image of kayleigh

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

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

Rebecca Skeet our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 28/11/2024

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. 

List #1

Some articles you might like

manager supporting teammates in pub
What mentorship looks like at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

03/06/2025

Summary

At M&B, we believe that a successful career isn’t just about the job you do—it’s about the support and development you receive along the way.  We don’t have a one-size-fits-all program for suppor

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

scenic landscape of wales
Why we love working in Wales at M&B – and why St David’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate it

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

02/27/2025

Summary

As we approach St David’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate all things that make working and living in Wales special, with our team who get to enjoy working and living in this beautiful co

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

image of the outside of orleans smokehouse
One year of Orleans Smokehouse: what it’s really like working for a new restaurant

Teaser

Company update

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

02/14/2025

Summary

Orleans Smokehouse is turning one! It’s been a year of excitement, challenges, and incredible teamwork, and what better way to celebrate than by hearing from the people who’ve been part of the jo

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

wait staff serving food to guests at M&B with a smile
New year, new job: how to prepare for a job hunt in hospitality

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

02/10/2025

Summary

A new year means new opportunities, and what better way to kick things off than with a fresh start in hospitality?  Whether you're looking to dive into the exciting world of bartending, take the

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

chef making pizza
Who are the best chefs in the world? Get inspired to start your own chef journey at M&B

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

01/06/2025

Summary

Ever wondered how the world’s best chefs got their start? Spoiler alert: none of them were born holding a Michelin star.  From peeling potatoes in a tiny kitchen to perfecting dishes that wow the

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Image of chefs working together in Browns Brasserie Kitchen
Could you be a chef? The answer might surprise you

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/20/2024

Summary

A chef job isn’t just for those trained at fancy French cookery schools, or those who have been whipping up pastries since before they could walk. In fact, you could become a chef right now –

Teaser

You could be a chef right now – but do you have what it takes? Let's see if you tick any of the boxes here.

Find out more
Emily Smith

by

Emily Smith

Emily Smith

by

Emily Smith

parttime bar staff hanging up glasses
5 reasons you'll want a part-time job in Birmingham with M&B

Teaser

Pub and restaurant

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/17/2024

Summary

Looking for a job that fits around your life but still brings all the good vibes? Maybe you're saving for something special, looking to gain experience, or just fancy being part of a buzzing team

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Image of scottish hills and lake
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day: Job opportunities in Scotland

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

As we approach St Andrew’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate not only the rich culture and history of Scotland but also the opportunities available within Mitchells and Butlers.  What is St

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of hala
Home and away, the job that's here to stay: M&B’s university transfer scheme

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

It’s that time of year again, university students are going back, freshers is in full swing, and so many students are moving across the country!  We know that having a pub job at uni is the best

Teaser

Find out more
Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Christian from Stonehouse
Can a chef become a General Manager? Yes, and here's how

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/26/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers, we pride ourselves on the growth and development opportunities we provide to our employees.  We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christian, General Manager of th

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Kitchen Assistant

Salary

Minimum wage

Location

Toby Carvery - Harlow, Harlow, CM20 2LQ

Departments

Kitchen Assistant

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Harlow

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you!  With your suppor

Reference

2405560

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Shift Supervisor - £15 Including Tips

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

White Horse, London, SW6 4UL

Departments

Shift Supervisor

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Castle

Location

London

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As Shift Superviso

Reference

2405556

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Chef - £15 Including Tip & Bonus

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

White Horse, London, SW6 4UL

Departments

Chef

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Castle

Location

London

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef at the W

Reference

2405555

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search