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Graham Chalmers

Curator, Radisson Red

Hospitality Health has caught up with Graham Chalmers, Curator at Glasgow’s Radisson Red, located by the river Clyde. Its Skybar is a favourite meeting place not just in the summer , but all year long. Thanks for the fundraising during Lockdown, it is much appreciated. Here are Grahams answers.

  • What was your favourite subject at school? Biology – I had a great teacher who was inspiring and fun. She struck the balance between firm and fair and was engaging with all pupils.
  • What was your first job? I worked as a silver service banquet waiter at the Strathaven Hotel from the age of 16 throughout school and then university progressing into the restaurant, bar and kitchen also.
  • Which is your favouriterestaurant /hotel? I have a love of Italy having gotten engaged and then married in Tuscany. My favourite accommodation rather than hotel is called Aia Mattonata, a beautiful Relais in Siena, Italy the owners excel in customer service and have been recognised for this with numerous industry awards. My favourite restaurant is called Ristorante Da Luciano in Passignano sul Trasimeno, Italy – stunning view across the lake and stunning fresh fish.
  • How do you inspire your team I try to lead from the front, working the floor and within each of the departments in the hotel to have an understanding of the mechanics and challenges they face to enable me to support better. I host a monthly family gathering for all staff to attend and ask questions or make suggestions to allow everyone the opportunity to be seen and heard.
  • Which person in hospitality have you most admired / inspired you?My General Manager at One Devonshire Gardens inspired me greatly with his strong work ethic. He was always accessible and visible especially on peak days and special events and took the time to engage with the team and invest in our development.
  • How do you manage your stress levels? I find the best way to manage my stress levels is by sharing any challenges with a close colleague or one of the many mentors I’m fortunate enough to have to help get perspective. In addition, sleep and exercise help.
  • Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – and why? Instagram – a picture says a 1000 words!
  • If you had not gone into hospitality, where do you
    think you would be now?     Possibly a teacher. I have always been relatively good with young people due to my energetic and young at heart approach. I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the old Culinary Excellence program ran by Glasgow City Council and enjoy developing people.
  • What did you do on your last days off? Went with my wife and 10 month old daughter for breakfast in the morning, a family walk with the dogs in the afternoon and then cooked Sunday dinner with a bottle of wine and listened to our last Guilty Pleasures Live Stream from the Sky Bar.
  • What do you do to relax, to support your wellbeing? Countryside walks with my 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks early in the morning helps clear and focus the mind and try to limit the amount of time I spend on social media and work emails when off duty (which is a challenge).