20 Years at The Imperial Hotel 

Sayed started at The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple in 2004 after hearing about the job from his friend Rami who also worked at the hotel. He began in Housekeeping but always had an interest in the restaurant. When a position became available, he made the move and steadily progressed to supervisor before becoming Restaurant Manager.

Hospitality has always been a part of Sayed’s life. Before moving to the UK, he worked in a five-star hotel restaurant in Egypt, gaining valuable experience that he continues to bring to his role today. But The Imperial didn’t just give him a career—it’s also where he met his wife, Justyna, who worked alongside him in the restaurant. The two built their lives together, and now they have a baby, making the hotel even more special to him.

Restaurant manager welcoming guests

"The Brends are a great family to work for, and The Imperial is a wonderful team to work with," Sayed says. "I’ve seen many people come and go, but meeting new people and working in a job I love is what keeps me going."

Now, after two decades at The Imperial, Sayed remains a key part of the team, leading with experience, dedication, and a true passion for hospitality.