By Stan Millar, Marketing & Communications Intern
As part of my role at Lily’s, I’ve been lucky enough to meet and speak with people whose work connects closely with our values around community, food, and opportunity. One of those people is Jamie Banner, who works at THE PIG at Bridge Place. I recently had the chance to interview Jamie about his career, his role, and how his work aligns with what we do here at Lily’s.
Getting to Know Jamie and THE PIG at Bridge Place
Jamie Banner works at THE PIG at Bridge Place, a well-known venue that prides itself on high-quality food, hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for guests. During our conversation, Jamie spoke about his role within the organisation and how being part of a close-knit team is central to what they do. It was clear from the start that passion for people and food sits at the heart of his work.
Jamie’s Career Journey
One of the most interesting parts of the interview was hearing about Jamie’s journey into the hospitality industry. Like many people, his career path wasn’t completely straightforward, but each step helped shape where he is today. Jamie spoke honestly about learning on the job, developing confidence over time, and taking opportunities when they came along. This really stood out to me, as it shows that career journeys don’t have to be perfect to be successful.
A Day in the Life
Jamie explained that no two days are ever the same. Working in hospitality means being adaptable, organised, and ready to respond to whatever the day brings. From supporting the team to making sure guests have the best possible experience, Jamie’s role involves a lot of responsibility but also a lot of reward. Hearing this gave me a real insight into how fast-paced but fulfilling the industry can be.
Skills, Challenges, and Growth
We also spoke about the skills needed to work in hospitality. Jamie highlighted the importance of communication, teamwork, and resilience. He didn’t shy away from discussing challenges either and his own experience in being diagnosed with add but explaining how difficult moments have helped him grow professionally and personally. I found this especially inspiring, as it shows how challenges can be opportunities to learn rather than setbacks.
From Childhood Dreams to Reality
When I asked Jamie what he wanted to be when he was younger, his answer reminded me how much people can change over time. Like many of us, his early ambitions evolved as he discovered new interests and strengths. It was reassuring to hear that it’s okay not to have everything figured out straight away.
Connections with Lily’s
A key part of the interview was discussing how THE PIG at Bridge Place aligns with the work we do at Lily’s. Jamie spoke about shared values around community, inclusivity, and supporting people to develop skills and confidence. This connection made the interview particularly meaningful, as it showed how different organisations can work towards similar positive outcomes.
A Fun Fact to Finish
To finish the interview, Jamie shared a fun and interesting fact about himself. This fact was that he is unbeaten at playing staring competitions…….He can out stare anyone apparently. I feel there is a fundraising opportunity/competition there!!!
Final Thoughts
Interviewing Jamie was a really positive experience for me. It helped me understand more about the hospitality industry while also building my confidence in asking questions and writing content for our website. I’m very grateful to Jamie for taking the time to speak with me and for supporting my learning while I work at Lily’s.
I even got to meet the pigs!
