Staff Stories

When did you start your career with Hastings Hotels?  
I started with Hastings Hotels at the Europa Hotel when I was 16 years old.

What was your first position within the group?  
My first role was a casual waiter in the Europa bar. I had just started a course in hospitality management when I was 16 and wanted to work in the best hotel, so I applied and was delighted to get a job at the Europa Hotel.

What other positions have you held since you started your career at Hastings Hotels?  
After working as a waiter and barman for 5 years, for my student placement, I was a night auditor for a year, then once I graduated, I was appointed to be the function bar manager for 4 years. Following this, I decided to gain experience in a different department and was appointed front office manager in the Europa for 9 years, before being promoted to General Manager of the Stormont Hotel for 3 years, where I successfully steered it through the most demanding and memorable “COVID days”. Then I was promoted to General Manager at the Culloden Estate & Spa before returning to my dream role as General Manager of the Europa Hotel in 2022.

Tell us about any qualifications, courses or training you have completed while working for Hastings Hotels.  
I completed my hospitality management course while working at the Europa, and throughout my career Hastings Hotels has provided extensive on-the-job training and mentorship. I had great mentors who showed me the ropes, including Paddy McAnerney, Alan Williamson, and James McGinn, who helped develop my skills across all departments.

What is your current role at Hastings Hotels, and what are your daily responsibilities? 
I am the General Manager of the Europa Hotel, and my role involves overseeing all aspects of hotel operations to ensure we create exceptional experiences for our guests. The Europa will always be a special place for me, as I have spent so many years of my life working there, and it’s become my second home and family.

Tell us how Hastings Hotels has helped you to progress your career? Hastings Hotels has given me incredible opportunities to grow and develop across different departments and properties – from bar work to front office management to general management at different hotels, including the Stormont and Culloden. Each role built my skills and prepared me for the next step in my career journey.

What do you love most about working for Hastings Hotels?
Making people happy with the experiences we create at the hotel. I love the energy and vibrancy of the Europa – it truly is the life and soul of the city. The hotel has such rich history and character, and I have so many interesting stories from my time here!

What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining Hastings Hotels?  
Hastings Hotels offers incredible opportunities for career progression and development. I started as a 16-year-old waiter with no previous experience and worked my way up to General Manager of one of the world’s most famous hotels. The company invests in its people and provides the support and mentorship needed to achieve your career aspirations. If you have a passion for hospitality and want to be part of creating memorable experiences, this is the place to be.

When did you start your career with Hastings Hotels?  
I joined the Hastings Group in November 1996, starting my journey at the Europa Hotel where I began building my culinary career.

What was your first position within the group? 
My first role was as a commis chef in the Europa Hotel. This entry-level position allowed me to learn the fundamentals of professional cooking and gain valuable experience in a high-pressure kitchen environment.

What other positions have you held since you started your career at Hastings Hotels?
Starting as a commis chef, I gained experience and skills over the years and progressed within the Europa Hotel kitchen. I worked my way up to Head Chef of the Causerie Restaurant, where I had the incredible opportunity to cook for many celebrities, including Hilary Clinton, Katy Perry, and Bruno Mars. I also had the privilege of catering for the MTV Music Awards after-party and cooking for the cast of Game of Thrones.

Tell us about any qualifications, courses or training you have completed while working for Hastings Hotels.  
I have developed my culinary skills through hands-on experience and continuous learning. Working in different kitchen environments and catering for high-profile events has provided me with extensive training in menu development, kitchen management, and specialised cuisine preparation.

What is your current role at Hastings Hotels and what are your daily responsibilities?  
I am the Executive Head Chef at Hastings Ballygally Castle Hotel. In 2014, I was offered the opportunity following the hotel’s recent renovation. In this role, I manage a busy kitchen catering for tourists, wedding receptions, and banquets. I oversee the creation of specialised menus, including our popular themed Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea and Banquet Dinners. My responsibilities include menu planning, kitchen operations management, staff supervision, and ensuring we maintain the highest culinary standards for all our dining experiences.

Tell us how Hastings Hotels has helped you to progress your career? Hastings Hotels has provided me with brilliant opportunities for career progression. Starting as a commis chef with no formal experience, the company invested in my development and allowed me to grow through various roles within the kitchen hierarchy. The promotion from Head Chef at the Europa to Executive Head Chef at Ballygally Castle has allowed me to take on greater responsibilities and showcase my creativity.

What do you love most about working for Hastings Hotels?  
I love the variety and excitement that comes with working in our kitchens – no two days are the same. The opportunity to work in such iconic venues has allowed me to develop diverse skills and create memorable experiences for our guests.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining Hastings Hotels?  
Hastings Hotels has been great in offering development in the culinary field. I started with basic skills and have progressed to Executive Head Chef. The company provides training, exposure to high-profile events, and the chance to work with quality ingredients and diverse menus. If you have passion for cooking and want to develop your culinary career in prestigious venues, Hastings Hotels is a great place to grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.

When did you start your career with Hastings Hotels?  
I started at the Culloden Estate and Spa in February 2015.

What was your first position within the group?  
My first role was spa supervisor in 2015. This involved a mixture of reception duties and also carrying out spa treatments.

What other positions have you held since you started your career at Hastings Hotels?  
In 2016, I became Spa Assistant Manager – this meant I was in control of all our ordering, stocks, KPIs, and much more. Then in 2019, I became Spa Manager, which is my current role. I now oversee the whole Spa and Health Club, with 18 employees.

Tell us about any qualifications, courses or training you have completed while working for Hastings Hotels.  
Before starting in Hastings, I was doing my HND in Spa Management, completing that in 2016. When I started in the Spa at Culloden, I was put through a week’s essential ESPA training, and I have also developed my skills as a therapist, with advanced training in ESPA and cancer training. I also completed MAP training in 2021, which was a great experience and helped me refine my management style.

What is your current role at Hastings Hotels, and what are your daily responsibilities? 
I oversee all of the employees across the Spa and Health Club. I ensure we have the correct stock and enough of it. I ensure each day is booked, while forecasting a week ahead to keep on top of revenue. I also set the rotas for the team. Each year, I have to set a Spa budget, which includes salaries, costs and how much revenue we predict to bring in.

Tell us how Hastings Hotels has helped you progress your career. 

Hastings has helped me with training and development. I had a fantastic manager who saw my potential and helped grow my career in the department. I have also completed MAP, which is a qualification with Ulster University. Personally, I have learnt a lot from other managers in the group and from general on-the-job training.

What do you love most about working for Hastings Hotels?  
I love my team, as I have a great team; we all work so well together. In the Spa, we are slightly separated from the main hotel, but we do generally all work together. There is a great team spirit, and over the years, many of the team have built up great relationships and become lifelong friends.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of joining Hastings Hotels?  
It’s a great opportunity. They provide so much learning and development in the Spa and the group as a whole. You will become one of the team, and work doesn’t always feel like work.