We chatted to Angelika Oparczyk, general manager of Bank House, for this week’s careers Q&A. She shared how she got her start at La Noisette on Sloane Street, why she is excited about new opening Trivet and who she identifies as a rising star.
When did you realise you wanted to work in hospitality?
At my first UK job at a restaurant called La Noisette (now closed Michelin starred restaurant) on Sloane Street. I met inspiring and experienced people who believed in the magic of hospitality. I fell in love with it because of them.
Where and how did you get your start?
At La Noisette where I worked there as bartender but soon moved to the sommelier department. It was challenging but it was integral to the next step in my career.
Sum up your current work life in one sentence.
Expert in finding solutions.
Who has been really influential on your career and why?
Those people who believed in me, mentored me and inspired me – friends from the hospitality world, ex co-workers and bosses alike. Namely Stuart Gillies who saw potential in me.
What’s next for you?
Eventually I’d love to open my own business but right now I’m loving working with Stuart and Cecilia at the newly opened Bank House in Chislehurst.
What’s your one piece of advice to someone starting out?
Work with professionals, learn from them, cover the basics well and listen to your mentors as they have some great stories to tell.
Where did you last have a great meal?
Restaurant Bohemia in Bydgoszcz where I’m from in Poland. The restaurant is completely dark and this was a new experience for me which totally exceed my expectations!
Are there any openings you are looking forward to?
Trivet in London Bridge is opening soon – very excited to see that as the team behind it are both ex Fat Duck and Isa is a master sommelier.
Where is the most exciting city for hospitality (aside from London)?
Dubai. It’s a glam city with lots of potential and many experienced people moving there for work. The beverage offering is growing there and the service is improving day by day.
Who would you identify as a rising star?
Anna Hugh as a Chef who recently just won best female chef of the year and Jan Konetzki as a Sommelier.
This Q&A was written for the CODE Careers Bulletin. To subscribe, please click here
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