UK restaurant work

Started by Chris_kimber, September 19, 2013, 01:31:04 PM

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Chris_kimber

Has anyone here uk based worked or is working twisting in restaurants? Be interested in your experiences.

Chris

Graham Lee

#1
I have done the odd restaurant now and again and a few years back had a residence for 18 months every Sunday lunchtime and I'm pretty sure Dan (KJ Ent's) has done a few weeks in a restaurant.
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KJ Entertainments

#2
Yes Graham is right.  I have a residency in a local restaurant.  It's a fantastic place to go and twist. I do have set days I go but it's on the proviso that I go when I am not booked anywhere else. It's a great place to go and make some people happy and give out many more cards than I do at parties. It's not just the people you're making the model for. But the people who are looking at you.

knotrite

#3
i've done some resturant work too
It was Sunday afternoons, balloons and face painting.Over a couple of months.
 was great.
 was a job not getting in the way of the servers when it was busy. as they had limited space.

cometomyparty

#4
How does it usually work  - ie does the restaurant pay you to do a set time, or do you charge per model? Thanks! Kerry

phoenix

#5
Many years ago I shared a residency at a restaurant that had entertainers every Saturday and Sunday. There were about 3 or 4 of us, and we alternated weekends, which meant I did about 2 or 3 days a month. We were paid a fee for the time we were there (3 hours) and this included a meal. Unfortunatly where I live now, this sort of work does not exist locally.

The main thing to be aware of is, as has been mentioned, not getting in the way of the servers, and having everything you need on your person ie working from an apron, and having pumps, cutters etc on your belt, as if the place is crowded there will not always be the space to put a bag down without it getting in the way, or someone tripping over it.

Also, keep on good terms with the servers. Make them balloons if you are not busy, as the management will often ask them how the entertainers are doing, and which ones are working the best !!

As well, you must pick your time to approach a table. Do not go to a table while they are eating. Sometimes a parent finds it difficult enough to get their child to eat their food without the distraction of you. A friendly " I'll come back with a balloon for you when you've eaten up all your lunch" works well, and pleases the parents. The times to approach are after they have ordered, and between courses. Don't pounce as soon as they have arrived, let them get settled, and don't interrupt while they are deciding what to have, and making their order. Also, don't go up and keep them after they have finished. There may be others waiting for that table, and the Management are loosing money as they could have another family sat and ordering.

When you make something, make it small and of good quality, and lock all your twists so they don't come undone. There is nothing worse than entertaining at a guests table with other kids running up asking you to fix things that have come unravelled. No mater how much you are asked, DO NOT make swords, as they will be waved about, and will knock glasses and drinks over, and may well even cause a busy server to drop a tray of food. We all like to do big impressive things, but be aware they can get in the way and cause accidents. If you do make something big, It can be a good idea to suggest it is put at the front desk or somewhere safe 'till they go home.

Hope this helps :)
Kind regards
Kevin

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