|
|
|
|
Sarah Thornton
A job came up at BBC Swindon, but so did one at Birmingham Rep. As Sarah was still only 19, she decided to return to Brum, as she was missing her friends and still being young, wanted to go out on the razzle. After 6 months, disappointment set in as Sarah had hardly progressed further than cloakroom attendant, so she left. The restaurant trade then beckoned, with a period of waitressing in such places as TGI Fridays and Rossini's in Paradise Forum, she also got involved in restaurant management. The family's flower business was the next career move, with flower stalls around Birmingham and Burton. Sarah recalls freezing cold days in the open air, drinking hot tea all day, with the resulting 1000 trips to the loo daily ! On to the Reject Shop where Sarah spent two years, starting
on the shop floor, administration and eventually management and store opening
around the country. Saxone Shoes on New Street was the next port of call where
Sarah, once again worked her way up. She became a trainer for the Sears Group
around Brum, including Concessions in Rackhams. When Sears was taken over by
Brantano, she worked on a programme of store closures.
The next 6 or 7 years were spent at Dixons Estate Agents, where Sarah excelled, due to her individual style, becoming on of their highest earners. She then made her first steps into the licensed trade - a part time job at the Tipsy Gent at Bordesley and at the same time working at her Mom's cafe on Constitution Hill. This was followed by a spell running the kitchen at the Actress & Bishop on Ludgate Hill. Sarah heard from a friend in the trade that the Craven Arms was to become available in August 2006 and after some consideration, Sarah decide to go for it. The pub had recently been refurbished, but was not doing too well. Sarah has worked hard and built up trade for her 3 real ales, as well as a reputation for good food. In her spare time, she is also involved in 'The Bus Ltd', which runs regular trips on an old bus, around real ale pubs of Birmingham. Having had such a varied career and still only 35, let's hope Sarah has found her true calling in the pub trade and she continues to put her charm, personality and love of hard work to good use for many years to come. © Nigel Barker 2007 |
|
Last modified: 03/11/07 |
Sarah Thornton was born at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in
Birmingham in 1972. She went to Bartley Green Grammar School, where she always
dreamed of becoming an actress. She went on to College to do 'A' Levels, but
soon got bored. Sarah was desperate to get into the real world, so ran away with
a theatre company to Wiltshire ! She intended to act, but became more interested
behind the scenes with sound and lighting, at which she became very good.