With many guests keen to share reviews and updates on their stay before they’ve checked out, it’s never been more important to impress them on their arrival. To ensure this happens, it’s the role of our Front of House Manager, Johanne Evans, who makes sure that the first impression is perfect. We caught up with Johanne to find out how…

Johanne, tell us about yourself..

Having studied tourism from the age of 16 it has given me the desire to develop a career within the hospitality world; and it’s an industry I love.  I’m originally from Wales but have lived in the Manchester area now for almost nine years and one of my favourite things to do is to go on holiday and stay in other hotels to see how they operate and see if I can take inspiration for my current role and team.

I’ve been part of the Mere team for five years now and have continued to progress in each role. My first role here was as restaurant supervisor which lead to assistant manager, which was followed by Conference and Banqueting Assistant Manager, then manager, and now Front of House Manager. I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities to learn each of these roles at the highest level! I decided to take on the new challenge of being front of house as this was one department I’d rarely had any involvement with, and is one of the departments I feel I needed to learn the most in to become an operations manager in the future.

What is your favourite thing about being Front of House Manager?

It has to be how organised it is! But, also that it is very different every day – from seeing our regular corporate guests to our leisure guests on the weekends. I love getting to know everyone, and ensuring that they have the best time during their visit or stay.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like for you?

Day to day can vary, but a normal day involves meeting new guests every day, ensuring concierge are on the doors meeting and greeting, assisting guests with reservations, celebrations, and ensuring guests have that personal contact during their stay to call or ask for anything.