FRONT OF HOUSE | HYDRO HOTEL
COASTAL TERRACE
Tell us about your career history I am currently the general manager of Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne , East Sussex , since May 2016 , where I am in charge of overseeing a team of 90 . Before that , from November 2012 to May 2016 I was the general manager of the Buxted Park Hotel , and the general manager of the Rhinefield House Hotel in Hampshire from September 2010 to November 2012 . I ’ ve also been the general manager of the Alexander House Hotel and Spa , the Rowhill Grange Hotel , and my first role was as the deputy general manager of The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne in 1994 . I did that until 2003 .
How did you get into hospitality ? I started in the hospitality industry aged 13 washing plates for £ 1 per hour in a small coffee shop within a furniture store . As a family , we used to enjoy a couple of holidays a year in hotels and from an early age I remember asking my parents if I could check in for the family and order meals of an evening and even asking the managers if I could take a look behind the scenes . At 15 , I progressed on to being a waiter , working in
WEDGEWOOD ROOM CIVIL CEREMONY
a local four-star hotel restaurant for three years . On the occasional quiet Sunday night , I even took the role of restaurant manager .
What attracted you to the current hotel ? As a three-star property I was always fascinated as to why the hotel did not take advantage of its location and facilities and actively aim to become a four-star property in a vibrant seaside town . The attraction for me was working with a supportive board of directors in realising this aspiration . Many parts of the hotel required investment and the opportunity to project-manage refurbishment programmes appealed to me . It was extremely hard work but so fulfilling .
What stands out about the hotel ? Undoubtedly the team . Many of them have been at the Hydro for years . Our head housekeeper and financial controller both have in excess of 35 years ’ service . The team ’ s service and hospitality afforded to our guests because they want to serve is so refreshing and they have embraced the many changes we , as a team , have worked on over the past 16 months . Currently , team members with over five years ’ service have combined years of service totalling over 400 years .
What changes have you made since being there ? Since joining the team , we have embarked on an ambitious refurbishment programme that has culminated this summer in the completion of our new Coastal Terrace . The Terrace offers al fresco dining for 40 guests with uninterrupted views out to sea . We have been fortunate with the weather this summer and our latest project has been well received by guests and residents . Our main objective for creating the Coastal Terrace was to offer an exclusive wedding ceremony venue to enable couples to get married outside and enjoy the stunning views . We have now completely refurbished our
28 www . hotelowner . co . uk October 2017