Master Innholders Community Spotlight - Anastasia Barnes

We've recently been speaking with members of the Master Innholders community to find out more about their hospitality careers, what working in hospitality means to them, as well as what they are doing currently to give back to the industry as part of their work.

This week, we spoke to Anastasia Barnes, Operations Manager at Padstow Harbour Hotel and current student on the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma, who talked to us about what she’s learnt from her time on the programme so far, as well as recent trends she is seeing in operations management and beyond.

As someone currently studying the Aspiring Leaders Diploma, what made you apply for the programme in the first place?

I have followed the Master Innholders for a while and had worked under several General Managers who are Master Innholders themselves, so the programme had been on my radar for a couple of years. I finally felt I was at a stage in my career where I was ready to take the next step. The modules fit perfectly with the areas I wanted to develop, and I knew they would help broaden my knowledge and support my progression within the industry. I also really wanted the opportunity to connect and network with others at a similar point in their careers.

You are now several months into the Aspiring Leaders programme — what has been your biggest takeaway from your studies so far?

It has genuinely re-ignited my love for the industry. Visiting exceptional hotels as part of the programme has only strengthened my passion to keep progressing. Each module feels meaningful and immediately applicable, I find myself returning to my hotel with new ideas and thinking about what changes or improvements we can make. The marketing module in particular really stood out to me; it opened my eyes to the crucial relationship between operational teams and marketing, and how easily that connection can be overlooked.

For those looking to apply for the Aspiring Leaders Diploma next year, what advice would you give them?

You won’t regret it! My biggest piece of advice is to be yourself in the interviews, they’re looking for genuine, passionate people who want to learn and make the most of the programme. Definitely research your interviewers too; understanding who they are shows commitment and will help you feel more confident. This course is designed for people who want to expand their knowledge, so while it’s good to highlight your strengths, make sure you also express what you’re excited to learn and why.

You are currently the Operations Manager at Padstow Harbour Hotel. Are there any operational ideas or initiatives you’ve introduced recently that you’re particularly proud of?

In this role, I’ve focused on making small, incremental changes that collectively have a big impact. When I joined, I spent time understanding how the hotel operated before implementing any new ideas. My proudest achievement so far has been developing the F&B team, including supporting one of our standout waitresses to begin an apprenticeship so she can progress her career and build her knowledge. Being able to inspire and empower the team to look toward their own development has been incredibly rewarding.

What recent trends have most influenced operations management at Padstow Harbour Hotel?

Recruitment continues to be a major influence on day-to-day operations. If housekeeping is short-staffed, I’m in there helping; if reception is recruiting, I support that process. That’s what I love about this role, being able to support every department and create initiatives that genuinely improve their working experience.

We’ve also noticed an increase in very last-minute bookings, often on the same day, which can be challenging when rotas are built around predicted occupancy or covers. But building a team that enjoys coming to work has made a huge difference. There’s a real understanding that we support each other, which helps us navigate these fluctuations smoothly.