Matthew Wakeford
Dubai
Summary
A seasoned Strategic Hotelier and F&B Professional, I bring over 15 years of comprehensive expertise to the table, spanning pre-opening phases and managing high-volume venues for prestigious hospitality brands, including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Bulldozer Group, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, and Radisson Hotel Group. As an innovator, I was at the forefront of hydroponic technology at Epicurean, where I installed Scotland's first EvoGro system, pioneering our 'seed to garnish' concept. I also led the introduction of rooftop beehives, a first for a hotel in Edinburgh, providing fresh honeycomb for our breakfast buffet and cocktail bar, while promoting sustainability practices. At Bar Missoni, I was instrumental in bringing draught Prosecco to the UK market. My passion for the industry is reflected in my accolades, including being the 2019 Bacardi Legacy UAE Winner, finishing in the Top 3 at the Global Finals in Amsterdam, twice a World Class UK regional finalist, and Bar Manager of the Year at the Scottish Hotel Awards. My journey with Bacardi Legacy saw me engage in guest shifts across prestigious venues worldwide, from Lost & Found Nicosia to Oblix London, Tigerlily Edinburgh to Baba Au Rum Athens, Ales & Tales Beirut, to Thirsty City 123 Mumbai and Byg Brewski Bangalore, showcasing my versatility and global perspective in the F&B sector.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cluster F&B Manager
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Dubai
02.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded pre-opening phase as sixth recruit, directly accountable to General Manager.
- Developed and launched all F&B outlets, including concepts, menus, service standards, and OS&E procurement processes.
- Led recruitment and training of F&B team, ensuring a skilled workforce while achieving HACCP A Certification.
- Oversaw financial strategies for F&B, managing budgets, reporting, and forecasting to optimize revenue and guest satisfaction.
- Designed comprehensive staff training programs, enhancing service excellence and operational productivity.
- Achieved 100% and 97.5% in Brand Quality Audits during initial evaluation periods.
- Implemented stringent hygiene protocols across all outlets to maintain high health standards.
- Conducted strategic analysis of sales data to inform decision-making and improve performance.
Bar & Restaurant Manager | Not Only Fish
Bulldozer Group
Dubai
08.2022 - 01.2023
- Managed pre-opening phase of restaurant and bar, stepping in for General Manager as needed.
- Forged strategic partnership with NOF Kiev to develop operations manual and establish brand standards.
- Designed bar menu and cocktail offerings, overseeing costing and development processes.
- Integrated recipes into POS system to enhance back-end management control.
Restaurant & Lunge Manager | Raia
Taj Exotica Hotel & Spa, The Palm Dubai
Dubai
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Oversaw comprehensive pre-opening operations for high-end restaurant and lounge.
- Led recruitment of dynamic team to enhance service quality.
- Cultivated relationships with patrons and VIPs, boosting client retention.
- Organized large-scale bespoke private events, generating over AED 100,000 in revenue per event.
- Established refined guest journey through extensive training program.
- Ensured exceptional guest satisfaction via personal table visits and daily service reports.
Bar Manager / F&B Service Manger
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront
Edinburgh
08.2017 - 12.2021
- Spearheaded pre-opening operations, including budget presentations, forecasting, and revenue analysis.
- Directed F&B department, achieving over AED 16m in net revenue while maintaining beverage cost below 24%.
- Negotiated beverage contracts and trade deals to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
- Developed FireLake's Backyard Brunch concept, consistently attracting 160 weekly covers.
- Founded and chaired Responsible Business Committee to drive sustainability initiatives.
- Implemented waste management and recycling programs to enhance hotel environmental practices.
Bar Manager | Epicurean
Radisson Hotel Group
Edinburgh
05.2014 - 07.2017
- Oversaw the transformation of Bar Missoni into Epicurean, orchestrating a full-scale refurb & rebrand initiative in collaboration with The Gorgeous Group.
- Pioneered the introduction of Scotland's first 'Evogro' hydroponic system for in-house cultivation of herbs and established G&V as Edinburgh's first hotel to feature rooftop beehives, integrating fresh honeycomb into our F&B offerings.
- Acted as the hotel's lead representative on the Radisson Hotel Group UK Beverage Committee, playing a key role in refining beverage strategy and procurement to boost drinks profitability across UK venues.pearheaded pre-opening operations, including budget presentations, forecasting, and revenue analysis.
- Directed F&B department, achieving over AED 16m in net revenue while maintaining beverage cost below 24%.
- Negotiated beverage contracts and trade deals to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
Bar Manager | Hotel Missoni
Radisson Hotel Group
Edinburgh
09.2009 - 05.2014
- Promoted to Head of Department, managing dynamic team specializing in Italian Aperitivo culture.
- Introduced UK's first Prosecco on tap in 2009, enhancing beverage selections.
- Developed Missoni Afternoon Tea concept, merging seasonal fashion trends with culinary offerings.
- Collaborated with Creative Adviser Giorgio Locatelli to curate innovative seasonal menus and executed exclusive events at Cucina, a 2 AA Rosette-awarded Italian restaurant.
- Coordinated acclaimed cocktail masterclasses and external beverage events.
- Maintained high service quality standards across all beverage operations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Media & Communication
University of Manchester
Manchester05-2005
Skills
- Beverage inventory management
- Departmental budgeting and forecasting
- Commercial strategy
- Menu creation and development
- Cocktail and spirits expertise
- Service culture implementation
- Guest journey design
- Performance management
- People development & coaching
- Cost management and stock control
- HACCP food safety compliance
- MICROS and IIKO POS systems
Accomplishments
- Bacardi Legacy UAE Winner & Global Finals Top 3 2019
- Bar Manager of the Year, Scottish Hotel Awards 2017
- World Class UK Regional Finalist on 2015 & 2016
Certification
- Recipient of a Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland scholarship to study The Art of Executive Leadership at École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland
Timeline
Cluster F&B Manager
IHG Hotels & Resorts
02.2023 - Current
Bar & Restaurant Manager | Not Only Fish
Bulldozer Group
08.2022 - 01.2023
Restaurant & Lunge Manager | Raia
Taj Exotica Hotel & Spa, The Palm Dubai
01.2022 - 08.2022
Bar Manager / F&B Service Manger
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront
08.2017 - 12.2021
Bar Manager | Epicurean
Radisson Hotel Group
05.2014 - 07.2017
Bar Manager | Hotel Missoni
Radisson Hotel Group
09.2009 - 05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Media & Communication
University of Manchester
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