‘You’ve got to give it 100 per cent’ says new manager at luxury hotel who spent last 12 years working way up Inverness hotspot
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A luxury hotel has a new general manager - and she comes with a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry.
For the past 12 years, Kat Wardrop has worked her way up the Macdonald Group.
Having started as a chef at the Drumossie Hotel, she’s now at the helm of Macdonald Norwood Hall in Aberdeen. Speaking to her, Kat was beaming with pride at her new role and feels that the knowledge and skills she has learned from working in various departments within the hospitality group have given her the firm foundation she needs to be able to do her job well.
She said: “When I first started at the Drumossie Hotel 12 years ago, I didn’t plan to be general manager.
“Once I got to the level of executive chef, I realised I enjoyed the planning and paperwork and running a department.
“I had seen my mentor Kenny go from chef to general manager and I was inspired by his progression.”
Set on the outskirts of Aberdeen, the 73-bedroom hotel is an idyllic spot for weddings, events, or a wee getaway.
Kat said: “The building here is absolutely stunning with the perfect mix of modern and traditional.
“This is something new for me, and I’m loving it so far!”
Changing roles hasn’t been a huge jump for Kat, who was previously the operations manager at the Drumossie Hotel.
Having adapted to different roles over the years, she’s been able to jump right into her new position.
She said: “When the opportunity for this role came up, I jumped at it straight away.
“I had already learned a lot of management skills when I was an operations manager.
“It has been a smooth transition so far, as there is already a great team in place.
“Having moved roles before from kitchen to front of house operations, it has been an natural progression for me, I enjoy the excitement of constantly learning and developing!”
Kat has plans for Norwood Hall, but for her, they do what they do well, and she wants to ensure that this quality remains.
Having won Wedding Venue of the Year at the Top Tier Awards, the Norwood team have also successfully defended the Scottish Wedding Awards trophy after receiving the Local Wedding Exhibition of the Year honour for its annual wedding fayre.
Kat said: “The team are consistent, and the awards they have won are testament to this.
“I want to ensure that we build on this and we are also planning for lots of summer BBQs for both private and corporate clients to come and enjoy.”
Over the years, Kat has learned many lessons; however, for her, there is one in particular that has formed her work ethos.
She said: “You’ve got to treat everything as an opportunity and give it your all.
“Whether this is in the kitchen, the restaurant or the office, you’ve got to give it 100 per cent.
“There is no point doing something if you’re not going to give it your best.”
