Hotel Cateys 2023: F&B Manager of the Year, Ross Clark, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – the Caledonian
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Ross Clark received the highest possible praise from the judges, having been described as someone they too would like to work with. Having raised both guest and team satisfaction to unprecedented levels, Clark has been hailed as a prime example of an exceptional leader in hospitality.
Clark joined the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – the Caledonian seven years ago. He has played an instrumental role in developing new initiatives for the hotel's F&B department, including the hugely successful Afternoon Tea package at the 100-cover Peacock Alley, which changes theme every six weeks. Examples included the Van Gogh Afternoon Tea, and the Aladdin-Inspired Afternoon Tea in partnership with the Edinburgh Playhouse and Disney. Following the Caley bar's soft refurbishment, Clark also revamped the cocktail menu, which draws inspiration from iconic Waldorf Astoria hotels from around the world.
He also personally approached and strengthened the relationship with chef proprietors Mark Greenaway of Grazing and Dean Banks of the Pompadour. Greenaway, who is also chef patron of the hotel, said: "Throughout my four and a half years working alongside Ross, I experienced a dedicated, professional and passionate leader who is always working towards the overall goal of making Grazing by Mark Greenaway the next best thing."
Clark has worked hard to seamlessly integrate the hotel's environmental, social and corporate governance commitments into both restaurants. He was behind the creation of the 100 Mile Menu at Grazing by Mark Greenaway, made possible through partnerships with local and sustainable spirits brands in order to serve a carbon-positive cocktail. Clark was also heavily involved in reintroducing a hybrid breakfast model to reduce daily food waste.
In addition, Clark oversaw eight internal promotions in the F&B department in the past year, which have resulted in soaring guest satisfaction scores and boosted team morale.
He also encourages development opportunities through travel and culinary competitions. As a case in point, four hotel chefs took part in the 2023 ScotHot Championships and all four of them came home with a medal and Best in Class certificate. When it comes to learning, he leads by example, having completed a degree in international hospitality management over the past year. And he aims to share the knowledge he has acquired with the rest of the team.
One of the judges said Clark's nomination was the best they have seen in a long time. That alone is testament to our winner's incredible talent, expertise and love for an industry he is evidently proud to be a part of.
What the judges said
"Creativity, support, passion, knowledge and plenty of enthusiasm are what shone through in Ross' application – truly inspirational. I wouldn't mind being part of Ross's team myself!" Sarah Williams
The shortlist
- Ross Clark, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – the Caledonian
- Sam Cotton, De Vere Tortworth Court
- Leo Forte, The Milestone Hotel & Residences
- Ewelina Matysiewicz, Park Plaza London Riverbank
- Aga Szopa, The Chester Grosvenor
