How a temporary Christmas job at M&B kickstarted Kayleigh’s career in hospitality

Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn extra cash for the holidays while gaining valuable work experience. They offer the chance to build new skills and try out roles like bar, waiting, or chef positions—who knows, you might discover a hidden passion!

Each year, we welcome new team members to help us during the festive rush. One of those individuals is Kayleigh, who started as a Christmas temp in 2011 and has now been with M&B for 12 years. We caught up with Kayleigh, now a Recruitment Manager at our Head Office, to hear about how her Christmas temp role kickstarted her career in hospitality.

When did you join M&B as a Christmas temp and why?

“I joined M&B in December 2010 at my local Premium Country Pub, The Bell in Belbroughton. 

I heard they were looking for temporary seasonal staff. I had a bit of experience and was looking for some extra work over Christmas. 

I made lots of friends at the business, some I am still in touch with now. I didn’t want to leave in January but luckily, they asked me to stay on!

What has your journey at M&B been like since joining in a temp Christmas job?

“It has been amazing; I have been here for 12 years now and I cannot imagine working anywhere else. 

I have had the opportunity to develop and progress into several different roles and departments, both retail and corporate. 

I have loved travelling all over the UK visiting our beautiful businesses. A lot of my best friends work for M&B too, I have even met my husband working here!”

How has M&B encouraged you to develop?

“I have been fortunate enough to have some fantastic line managers over the years who have spent time investing in me and my development. I have also made great use of the courses online and am currently working on my level 5 HR qualification.”

We’re here to help our team members build fulfilling careers. We offer tailored training programmes, like our range of Apprenticeships, designed to boost your skills and confidence while preparing you for the challenges of managing a team and running a successful kitchen.

What advice would you give to someone considering a Christmas temp role at M&B?

“Absolutely go for it! Have a laugh with your new friends, be part of making somebody’s Christmas amazing, use your 33% discount to take your loved ones out and if you still love it in January, ask your manager about what is next for you and your career.”

What is your favourite Christmas memory at M&B?

“I have so many! From putting the huge tree up and decorating it with my colleagues, hilarious secret Santa exchanges, helping out on pot-wash when it was busy and joining in on peoples Christmas parties. I also used to love working New Year’s Eve and singing along with the DJ!”

Unwrap our Christmas temp jobs at M&B

Are you wanting to pick up a few extra shifts over the Christmas period, or are you simply looking to make some extra cash to purchase those gifts for family and friends? Then a Christmas temp job at M&B might be exactly what you are looking for!

Take your pick! Check out our Christmas jobs and rock around the Christmas tree with us this year. 

• Bar jobs 
• Chef jobs 
• Waiting jobs 
• Kitchen Assistant jobs 
• Santa jobs