Adam Worthington

Q. What’s your background in hospitality and how long have you been in the hotel trade?

A. I celebrate 20 years in hotel operations this year! Like so many I fell into the industry completely by good fortune, not really knowing what I wanted to do. I started my journey back in 1999 at the Aztec Hotel in Almondsbury (Bristol) as a general assistant. Next, I started an exciting journey with Dakota Hotels at Dakota Nottingham, ultimately being promoted to general manager aged 25. In June 2012, Tim Hart moved swiftly to secure my tenure as general manager at Hart’s Nottingham. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey so far!

Q. What led you to this position at Hart’s Nottingham?

A. Hard work, determination and perseverance!

Q. Tell us a typical day in the life of a General Manager?

A. It’s difficult to explain a day in the life as a general manager as no “one day” is the same as the next and the unexpected often presents itself, which is all part of the fun!

Q. What do you find most rewarding about the role of General Manager?

A. Building teams that become self-sufficient in delivering a memorable guest experience. I like to encourage all my department heads to strive for excellence, it’s crucial to the ongoing success of this hotel.

Q. In your opinion what makes a great hotel?

A. The staff of course, but also having your own high standards to measure yourself against goes a long way. I encourage the team to always question if there’s a better way to do things, and if there is we change it. We always try to adapt and evolve where we can.

Q. What is your proudest moment of your career to date?

A. The proudest moment for me is becoming a St Julian Scholar and being recognised by the Master Innholders and Worshipful Company of Innholders as contributing to the success of our industry.

Q. What is the least favourite part of your job?

A. Administration and being “tied to the desk”! I’m quite busy by nature and like to get out into the hotel and understand what the issues of the day are and to see that guests are being looked after. It’s what we’re here for!

Q. Have you met anyone famous while working?

A. Sir Peter Blake, Michael Ball, Sir Cliff Richard to name a few.

Q. Who is your idol and who would you love to see staying at the hotel next?

A. Sir Paul McCartney is my ultimate idol and I have met him personally. His contribution to popular music and campaigning for environmental causes speaks for itself. I’d love him to stay at Hart’s one day!

Q. What’s the funniest / most interesting incident that has happened to you on the job?

A. It didn’t happen to me personally, but it did happen whilst I have been managing Harts. A very sleepy guest got up in the middle of the night and mistook the bedroom door for the bathroom door and managed to lock themselves out of their room. It’s fair to say that they weren’t dressed entirely appropriately for wandering our public areas of the hotel! We safely managed to get him back to his room and tucked up for the night!

Q. What is your favourite dish at Hart’s and why?

A. Salad Caprese is one of my favourites, it’s a great simple salad which I’m very fond of and enjoyed in Capri during my honeymoon. Ours certainly ranks amongst the best you’ll try.

Q. Do you have a favourite room in the hotel and why?

A. Room 33 which is a suite located on the top floor of the hotel, in my opinion this offers the best view in the whole hotel.

Q. What do you like most about working for Harts Hambleton Group?

A. The freedom to have input and influence into the direction of the business to keep making it a continued success. I’ve been very lucky to have the full support of the owner and the board from day one.

Q. How do you relax in your spare time?

A. I like to spend time with my family. I also like to listen to music and used to play in an indie band, many years ago.

Q. What’s your favourite thing to do in Nottingham?

A. I like to dine out where I can and find Nottingham’s food and drink scene interesting, there’s certainly more choice than there ever has been.

Q. Describe a perfect day in Nottingham, that you would recommend to guests?

A. Winter time in Nottingham is just delightful. I would enjoy a lazy morning at Hart’s with a late breakfast/brunch and then move into the Old Market Square and have a mooch around the Christmas Market and see what festive gifts I can treat the family to. I would then move onto some serious shopping Paul Smith or Hugo Boss followed by late lunch/early dinner at Iberico World Tapas, before heading back to Hart’s to freshen up. After a nice glass of Viognier at Hart’s bar I would enjoy a show with my family at the Theatre Royal. Finally, I would return to Harts for a night cap before retiring!