How I Got Here: Guilherme Vieira
Why restaurants?
As clichéd as this may sound, I have always had immense passion for cocktails and hospitality, so intrigue led the way. Restaurants are closely connected to guests and their emotions, so there is a sense of satisfaction in creating things and seeing guests enjoy them, every day. My role supplements a mix of creativity and customer service, both things I love.
Tell us something you wish you had been told at the start of your career
The most important thing I wish I had been mentored on is how vital self development is. It’s all about the way you see the world outside of your comfort zone. When you start your career, you might think you can change everything around you - but you forget what you can achieve by thinking out of the box. If I can share my learnings, just leave your safe zone and go see the world outside.
What’s your favourite restaurant or group of restaurants?
The Connaught Bar in Mayfair. It’s very stylish and I admire the creativity of their mixologists.
What motivates you?
Mentoring my team - I love a good success story that springs out of learning and development. I’m also motivated by my surroundings: East London has so much to offer and the greatest vibes. The multicultural and diverse nature of the area, plus its array of really funky bars, inspires me everyday.
What keeps you up at night?
Rake’s (my job), but in a good way, as I’m constantly reminded of how much I want to create and achieve for this unique café bar concept.
Which colleague, mentor or employer has had the biggest influence on your approach to the business?
My good friend Ricardo (Gorito Meira), who’s now a general manager in Torel Avantgard, Porto. He is someone with a great sense of responsibility and spectacular attention to detail, and customer service is always a priority for him. We grew up together and he gave me the best and most valuable advice about hospitality, based on his own experiences. I hope I can do the same for someone else.
Best business decision?
Opening my own bar. I love a good challenge.
Worst business decision?
Opening my own bar. I was too young and didn’t have the experience.
What piece of advice would you give to those looking to climb the rungs in the business?
Work hard and really listen to your guests and mentors.
If you could change one thing about the restaurant industry today, what would it be?
Unrealistic guest expectations. Customers sometimes don’t understand that service staff are also human beings and should be treated with respect. On occasions, even the best experience might not be enough. We can’t make fake promises and tell guests exactly what they want to hear, because if we fail to meet their needs and expectations, we are breaking the chain and the trust between us, the customer, and the business.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
Do you prefer a night on the tiles or a night on the sofa?
A night on the sofa. Maybe because I spent a good part of my life working in night clubs, especially during my academic life, I’ve now become the guy that prefers a good night at home. I really love watching horror and epic historical movies or complex movies and TV shows. The ones that make you really think. I’m currently watching 1899 but don’t worry, no spoilers!
What’s your signature dish to cook at home?
Anything with codfish.
Typical Sunday?
Going out with friends to watch football.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Deciding to move from Switzerland to London. I think everything happened a couple days before Christmas Day. For many reasons, nothing happened as I’d hoped in Switzerland. So I started searching around and London came up. ‘Why not?’ Was my first question. I tried my luck and got a call for an interview on New Year’s Day. Well, everything went well and I packed, stopped in Portugal to celebrate, and got the next flight to London. It was so spontaneous that I only just started to process everything once I arrived here. I’ll never regret it though!
Favourite holiday destination?
Portugal, my home. At some point in your life, going back home becomes your favourite destination for holidays. You can go many places, but everything started there. Your family is there, old friends are there. It is always nostalgic. Then we have the food. Octopus, codfish... all seafood. I am from the coastal side of the country as well, so during the summer, it’s just incredible.
What was your dream job growing up?
Astronaut.
