Meet the Mentor: Nick Weight

Nick Weight is one of our fantastic mentors. With a huge wealth of experience and knowledge, he brings a great amount of hospitality expertise to the programme and we wanted to find out more about where his career began and some career highlights!

How did you get into the hospitality industry? Where did it start for you?

As an apprentice Chef @ a 1* Michelin Country House Hotel.

Do you think having access to mentors would have helped you in your career?

Yes, I believe it would, we all need some advice now and then, no matter how old we are.

Who would be your dream mentor?

Someone who is an excellent manager, who has a wise head on broad shoulders.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self coming into hospitality?

Listen, learn and use your experience, if you're not sure ask.

Who has been a good mentor to you in your career so far?

All of my superiors - they have all taught me something, some bad things and some good things. But I have learnt something from all of them.

What is your best, worst or funniest hospitality story?

Best: Being able to cook for all the current senior Royals (including the late Queen Elizabeth) in one of the private house jobs I had.

Funniest: There are too many, catering is hard but it’s also great fun.

What restaurant/bar/hotel/cafe brand is worth keeping an eye on for 2023? What company is doing really exciting things at the moment?

Sides Group & Cafe Royal

Do you think you need higher education to be a success in the hospitality sector?

Not necessarily, it’s about experience. You can make it without ‘paperwork’ but you have to be willing to work at it.

Would you recommend others to do the mentoring programme? Both as a mentee and mentor?

Yes, we are never too old (or clever) to be able to ask for advice. We all have experiences from however long we have worked for, it’s about putting your hand up & asking.

If you’d like to become a mentor, you can send an application here: Become a Mentor