Index
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Added March 18th 2019
Zoe
Added March 18th 2019
Zoe
From management and chefs to our waiters and bar staff, we’re like one big family at Bistro 8 – and it’s time to #MeetTheTeam
Next we have Zoe Hadley…
1. Tell us a bit about you
My name is Zoe and I am one of the supervisors here at Bistro 8.
2. What is it you love most about working at Bistro 8?
Bistro 8 is such a great place to work. I love interacting and engaging with all the customers that come through the door, both new and existing. It’s especially nice to have been able to build up some great relationships with some of our regular customers.
3. How long have you been working at Bistro 8?
I started my career here 6 years ago when Bistro 8 was Café 8, so this is a bit like my second home!
4. What’s your favourite dish and drink combo from the menu?
My go—to dish I think will always be the Ploughman’s sharing platter! It’s so nice in the summer to sit out in the Bistro 8 garden in the sun sharing the platter with friends perhaps with a glass of Prosecco or our New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
5. Tell us a little bit about what you get up to outside of work?
In my spare time I’m really into crafting and make handmade cards and gifts to sell. There are a few on show at the bar in the Bistro and I have a facebook page where people can have a look at what I’ve done before and place an order for events like birthdays, weddings and Christmas! (Zoe Hadley’s Crafts)
6. Finally, who would be your dream dinner party guest and why?
It’s got to be Justin Timberlake because I love him!
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Added February 25th 2019
Mark
Added February 25th 2019
Mark
From management and chefs to our waiters and bar staff, we’re like one big family at Bistro 8 – and it’s time to #MeetTheTeam
First up is owner Mark Walter…
1. First of all, who are you and what do you do?
My name is Mark Walter and I am the owner and manager of Bistro 8 which I’ve owned for nearly 3 years now.
2. What do you love most about Bistro 8?
I think the best thing about Bistro 8 is the location. I love the location, and the people, and being in a working boatyard means there’s always something going on. It’s a very busy place with lots of activity so we get quite a range of people come in which is great.
3. What has been your biggest challenge?
I think the biggest challenge for me was about making sure I got the set up right, in particular the right balance on the menu to make sure the flavour of the food and drink was balanced properly for the seasons. After that, managing the very busy garden in the summer, along with building a core team, has been one of the main challenges — but a rewarding challenge.
4. How did you get involved in the food/drink sector?
I got involved in catering when I was 16 so I’ve been in the industry for the majority of my working life. I loved cooking and originally trained as a chef in my hometown at Aylesbury College. I also worked at a prestigious local hotel where I discovered a love for the front of house.
5. You’re an award winning sommelier –- tell us a bit about that!
After four years at the local hotel I had developed a keen interest in wine, and went to the world famous Chewton Glen Hotel in New Milton Hampshire in 1991. Here I worked under the legendary late Gerard Basset (Hotel du Vin, Hotel Terravina) and started competing in wine competitions. In 1994 I won the Ruinart UK wine waiter of the year and when Gerard left that year to set up Hotel du Vin in Winchester I took his place as Head Sommelier, where I remained until 2000. I was also a semi finalist in the Ruinart European championships in 1998.
6. Pick your favourite dish and drink combo from the Bistro 8 menu and tell us why it’s your go-to choice…
My favourite combo at the Bistro would be our beer battered cod and chips with an ice cold glass (or two) of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
7. Finally, who is your dream dinner party guest and why?
My dream dinner guest would be Keith Floyd, he loved to cook and loved his wine!!