Rachel Cooper, manager at Simpsons Gin Bar in Sutton Coldfield has been crowned January’s local hero in the Royal Town’s Sutton Serves Better scheme. 

She was named the winner of this month’s prize thanks to taking the time to get to know customers tastes and being keen to recommend a new cocktail, beer, wine or spirit that will match.

She was nominated by Simpsons proprietor, Anne-Marie Simpson, who said: 

“Rachel has been with Simpsons for almost two years and always strives for excellence. Her gin tastings are the stuff of legend as is her knowledge of the beautiful spirit! She works hard to keep our lovely guests happy and despite having had vacancies this year, Rachel has been a solid lead in the team working with new and agency staff to keep the drinks flowing.

“We were selected by Virgin Experience Days in October to join their roster of gin tasting experience days based upon our 5 star ratings on Design My Night, Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence and 4.7 Google rating. Rachel is a key part of this and thoroughly deserves to be recognised in Sutton Serves Better.”

Rachel said: “‘It’s great to win this award both for myself and for Simpsons Bar! The best part of my job is helping customers find their perfect serve, and working with Anne-Marie and our team is a real pleasure. We’ve been through some tough times in hospitality recently but we have an incredible offering here in Sutton Coldfield, and we’re all pulling together to make our night time economy the best it can be.”

Launched by Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID, the initiative aims to recognise the excellence provided throughout bars and restaurants in the town centre, particularly recognising those individuals who go the extra mile for their guests.  Each month, a panel of local business representatives select one worthy winner.

The Sutton Serves Better awards follows the success of the Sutton Smiles Better scheme, and the awards have so far recognized the fantastic customer service from individuals across a host of Sutton Coldfield businesses, including Holland & Barrett, The Gym, Appetites Café, the Grape Tree, TGI Fridays, The Gate and Eleon.

Angela Henderson, manager of the Gracechurch Shopping Centre and Chair of the BID, said,

“There’s no doubt that the hospitality industry has suffered some incredibly challenging times recently, facing circumstances like never before.

“We’re home to a wide range of brilliant venues throughout the town centre, and we have always been dedicated to supporting them however we can, whether that’s through What’s on Sutton Coldfield or events like Sutton Expo and Month of Music.

“The Sutton Serves Better award is a fantastic way to raise awareness and recognise the excellence in our pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes, and goes a small way to showing our appreciation for the hard work from individuals not just throughout the pandemic, but every day.”

Rachel will receive a prize of £100 in local vouchers and will proudly display the Sutton Serves Better plaque.

To nominate your employee or local hero visit: https://suttoncoldfieldtowncentre.co.uk/2021/09/23/recognising-excellence-in-sutton-coldfields-bars-and-restaurants/