Thank you for always coming to work with smile. it’s contagious” - Mandeep
“Working alongside Lotte has been an absolute delight. (both at The Fuel Tank and now under the MBR group) She brings a unique blend of creativity, professionalism and warmth to every project we tackle together and I have never met someone that is so proactive” - Alex
“I have recently over the last year had the pleasure of working with Lotte (Events Manager) at The Fuel Tank and Balloon Bar. She is a pleasure to work with, her enthusiasm and positive attitude towards any challenges is really inspiring along with her infectious smile and the ability to laugh through any challenging situations. Lotte you are a pleasure to be around with your can do attitude, its contagious” - Louise
Conclusion
Our discussion with Lotte has provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of event planning at Meadow Brown Restaurants. Her dedication, creativity and passion for hospitality shine through in every aspect of her work. From her humble beginnings to her aspirations for the future, Lotte's journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance. As she continues to elevate the standards of excellence at Meadow Brown Restaurants, there's no doubt that Lotte will continue to leave a lasting impression on all those she encounters, both within the company and beyond.
