Chris and Sam tell United Response what it’s like to work at Krumbs Café. They describe how it provides them with catering work experience, a way to meet new people and a strong sense of independence.
So how long have you been working at Krumbs?
Chris: I’ve been working here for four years. I work in the kitchen, preparing the salads and also work out in the front serving customers. I like to be able to do both, and enjoy cleaning up!
Sam: I hate cleaning! I’ve only been here for two weeks. I like writing people’s orders down – that’s my favourite part. It makes a good change to talk to new people. And the uniform is brilliant!
At Krumbs, staff get offered training if they want – how has this helped you?
Chris: I’ve been here a while, so just finished training to get my NVQ in catering and hospitality – it feels really good to finally have it. I think it was quite easy
though and am now planning to start NVQ level 2.
Sam: I haven’t been here long enough to start the NVQ training, but have already learnt a lot. Last Tuesday I helped make quiches and cakes. At home, my parents cook for me, and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to cook for them eventually.
Chris: Me too, I’m trying to learn to cook at home and sometimes make beans on toast. I want to be able to help my mum, as my dad died a few years ago.
What made you want to work at Krumbs?
Sam: I always watch cookery programmes on TV at home and have always wanted to be able to cook. I love watching Gordon Ramsey and Ready, Steady Cook with Ainsley Harriot. At Krumbs, we’re told to find recipes we like online or out of a cook book and bring it in to cook for the customers. We have our own specials to put on the board. Mine was trifle this week and it sold out, I was really pleased.
Chris: My specials are flap jacks, they are very popular. I like working here because I like learning skills to make me more independent. I enjoy working with money and getting tips.
Sam: Yeah, the tips are good, we all share them out each week. I want to do this as a paid job once I’m trained, so I can get more money to spend on girlie shopping, going to the pictures and maybe a holiday.
Aside from the skills you can build up in catering at Krumbs, what other things have you got out of your jobs?
Chris: I can use the bus on my own to get to work.
Sam: I’m also more confident about travelling now. I was lucky as I already knew some people who work here from when I was young, but have still found I’ve made friends with loads of new people! Chris is a good friend and helps me with stuff if I struggle as he’s been here longer.
Why not check out the Krumbs menu for yourself?
