My Week

MONDAY

I arrive at 6.30am and take over from the night manager. We have a chat about any issues that have arisen during his shift.

In my office, I check today's order of business and make sure all the facilities that are booked out for today's events are fully prepared.

At 7.30am I set off on a six-mile cross-country run. We have the luxury of being set in some fabulous countryside, so there are plenty of routes.

I get back to Morley Hayes in time for my daily breakfast meeting with my brother and business partner Robert, and operations manager Jane Cryer.

As there's been snow over the weekend, I check with our head groundskeeper to make sure all the paths and driveways have been cleared and gritted. Our golf course is closed but no other events need to be cancelled.

I work late most evenings so I can take an hour or so off during the day. After lunch I have a gym session with my personal trainer.

I finish early tonight as I'm attending the Derbyshire Food and Drink awards at Chatsworth House.

It's the first time Morley Hayes has entered and our Dovecote restaurant has been shortlisted for the evening's top award.

Eight of us, including head chef Nigel Stuart, general manager Simon Charles and sous chef Jenny Higgins brave the elements and head to Chatsworth.

It's a fantastic setting, the food is superb and we're all thrilled when we're crowned Restaurant of the Year.

TUESDAY

Despite the late night, I'm at work for 6.30am, ready to start my usual routine.

I'm on duty for the rest of the day – it's a great opportunity to meet our customers.

I head off to Quad for a reception and special screening of Les Miserables, hosted by Don and Mary Amott. I'm very impressed and the three hours fly by.

Afterwards, we head for supper at Anoki, who also won an award at Chatsworth.

WEDNESDAY

I head to the gym at 7.30am. After the breakfast meeting, it's on to our weekly management meeting to discuss this week's bookings and last week's sales figures.

Donna Hill, from BH PR, is waiting for me to discuss the media coverage we've received for the award win and the comments that have been posted on social media. We've got lots of events planned this year so we talk our promotional strategy.

After a lunch meeting with our florist, Amaryliss Floral Design, I meet our photographer, Carol Taylor, who has been taking photographs of our golf courses for our winter brochure.

I'm on duty until 10.30pm tonight, so I spend the rest of the day meeting customers, responding to queries and making sure that tomorrow's business is all in hand.

THURSDAY

It's my day off today. I take my dog for a walk around the golf course before doing some shopping, followed by dinner with friends.

FRIDAY

Today I'm a guest at one of our own champagne breakfasts, held to celebrate a friend's 40th birthday.

After a relaxing couple of hours, it's back to the office. We have our post-Christmas meeting, where all department heads discuss this year's events and any new ideas for 2013.

Our 2012 figures are well up on last year's, which is great news.

It's only January but we need to agree the menu for Christmas 2013 so celebrity chef Rachel Green arrives for a meeting. I'm on duty until 10.30pm tonight so I head home in the snow.

SATURDAY

It's the big grudge match between Derby County and Nottingham Forest today, so I head to Pride Park Stadium at lunchtime to host our guests in the Morley Hayes box. Honours are even but at least Derby County hold on to the Brian Clough trophy until next season.

SUNDAY

I enjoy working on Sundays as it gives me the chance to meet lots of familiar faces who dine regularly.

Morley Hayes has just celebrated its 21st anniversary and lots of people have been visiting us since we opened, so it's nice to stop and have a chat.

We operate an East Midlands Airport shuttle service so I head off in the snow to pick up a guest, hoping their flight hasn't been delayed.