From our event Planners to our staff SERVING ON THE DAY
Who we are!
The directors
Mark Henderson
Director
I have 20 years experience in sales & marketing, primarily in the leisure/entertainment field. The first 10 years of my professional life was spent in 'corporate world' working for a large plc. This is where I met Fred and together we started Bistro Live...
Interesting Fact: Not only did I get my Sport Science Degree from Loughborough University, but I also studied ballet and dance!
Fred Harlow
Director
I have over 30 years experience in the management of leisure and entertainment businesses. I am the 'Operator' and you can normally find me in one of the 3 venues making sure we are still at the top of our game!
Interesting Fact: I often proclaim that I hate the stage - but give me a live band and you can't get me off (shhh... don't tell anyone!)
Ronnie
singh
Operations
Director
"Hi! I started working at Bistro Live in 2005 as a Waiter in our Leicester Venue. From Waiter I moved to Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager and then General Manager. Now I’m here as the Operations Director!"
Interesting Fact - I once studied for a number of years both Dance & Performing Arts!
Party planners
kelly
Eggleton
Sales & Marketing Manager
“I’m Kelly, and I have been working at Bistro Live since 2010! I started off waitressing when I was 17, and look at me now :)"
Interesting Fact - I’m well known in Bistro Live for silly things I do and say. In fact, I have received the ‘blonde award’ at our company party more times than anyone else!
Francesca
Orton
Marketing
Manager
"Hey, I’m Francesca! I started at Bistro Live as the Marketing Assistant when I graduated from the University of Lincoln. I enjoy keeping active and love being on the netball court as I am very competitive."
Interesting Fact: "I spend a lot of my time designing posters as I love graphic design."
Ellie
Clayton
Sales & Marketing
"Hi, I'm Ellie. I have been around Bistro Live for years, working on the floor and in the office. You've probably even seen or spoken to me in the past (or both)"
Interesting fact: "I always have some crazy colours in my hair, give it a few weeks and I'm walking into the office with a brand new colour"
Jess
Laird-Brucki
Leicester Party Planner
'Hi I’m Jess, I’m recently new to Bistro Live but the inner party animal in me can’t wait start my journey with the company. I may only be 4ft11 but don’t let that fool you. I’m far from cute and quiet, I can talk for England… with my endless storytelling and one liners.'
Interesting Fact: At only the age of 17 I worked and lived in Greece for 2 months.
Molly
Henry
Milton Keynes
Party Planner
'Hi I’m Molly! I’ve been working at Bistro Live for over a year now as a Front of House member, but now I also work in our Head Office, so I’ll be booking you in on the Monday and dancing with you on the tables on the Friday!'
Interesting Fact: I have a DVD collection of over 150 films! I’m a bit of a film nerd and I love making short films!
Head chefs
matt
Coleman
leicester head chef
"I started working for Bistro Live at 16 years old whilst I was at college, I then moved abroad to work in catering and other venues and learned a wide range of cooking skills. I came back to Bistro Live in 2014 as a Sous Chef and was promoted to head chef in 2017. I now have 13 year experience in catering, I am a very passionate chef and love the work I do!"
Interesting fact – I was hypnotised by Derren Brown when he came to Leicester for the infamous show and I ended up missing about 50% of the evening.
mark
Corpe
Nottingham
head chef
"Hi, my name is Mark and I am the Head Chef in Nottingham. I was the Sous Chef for over 8 years until August 2014, when I got promoted to head chef in Leicester. In September 2016 I was promoted again to become the head chef of our largest site, Nottingham. I have over 10 years broad experience in the catering and hospitality sector, including A la carte, banqueting, fine dining and private events."
Interesting fact - I am a very keen cake maker with a speciality in wedding cakes!
simon
shirley
mk head chef
"Hi, my name is Simon and I am the Head Chef in our Milton Keynes Venue. I joined Bistro Live in September 2016 after owning & managing many pubs and restaurants in the Milton Keynes Area. I have been working as a chef since I was 13, I won't tell you how many years that is in total!"
Interesting Fact - I lived abroad for a few years and owned my own restaurant in Tenerife!
Leicester team
sarah
Hodson
Training & Development Manager
"Hi, I’ve been working at Bistro Live since September 2009 and started off as a waitress. I’ve since progressed onto Senior Staff, Restaurant Supervisor, the Assistant Manager, Operations Manager and now Training and Development Manager"
Interesting fact – I am super competitive and very determined. I am also a fully qualified Nursery Nurse!
Jack
Ferguson
General
manager
"Hi! I started at Bistro Live when I was a quiet, shy 17 year old, and I am now a not so quiet, not so shy 30 something year old. After a short working career elsewhere, I am now back at Bistro Live running our Leicester Restaurant! In the words of my favourite rapper… ‘Guess who’s back, back again!’"
Interesting Fact – I am related to ex US President Jimmy Carter
Lewis
Murphy
Assistant
manager
“I have been in the hospitality sector for nearing 10 years. Starting as a bartender whilst at DMU in a small pub to then move on to; high volume clubs, fine dining, quirky cocktail bars with fabulous wine. Enjoying the plethora of awesome and ever-changing environments.”
Interesting Fact - I did a sponsored tandem skydive to raise money, for me to then go to Mozambique as part of a team to help build a school in a remote village
Nottingham team
sarah
Hodson
Training & Development Manager
"Hi, I’ve been working at Bistro Live since September 2009 and started off as a waitress. I’ve since progressed onto Senior Staff, Restaurant Supervisor, the Assistant Manager, Operations Manager and now Training and Development Manager"
Interesting fact – I am super competitive and very determined. I am also a fully qualified Nursery Nurse!
lee Oldham
General manager
"Hi! I’ve been working at Bistro Live since 2013 and started off as a waiter whilst I was studying at University. I then progressed onto Senior Staff, Bar Supervisor, Restaurant Supervisor and have been the Assistant Manager since 2017."
Interesting fact - When the right song comes on you will more than likely see me on the floor busting out my high energy dancing; it’s not good but it will put a smile on your face!
MIlton KEYNES team
sarah
Hodson
Training & Development Manager
"Hi, I’ve been working at Bistro Live since September 2009 and started off as a waitress. I’ve since progressed onto Senior Staff, Restaurant Supervisor, the Assistant Manager, Operations Manager and now Training and Development Manager"
Interesting fact – I am super competitive and very determined. I am also a fully qualified Nursery Nurse!
rob
Muhirwa
general manager
"Hello, I'm Rob and my time at Bistro Live began whilst I was at university where I started front of house. I then got promoted to senior staff and was soon promoted to a full time supervisor after I graduated. I have worked myself up from the Assistant Manager to the General Manager…"
Interesting Fact - I have won 3 beat boxing competitions