At Beachside Nelson, our number one focus is ensuring your event is a great success. We feel fortunate that Nelson-based hospitality expert, Carol Shirley, heads our team. Carol believes that the secret ingredient for successful events is no secret! It boils down to great quality food, a commitment to service and a wonderful team to deliver your conference or event! All of which we deliver at Beachside Nelson.
As our team has recently expanded, we thought we should introduce you to our new Function Manager and Second Chef. Both of whom play an integral part in delivering your event at Beachside. Read on to find out more about them in our team Q & A.
Two new team members @ Beachside
Ellie Cooper
Function Manager
What did you do before you joined Beachside?
I worked at another Nelson venue as an Events Manager and Duty Manager. The jobs are similar in a sense but also very different; there is a lot more variation in my working week these days!
What are your three main responsibilities at work?
Room set up, making sure front of house runs smoothly at all conferences and events and driving Priscilla!
What is the most important thing you do daily or daily as part of your job?
Write lists!
What five words would you use to describe your role or the job you do at Beachside?
Varied, customer-focused, organised, all-rounder, and chief taste-tester!
What is the thing you enjoy most about being part of the team at Beachside?
Being part of a great team whose members honestly all make the day bright and happy!
What’s your favourite thing to cook?
Anything savoury! I love making up dishes and trying new flavours together
And eat?!
Wicked wings
What do you do when you’re not working?
I love a good drink, my dogs, getting away to the Marlborough Sounds, going fishing and entertaining people.
Melinda Blair
Second Chef
What did you do before you joined Beachside?
I have worked in different cafes, restaurants and boarding schools, cooking many different types of cuisine
What are your three main responsibilities at work?
Making great food, and ensuring it is consistently excellent, keeping a clean work environment
What is the most important thing you do daily or daily as part of your job?
Ensuring everything goes to the right place and time!
What five words would you use to describe your role or the job you do at Beachside?
Efficient, exciting, creative, fulfilling and fattening!
What is the thing you enjoy most about being part of the team at Beachside?
I love working with a fantastic team.
What’s your favourite thing to cook?
I love baking. Cakes, desserts, and pastries are definitely my thing!
And eat?!
Whether I’m out for dinner or looking for an at-home supper, I can never get past a good piece of salmon!
What do you do when you’re not working?
I love doing up furniture, exercising, and watching movies, as well as being on the sidelines at kids’ sports!
Are you ready to plan your event? Our fantastic team is ready to welcome you! Contact us HERE.