The Five Year Club
Five Years at the Table
In an industry known for its transience, we’ve cultivated something special at Liquid & Larder—a community where people don’t just work, they build careers. Born from our intimate understanding of guest experience, we’ve created a culture that inspires our people to stay, grow, and thrive.
The Five Year Club—our celebration of loyalty to those who have been employed five years or longer—has become a key element of our career-driven approach. The club has expanded year after year, creating a sense of aspiration among our newer team members.
Wazza Burns, Co-Founder, explains the philosophy behind the club: “We celebrate yearly anniversaries for our staff as a way of appreciating their hard work and loyalty over the years. Sharing a meal with family and friends is integral to our identity as people, we want to stress the importance of taking a break and enjoying the social aspect of what we do. For those who have spent five or more, we gather once a year and enjoy a meal out together as the Five Year Club.”
Fresh Faces: This Year’s Five Year Club Additions
Erin – People & Culture
“I was truly inspired by one of our founders Jimmy, he mentored me earlier on in my journey with Liquid & Larder.”
That mentorship came with wisdom that stuck: “He said, ‘You probably look at me and think that I haven’t had too many falls in my life. I have—I’ve just learnt how to recover constructively’.”
Talking of the annual Five Year Club meal “He had taken the time that evening to actually get to know me as a person—who I was, the kind of manager and leader I could be. It motivated me to get where I am today.”
Patrick – Sous Chef – Alfies
Opening a venue teaches you things you can’t learn anywhere else. For Patrick, Alfie’s represented his first opening experience in his kitchen career.
“It was a learning curve for me as a Sous Chef, being a leader and working through a lot of change as a team,” he explains. But the challenges came with unexpected recognition. “Being recognised by my team and being awarded the MVP of the year, truly made me realise that hard work doesn’t amount to nothing.”
That recognition became fuel for his leadership journey. “Being affirmed and seen by my team motivated me further to push myself and our team to be the best we can be and improve everyday.”
Briony – Restaurant Manager – The Gidley
After nearly four decades in hospitality, Briony knows what makes a workplace special.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have worked across 3 of our company’s venues, making so many friends along the way,” she shares. “Having been in the industry for nearly 40 years, I feel like I’m part of a family and have finally found a home.”
The Path to Five Years
Not yet in the club but with his eye on the milestone is Kenny, whose journey showcases our commitment to internal growth. Starting behind the bar at The Wild Rover, he moved to section waiting before helping open Alfies. Now at Bistecca, he manages social media while working the floor, bringing his passion for hospitality to both guests and our online audiences.
“There are no restrictions within the company,” Kenny explains. “I’ve always felt comfortable asking for changes, and I’ve seen that you can excel if you put in the work and have the passion.”
A Culture of Opportunity
What emerges across these stories is a consistent thread—we’ve built something that goes beyond the traditional employer-employee relationship. Our team members speak of making the most of opportunities, of a culture that elevates them, and a place where everyone feels comfortable in our workplace.
“There’s a great sense of equality and an equal voice,” notes one team member. “You feel comfortable speaking up when you need to.”
Perhaps most telling is how each of our venues maintains its distinct personality while allowing staff to bring their own character to the experience. The Gidley isn’t Bistecca isn’t Bar Julius—yet behind each unique concept stands a team united by the same values.
For us, born of curiosity and imagination, the Five Year Club represents something profound: loyalty isn’t just rewarded, it’s cultivated. And in an industry where many see only jobs, we offer careers—with the community to match.