Meet The Team – David Boyd

Posted on October 22, 2014 by admin

In the latest in an occasional series introducing members of our team, we chat with Front-of-House Manager David Boyd. A familiar face to anyone who has visited us at aqua shard, David ensures that every guest receives the warmest possible welcome.

David, thank you for taking some time out of your very busy day to talk to us! Firstly can you tell us what being Front-of-House Manager involves?

My role is to care only for the guest, I don’t get involved in the day-to-day running of the restaurant which I leave to the wonderful people I work alongside every day and without whom my job would not be possible. The essence of hospitality is kindness, warmth and emotion; I am here to make sure that our guests feel that, in the form of service.

Tell us about your career in hospitality to date…

I have worked in hospitality all my working life, over 25 years, experiencing almost every role from front to back of house, and back again! I have been a porter, a chef, a butler in a private home; I worked in one hotel in my native Ireland for fifteen years. In London I’ve worked at wonderful places including the Savoy, Simpson’s-In-The-Strand and Sketch, and have been with Aqua Restaurant Group now for about a year-and-a-half – I joined before the doors opened at The Shard!

There’s an ongoing shortage of new people, particularly young people, starting careers in hospitality. What would you say to encourage someone to consider it?

The reward of hospitality, in giving great service, is a little like falling in love – you absolutely feel it when you see and know that a guest has been moved, has been pleased, by their experience. You genuinely have made a difference in their life. If you like being around people, dealing with any given situation, meeting any given request – if you ‘feel’ service – then hospitality is the career for you!

What have been your career highlights?

I have had the pleasure and privilege of serving everyone from royalty and heads-of-state to Hollywood stars and ‘A-listers’, but my greatest satisfaction will always be delighting members of the public. That said, I did have the great honour of welcoming Her Majesty The Queen to aqua shard this year and introducing her to some of our team, which was certainly a career highlight!

When you are not working where do you like to go to eat, drink and relax?

In the West End I have been going to Cafe Boheme for many years for its lively atmosphere and I enjoy Sketch. I love to relax on the tranquil roof terrace of our Spanish restaurant aqua nueva. On Bermondsey Street, near The Shard and our head office, I often visit Jose Pizarro’s tremendous tapas bar Jose. The exemplary service at 5-star hotel bars is something to behold and to experience and I especially like the Mandarin Oriental, the Westbury, the Dorchester and the faultless old-world elegance of the Connaught. I had one of the most memorable meals of my life at Anton Mosimann’s private dining club; Mr Mosimann is an inspiration.

And finally David, what’s your tipple?

Champagne please! A very tall ice-cold flute of Champagne, or a coupe. I very occasionally like a Jameson whiskey and lemonade.

Thank you David!

Thank you, I hope that anyone who reads this will be sure to introduce themselves when they next visit aqua shard, I will be delighted to welcome them.