Jon Peek – meet the general manager at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill…

For our ‘Five Minutes With…’, we sat down with Jon Peek, general manager at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill. We learned about his background in hospitality and how he ended up working for MPW.

You’ve been working with Black and White Hospitality and Marco Pierre White groups for the last 11 years, could you give us a brief insight into your background in hospitality?

I was 15 years old when I popped into Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill at Cadbury House in North Somerset, and asked for a day apprenticeship so that I could still go to college too. The chefs there said: ‘Don’t waste your time with college, come and work with us and we will train you!’ So that’s when my career in hospitality started. I was a commi chef for a couple of years and then realised what I really liked was being on the floor with customers. I went onto work in different areas right across Cadbury House including front of house, events and wedding, and restaurant manager. I learned a great deal with everyone that I worked with. Then in 2015 I moved to Birmingham to take on the restaurant manager’s role at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill at The Cube. I have been working here ever since and absolutely love every single day.

Looking forward to the end of this month and into December, there are some pretty exciting events taking place at Marco Pierre White. Tell us about them…

November and December have always been very busy and exciting months for us here at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. We have live music events every Friday and Saturday with our Keep Off The Brass and High Society themed nights. They are unlike anything else in the city and the perfect way to kick off the weekend. We also have our winter terrace launching end of November which is most certainly going to be hit. Whether guests are celebrating the festive season with family or friends, or just had a long day Christmas shopping, they will be able to enjoy a delicious glass of bubbly with Birmingham’s skyline in the background. December brings in all the festive diners, festive afternoon tea, private parties and all things Christmas related – it’s definitely my favourite time of the year.

What kind of impact does something such as the Veuve Clicquot terrace have on Marco Pierre White?

We’ve been partners with Veuve Clicquot for a few years and we couldn’t think of a better Champagne brand to be associate with. It will bring a touch of fizz and sparkle to our outdoor terrace, in time for the festive party season. Guests can expect snowy Christmas trees, heaters and lanterns alongside the various cosy cushions and blankets, skis and twinkling lights to create the perfect party backdrop.

There’s also a lot going on for NYE, what can guests expect from MPW?

Our New Year’s Eve programme will not disappoint. Customers can choose from our renowned New Year’s Eve dinner, which caters for adults and children. For the party revellers we have planned a very special New Year’s Eve Veuve Clicquot Party which includes free flowing Champagne all night long. Picture yourself with a glass of bubbly on your hands, stunning city skyline views and a five-piece funk and soul band to see the new year in style. It’s going to be a fantastic night.

With the New Year fast approaching, can you tell us what we can expect to see in 2019?

2019 is going to be full of exciting new campaigns. We are currently in the planning stage; however I can give away that we will have a series of bespoke events at our very own Haig Club, David Beckham’s favourite whisky. We will also be launching a brand-new bottomless brunch. This won’t be like anything else available in Birmingham so keep your eyes peeled.