Ellie Buchanan
Summary
Experienced hospitality specialist passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences. Skilled at crafting bespoke cocktails and drinks, building rapport with guests, and supporting seamless service across bars and restaurants. Friendly, adaptable, and always ready to bring energy and creativity to the team.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Receptionist
Kings Solicitors
Ivybridge
2024.11 - Current
- Serve as the first point of contact for clients, providing a professional and welcoming greeting while handling sensitive matters with discretion and upholding GDPR compliance.
- Manage administrative tasks including verifying identification documents, typing letters, managing calendars, scheduling appointments, compiling and sending service quotations, and maintaining files and data entry with accuracy and timeliness.
- Answer phone calls and take messages, ensuring clear and effective communication between fee earners and clients.
- Coordinate incoming and outgoing mail to guarantee all departments receive correspondence promptly.
- Oversee office supplies and liaise with suppliers to maintain strong business relationships and efficient stock management.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and professional reception and office environment, including meeting room management to support smooth operations.
Cocktail bartender
The Nici Hotel
Bournemouth
2023.01 - 2024.09
- Advanced my cocktail knowledge and mixology skills through mentoring from senior bartenders and training from suppliers and industry professionals.
- Built strong guest relationships by crafting bespoke beverages tailored to individual preferences.
- Managed opening and closing procedures, including restocking, stock rotation, garnish preparation, and cleaning to ensure smooth shift transitions.
- Developed and introduced signature cocktails using seasonal ingredients, keeping the menu innovative and appealing.
- Supported the restaurant team by overseeing sections, hosting, and assisting with service delivery, drawing on previous senior responsibility to foster team collaboration.
- Maintained strict adherence to health and safety procedures.
- Supported the onboarding and training of new team members, ensuring knowledge of products, cocktail preparation, and high standards of service.
F&B Supervisor
Tonic Social at The Hilton
Bournemouth
2021.03 - 2022.10
- Oversaw daily operations of a busy, high-volume cocktail bar within The Hilton Bournemouth, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Managed all cash-handling procedures, delivering accurate end-of-day reconciliations.
- Monitored and maintained stock levels, minimising waste, controlling costs, and ensuring the team was fully equipped during service.
- Partnered with senior management and kitchen teams to launch a snack menu, ensuring full compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.
- Led the development of a new cocktail menu, engaging industry professionals for pre-launch tastings to refine recipes and drive interest.
- Administered the booking system, accommodating special requests and adjusting table layouts to optimise service flow.
- Coordinated all events and private hires from enquiry to execution, ensuring seamless delivery on the day.
- Built a positive team culture through regular socials, training, and development.
- Resolved customer complaints and queries promptly, maintaining composure and professionalism under pressure.
- Designed and implemented targeted promotions during quieter trading periods, leveraging social media to boost awareness and footfall.
- Recruited, onboarded, and trained new staff, building confidence and knowledge of company policies and service standards.
Education
BA (Hons) - Illustration
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
Bournemouth 2015.09 - 2018.07
Timeline
Receptionist
Kings Solicitors
2024.11 - Current
Cocktail bartender
The Nici Hotel
2023.01 - 2024.09
F&B Supervisor
Tonic Social at The Hilton
2021.03 - 2022.10
BA (Hons) - Illustration
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
2015.09 - 2018.07