Michael Bergson

Owner, Bucks Bar & Thundercat

• What was your favourite subject at school?

I was useless in the classroom and could never focus so I enjoyed getting outside for sports the most.

• What was your first job?

My Sunday morning paper round working at Ian’s Newsagents under the railway bridge in Burnside. I loved it and I was the dream employee for Ian as I’d spend all my wages on comics in his shop.

• Which is your favourite restaurant /hotel?

It’s got to be Mr Singh’s India in Glasgow.  I’ve had every birthday meal there for about 30 years!

• How do you inspire your team

Listen to your team, work hard for them and communicate respectfully. They will reciprocate and will treat their fellow team members the same.

• Which person in hospitality have you most admired / inspired you?

The beauty of this industry is that you can draw inspiration from everywhere. I’ve worked for some amazing companies and was inspired by everyone from my first pub boss Frank at The Old Ship Bank up to the big operators like the DRG guys, James Mortimer and Stefan King.

• How do you manage your stress levels?

Nothing de-stresses me more than taking my 2 cocker Spaniels on a long walk.

• Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – and why?

Instagram is an incredible tool for promoting the food business. As a customer I don’t even check online reviews now I just look at a restaurant’s Instagram to get an idea of what it’s like before I book.

• If you had not gone into hospitality, where do you
  think you would be now?

I can’t remember ever wanting to do anything else. I’d still be on that paper round.

• What did you do on your last days off?

I’m a restaurant enthusiast so it mostly involves eating out. On my last day off I went to The Ho Wong with my wife and our 2 boys.

• What do you do to relax, to support your wellbeing?

I’ve always found cooking relaxing. Some people find it strange but I can literally finish a shift and then head straight to the kitchen to cook a meal as a way of winding down. I also recommend trying meditation. My wife runs a wellness business and sound baths are also recommended.