Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2015 | Page 117

FOOD

Warm welcome for M&S
Island Life talks to Nathaniel Dunkley, Store manager
at the newly opened M&S Foodhall in Cowes
How did you come to be store
manager of M&S Foodhall
Cowes?
I have always worked
in the food and
retail business,
starting out at
Budgens and
later becoming a
manager at Cooperative, before
now managing the
new M&S Foodhall
Cowes. I have always
loved the industry for its
fast pace and vibrancy. Food is
very much a people business and it’s
fantastic to be part of such a great brand
that does a good job of staying in touch
with local communities on the ground.
What are your favourite aspects of
the job?
As the store manager I am in a

privileged position to be able to help
people progress and reach their
full potential at M&S and
without a doubt my
favourite aspect is
working with such
a dedicated and
hardworking team –
we are a big family
and no two days are
the same. Each day
brings huge variation
and opportunities for
all and there is nothing
more exciting than relishing
in this with the team.
What plans do you have for the new
store and your customers in the run up
to Christmas?
Christmas is our busiest time of year
and I am thrilled to be able to see M&S
Foodhall Cowes through its first festive
season. M&S is renowned for its myriad of
delicious and innovative Christmas food

products and we can’t wait to showcase
them in store. I know the Cowes team
are really looking forward to helping
customers make their Christmas that little
bit more special with a touch of M&S.
What impact do you think the new
branch will have on Cowes town centre?
Cowes is a town with a rich history, yet
we already feel at home in the town and
community. So far we have had a great
response - it’s great to see this reaction
so early on and I am confident that as
the months pass we will become very
much a part of the Cowes community
and help to enhance what it offers locals
and tourists alike.
How do you relax away from work?
It will come as no surprise that I am
a big foodie, whether that’s testing
out a new recipe or trying an unusual
ingredient. I love experimenting with
new flavours but my signature dish has to
be a chilli con carne – it can’t be beaten
on a rainy day. I’m also really interested
in developing property so if I’m not in
store it’s most likely I’ll be found with a
paintbrush in my hand!
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