James, shift leader at The Moon Under Water (Hounslow), has worked at Wetherspoon for over 16 years.

“I started working for Wetherspoon in 2007 – the menu and uniforms have completely changed since then. In fact, the only remaining item which has not been touched, I think, is… the sausages, chips and beans!

“I love how close bonds are made: I’ve met some great people through the years who started as just colleagues and are now close friends.

“I remember that the first thing I ever cooked was a farmhouse breakfast (which we now call the ‘large breakfast’).

“I actually got the job as an associate by becoming a regular drinker in one of our pubs in Sevenoaks, Kent – I became close to the team working there and was approached and asked whether I would be interested in a job. I worked on the bar for a couple of weeks, but decided to transfer to the kitchen. I love it there.

“This is the 10th pub I’ve worked in – and every pub does things slightly differently from the previous one. I am trained to do various things and get used to people’s differing cooking styles. Over the years, I have learned so many different standards. I carry the standard which I learned from one pub and take it to the next – then share ideas with my new team.

“In my spare time, I love watching and playing football. I adore spending time with my future wife and two beautiful children. On my days off, I usually find a Wetherspoon and take my family for lunch.”