Chloe Penn, Trader House
What is your role at Trader House and what does this involve?
I have just stepped into the new role of Guest Services Manager across all restaurants. Guest Services encompasses many things - reservations, events, marketing, administration.
What has been your journey in hospitality prior to joining Trader House?
Like many people in hospitality, I stumbled into the industry after moving around a bit. I went to Law School then dropped out, then worked in accounting before working for the Reymond family, which was where my love for the industry really started. I was doing everything from bookkeeping to events planning. I learned to do things by teaching myself, asking questions, and making efficiencies where I could. I then worked at Bomba before deciding to work for the best in the business - and here I am.
What's the best part of your job?
It’s the people - within our team and also our guests. Our whole team inspires me and many of them have such longevity here. Everyone at Trader House is, or wants to be, an expert in their field.
Who has inspired, or mentored you in your career?
If I look back, I’m not sure I’d be here at Trader House if I hadn’t worked for Nat Reymond at Bistro Gitane. She was amazing, a Lens Evans Scholar and inspired me so much working for the Reymond family.
And there’s so much brilliance around at Trader House, people like Leanne Altmann (Beverage Director) and Chris Young (Guest Services Executive) are a font of knowledge. Really, you can take a little from a lot of people every day here.
What advice would you give someone thinking of embarking on a career in hospitality?
Don’t just learn what’s in your remit. Be the person who is the master of something, no matter how small it may seem - and be invaluable to your peers. All your weird knowledge could genuinely come in handy! Give your help willingly and generously, hospitality is nowhere without teamwork.
What’s next for you in your career?
I have lots of emotions about stepping into my new and very exciting role. The breadth is amazing and gives me a chance to work across all of the businesses, many of which I have come to know so well. I’m honoured to be a leader at Trader House, and I truly want to achieve our goals of offering the best guest experience out there.