Tilley Eve has been a friendly face at Five Lakes since 2022. But as a regular guest to Hopton-on-Sea too, it’s fair to say she knows Potters inside and out. So we wanted to bend her ear about being a happy guest, and making guests happy.
Previously a smiley face in The Eden Restaurant and then on Reception, Tilley is now a smiley voice on the end of the phone as you make plans for a fully inclusive getaway. At just 22, she already has a wealth of experience in hospitality. Luckily for us, she is a self-proclaimed ‘Potters Person’, a journey that started at the age of just three months old.
“My family and I have been holidaying at Potters in Hopton all my life. My first visit was the Christmas Break in 2002, and we’ve been every year since, except 2020 during lockdown. That was strange because, for me, Christmas isn’t Christmas if it’s not at Potters.
Tilley (right) meets the big man on one of her family’s Christmas Breaks“We would also come other times in the year, over Easter, Half Terms, birthday celebrations with friends and family. I have been to Hopton-on-Sea over 50 times and the thing I enjoy the most is being able to decide how relaxing or hectic you want your break to be. Sometimes we’ll watch the world go by, but generally, I am doing as many of the activities as I can!”
Joining the team
As a seasoned guest hailing from the city of Chelmsford, it seemed only natural for Tilley to apply for a position at Five Lakes when the opportunity arose. She joined the team in April 2022 for a brief stint on Bars just before Potters Resorts Five Lakes officially opened, but became a member of the Restaurant Team shortly after.
Serving guests in The Eden Restaurant at Five Lakes“I loved engaging with guests during meal times and getting to know them throughout the break. But I love to help people too, so when a position on Reception came up, I jumped at the opportunity.
“I was pleased to be engaging with guests in a different way, actioning their requests, dealing with any challenges and liaising with other departments. I really enjoyed the experience of working ‘front of house’ because, as well as meeting guests, I was getting to know so many of the team in other parts of the business, including from Hopton-on-Sea too. It’s been amazing to establish a friendship with many of them.”
Having moved to Reservations last autumn, Tilley brings her operational knowledge to the phones, helping to answer a diverse range of queries as guests plan that all-important getaway. But there’s an added bonus to the role that Tilley is especially enjoying.
“I get to sit down all day!”
Tilley in her new surroundings in the Reservations Team at Five LakesTilley likes to keep busy away from Five Lakes too, and having studied Performing Arts in her college years, she’s bringing a smile to faces in her community too.
“Outside of work, I teach 4-6 year olds drama, dance and singing at a local performing arts school. Occasionally, I’ll dress up as Disney Princesses for children’s birthday parties. But when I do have some time for myself, I love going into London for some food and shoe shopping.”
Memorable Moments
“We have a lovely couple who come regularly and are visually impaired. I got to know them really well while working on Reception and would always help them with activities like rowing boats and quizzes. Once, when directing them through the lobby, I told them to mind the piano, to which the lady replied “I can play the piano!”. I helped her sit down, and when she started playing, her husband began singing! Eventually, without their knowledge, people gathered around the piano, and they didn’t realise how many were watching until the applause!
Tilley, as a youngster, explores the many activities available at Potters!And has working for Potters made any difference to Tilley’s thoughts on holidaying at Potters?
“Not at all. There’s such a great rapport among the team. The work environment is so friendly, and everyone is always happy to help each other when needed. That makes the experience for our guests so much better.
“Plus, I get to see some of the things I can look forward to when I come back to Hopton. I love seeing guests participate in new activities like silent disco, I always check out the new menu for the season, and of course, I get to watch snippets of any new shows when they’re being rehearsed. If anything, working here just gets me more excited!”
Finally, we asked Tilley about any resolutions for the new year ahead. “It’s more of a mindset than something I want to change or achieve. I simply want to treat myself more in 2025. I’d like to fit in as many trips as I can. I’m going to Ibiza in the summer, but of course, we’ve already got our plans in place for Hopton-on-Sea too!”
