After 42 years of dedicated service at the Empire Hotel, three friends, David Ellerton, John Paul Rodrigues, and Nelson Rodrigues, are facing the end of an era as they prepare to bid farewell to their long-standing careers as waiters. Often referred to as “the three amigos” by both staff and guests, the trio has become an integral part of the hotel’s identity in Llandudno, Conwy, North Wales.
David, at 65 years old, will be retiring this month, while Nelson, also 65, plans to start reducing his working hours in May. The companionship and camaraderie between them have been evident throughout the years, with John Paul expressing his sadness at David’s departure, stating, “I’ll definitely miss him.” Echoing this sentiment, hotel owner Elyse Waddy acknowledged that it truly marks the end of a significant era.
Both John Paul and Nelson began their careers at the Empire Hotel straight out of school, at the age of 15, and have accumulated 47 and 45 years of service, respectively. In contrast, David joined after completing catering college and has dedicated 42 years to the job. Their shared experiences, including marriages, children, and grandchildren, have forged a deep bond among them, with interests such as supporting Liverpool FC bringing them even closer.
The demanding nature of their work is evident, with all three engaging in split shifts that extend from early morning till late evening. Their relentless commitment to the hotel has not gone unnoticed, as highlighted by Elyse, who emphasized that “the whole of their time is devoted to the hotel.” Despite the challenges, they cherish the moments shared, such as comparing their step counts post a busy day at the 120-cover restaurant, with Nelson joking about clocking 32,000 steps on Sundays. The trio’s determination and loyalty serve as a testament to the lasting impact they have had on the Empire Hotel
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