Over 1,000 went for Marston’s jobs

The Smithfield Bell will open its doors for business on June 25 opposite Tesco and it has been revealed for the first time that more than 20 people applied on average for each of the positions available.

 

It will be run under the joint management of experienced husband and wife team Mark and Sarah Watson who believe it is exactly what Welshpool needs by encouraging people to eat and drink in the town.

 

“It is important to point out that we are an eatery and not a pub with our drinks priced higher than many town centre pubs,” said Mr Watson, who has 17 years experience in the pub trade and comes to Welshpool from a Marston’s in Hull.

 

“My first impression of Welshpool is positive. It’s a very nice town and the Smithfield Bell will bring something extra to it. It will offer good honest food in a family environment which will hopefully bring more people into the town and stop them looking elsewhere for a meal.”

 

Critics argue that its location will do the opposite and pull revellers away from the town centre through its two for one meal deals.

 

“Not at all,” said Mr Watson. “Hopefully people will come to us for food and then head into town for a drink. We will have higher prices on drinks because our main focus – 70 per cent – is on food where people will enjoy value for money on a meal with their drinks.”

 

Mr Watson revealed that more than 1,000 people applied for the 50 full and part time positions.

 

“On one day alone, our two phones were ringing people back from 8.30am until 11pm at night. It was quite incredible. The phones have not stopped ringing since we started recruiting.”

 

There are still positions available for two line chefs and a cleaner and anyone interested is advised to pop in for an application form.

 

In the meantime, staff training starts Saturday ahead of the grand opening when visitors can enjoy their first drink courtesy of a free drink voucher downloaded from their web site.