13/05/2026
National Receptionist Day Spotlight: Meet Tish
Today, we’re celebrating one of the friendly faces at the heart of The Bull Hotel Fairford – one of our wonderful receptionist, Tish.
Hi, I’m Tish, one of the receptionists here at The Bull Hotel Fairford. I’ve been part of the team on & off for the past 6yrs, which means I can now check someone in, answer the phone, and point to where the toilets are all at the same time.
What drew you to becoming a receptionist?
I enjoy meeting new people, and no two days are ever the same at The Bull. One minute you’re helping someone plan their stay, the next you’re finding extra pillows at 11pm.
What do you enjoy most about your job day-to-day?
Definitely the guests. You meet people from everywhere, and it’s nice being able to make someone’s trip or stay a little easier and more enjoyable.
How would you describe your role to someone who’s never worked in reception?
It’s part customer service, part problem-solving, part tour guide, and part emotional support for guest and tam members.
What’s something people don’t realise about being a receptionist?
How much happens behind the desk at once. We’re checking guests in and out, answering calls, helping housekeeping, handling bookings, solving problems, and smiling through all of it.
How do you set the tone for visitors or callers when they first arrive?
A warm welcome makes a huge difference. Even if someone’s tired from travelling, a friendly check-in and a bit of humour can instantly make them feel more relaxed.
What’s the most memorable interaction you’ve had at work?
Probably helping organise a wedding and seeing their reaction made the chaos beforehand completely worth it.
Have you ever helped solve a tricky or unusual situation?
Definitely, getting a guest a taxi in time for a wedding, double bookings, guests locking themselves out of rooms — hotel reception sees everything eventually.
What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened on the job?
Being called at 2am by a guest as they were scared of the noise of a boiler, so moving them across the other side of hotel to a different room.
What skills do you think make a great receptionist?
Patience, communication, organisation, and the ability to stay calm while five different things happen at once.
—and knowing how to smile through a fire alarm at 6am.
What’s a strength you’ve developed since starting this role?
I’m better at multitasking and thinking on my feet. You learn very quickly that plans can change every five minutes in hospitality.
How do you stay calm and organised during busy moments?
Priorities, teamwork, and a strong cup of coffee.
What’s one thing colleagues might not know about you?
I can probably recognise guests faster by their room number than by their actual name.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with my children & grandchildren, going on long walks with the dog, live music & travelling when I can.
What’s one thing you wish more people appreciated about reception work?
Reception is the heart of the hotel - we’re usually the first people guests see and the last people they speak to before leaving, so we really try to make every interaction count.
Is there a message you’d like to share with your team or visitors?
To the team: thanks for surviving busy check-ins, late-night arrivals, and mystery booking issues together.
To our guests: thank you for keeping every day interesting — and please don’t forget how to get back in the hotel after closing!
Happy National Receptionist Day to all the incredible front-of-house teams who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes🏨🧺🍻🫧
