A private members’ club with decor inspired by the glamorous 1920’s and the Golden Age of Motoring, original motoring art and artefacts from artists including Gordon Crosby, Bryan de Grineau, Russell Brockbank, Geo Ham and Yorkshire’s own Alan Fearnley, the sumptuous Drivers’ Club is one of the most special places on the Estate. Serving up delicious, seasonal food and holding host to everything from breakfast meets to corporate events, birthday’s and weddings, it makes sense that such a huge part of the Estate is looked after by an equally wonderful hospitality team.
This month’s five minutes with comes from the lady at the very heart and helm of the Drivers’ Club. We grabbed some time with Manager, Helen, to find out about her high-flying career, her love of exceptional service and her favourite parts of the Bowcliffe Estate…
Job title at Bowcliffe?
Bowcliffe Drivers’ Club Manager
How long have you worked at Bowcliffe?
1 year 6 months – as long as the Drivers’ Club has been in existence!
Can you tell us a little about your career to date?
My first job was working for a Skiing Operator – In the winter I travelled to the Ski Resorts all over Europe and worked as a chalet girl and in the summer I worked as a tour operator selling the skiing holidays. After 4 years I left to work for British Airways as I officially had the taste for travelling and wanted to explore further afield than Europe!
I worked for British Airways for 20 years doing long haul flights and one of my favourite parts was getting the opportunity to work in first class for many of those years. My favourite part was seeing so many amazing places, including seeing all the 7 wonders of the world.
After globe-trotting for most of my working life I then changed career completely and worked in interior design for three years before coming to Bowcliffe! It has been a journey, goodness knows how many miles I’ve covered.
Helen in her globe-trotting years
Tell us a little more about what a day in the life of Helen looks like…
Aside from work, I look after my two lovely girls aged 14 and 19 and love walking my gorgeous dog Henry in Bramham Park. I regularly entertain my friends and family with lovely food and enjoy catching up with friends with a nice glass of red!
Favourite part of your job, why?
Getting to know our lovely tenants, alongside Laura (who also works in the Drivers’ Club), many of them have become good friends. Being a part of some very special events with the Michael (Gledhill – Director of Events) and the hospitality team is also something I really relish.
Helen and Laura in the Drivers’ Club
People often comment on the atmosphere and great service in the Drivers’ Club – why do you think customer service is so important?
In such an exclusive environment people should feel relaxed when they arrive in the Drivers’ Club and bring their clients with them whether it be for a meeting, lunch or even fine dining. Service with a smile comes naturally to both Laura and I and a high standard of service is always part of your visit to the Drivers’ Club. I think 20 years of working in first class for BA has also helped!
What’s the toughest part of your job?
Although it can be challenging when the Drivers’ Club is buzzing and there are events on at the same time, we always work as a team to deliver exceptionally high service and the feedback makes it well-worthwhile!
Favourite room / place in Bowcliffe Hall, why?
I know I should say the Drivers’ Club but I absolutely love the Blackburn Wing. The architecture is unique, possibly the fact I worked for British Airways for so long makes me so drawn to it, especially the bar.
What do you believe makes the Drivers’ Club such a special place? (to eat, drink and do business)
I think it’s the variety of what we offer in the Drivers’ Club; from coffees, to working lunches to private dining – there is something for all of our tenants and outside members to utilise. Plus, at this time of year the terrace is a glorious sun trap!
Tell us something about Bowcliffe that not many people would know…
Due to Laura being 4ft 10 we have had a little step made next to the coffee machine so she can reach it – this way she can create perfectly velvety milk each and every time!
Laura on her specially made coffee step!
Favourite part of the whole estate, why?
The chapel – it is romantic and quaint, hidden in a stunning part of the estate and such a special place to have a blessing.
Current favourite dish on the Drivers’ Club menu?
The Warm Duck Salad – a new dish for the spring menu.
What sorts of produce and dishes can we expect to see appearing on the menu in the DC in coming months?
John (Topham – Bowcliffe’s Executive Chef) changes the menu seasonally and with summer approaching there are lots of new dishes coming on to the menu – a Salt and Pepper Squid served with a bell pepper & coriander salad, rice wine vinegar and a palm sugar dressing is one of my new favourites. We also grow our own vegetables in the Potting Shed now so lots of fresh produce will be coming from there.
Over the past few years there have been lots of changes and additions to the Bowcliffe Estate, which parts have been your favourite to watch come together?
It’s not finished yet but seeing the transformation of The Ballroom has been astonishing and I can’t wait for it to be finished!
The Bowcliffe ball room is currently mid-restoration
Hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love flower arranging – I have assisted on a few weddings and love to have a house full of fresh flowers from my garden, especially when entertaining family & friends who I love to cook for, and enjoy a nice glass of red with!
Tell us a secret about yourself…
I once got myself in a sticky situation when a few colleagues of mine at BA persuaded me to tell a white lie about how experienced we all were when white water rafting in Vancouver – this resulted in a terrifying ride down some tremendous rapids as none of us had actually ever done it before!
Anything else you want to add?
I’m excited to see how the Estate continues to develop, especially the gardens – Anna and her team are doing a fantastic job.
To find out more about the Bowcliffe Drivers’ Club click here.