Thomas McDonagh
Bon Accord, Glasgow
- What was your favourite subject at school?
I never had a favourite subject in school, I left at 15, as a dyslexic kid in the 80s I remember being dragged down from my class to be ridiculed in front of the primary ones for my handwriting and spelling and not understanding what I had done wrong. If it hadn’t been for a teacher called Mr O’Malley I would not have found out that I was dyslexic or that I had a above average IQ and was destined for greatness, (top man Mr O’Malley)
- What was your first job?
My first job was at 10 years old
Cleaning the close I grew up in, getting a £1 a week each from everyone who lived there, it was part of their tenancy agreement that they all took a turn, which I was quick to remind them. Some people might say this was extortion but I like to think it was entrepreneurial skills
- Which is your favourite restaurant /hotel?
My favourite restaurant is Two Fat ladies at the Buttery in Glasgow, I think it is the finest eating establishment in town.
- How do you inspire your team
I inspire my team by leading from the front. There’s no job I haven’t done in the Bon Accord. From cleaning to cooking and cocktails to DIY, I’m a jack of all trades master of none, just don’t ask me for a cappuccino I’m a terrible barista
- Which person in hospitality have you most admired / inspired you?
The person who inspired me most in hospitality was my dad, the guy was a legend. I got to see all the little things he did that made a difference to individual people, not the big show off stuff but the little things like paying people’s rent deposit when they were skint or giving them a little extra money when they had to drop shifts to concentrate on university. He knew what it was like to be young and skint and always tried to help the team out. He always backed the staff up in a dispute, even when you were in the wrong, he would pull you up later but never in front of the customer. He loved his customers, they were his friends and extended family, and they allowed him to live the life he had by coming into the bar and spending their hard-earned cash.
- How do you manage your stress levels?
I don’t really get stressed, the buck stops with me so I just make a decision and go with it. If it’s not working, I try to turn it round quickly, but I always remind myself that I’m not saving lives behind my bar, I’m pouring drinks and serving dinner. If we make a mistake in service the worst thing that will happen, is I need to comp a couple of drinks or a dessert, it’s not surgery, no one’s life is on the line, and I think sometimes as customers we need to remember that. All the signs up during COVID reminding people to be kind to staff should not have been necessary.
- Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – and why?
Instagram and Facebook. Post on Instagram and it goes on both, two birds one stone, and for dyslexic people like me you can just drop videos!
- If you had not gone into hospitality, where do you
think you would be now?
If I hadn’t got into hospitality? I don’t even want to think about it, I have four beautiful kids and a beautiful wife that I wouldn’t have if it hadn’t been for the Bon Accord and my rugged good looks. I met the granddaughter of Peter Gallagher who opened the Bon in the 70s and told her if her grandad hadn’t opened the bar my life would have been totally different and bought her table a round in thanks and celebration of Peter. I’m a very lucky guy to have had the life I have had.
- What did you do on your last days off?
My last day off I went rock hunting with my son Thorfinn and managed to get two fossils, which makes me kind of a big deal in our house
- What do you do to relax, to support your wellbeing
To relax I spend time with my wife, kids and friends, get everyone over for a Sunday lunch and a water fight in the garden, and when I can come into the pub for a drink with my customers, it’s great to join them at the other side of the bar for a couple of drams.