Meet the friendly face of front house, our Food & Beverage Operations Manager, Hrvoje Bagaric.

Tell us about your role…
My role as Food & Beverage Operations Manager means that I look after BABA, The Garden, and breakfast within Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel.

How long have you worked for BABA?
Wow, how time flies – it’s four years since I joined the team!

What’s your favourite thing about your job?
It is hard to name one, there are many! I enjoy running such a diverse and challenging department: big teams, different venues and requirements. I strive to be an inspirational leader and to deliver an exceptional experiences for guests on a daily basis. I enjoy supporting and training my team, which in turn, enables us to meet our goals, and to continually develop the best operational procedures and strategies. I’m proud of the positive working environment within the department – socialising and spending time together outside work, is just a cherry on the top.

What’s your proudest moment of your career?
During my 19 years of working life, there have been many proud moments – but the most memorable one is making the BABA team ‘The Best Team in IHG Hotels UK’ in 2018 and 2019.

What led you to this career and why do you love it?
Growing up in Croatia—an environment that was always highly focused on the travel industry—and working in my dad’s hospitality business set the path for my career choice. I like it because it allows me enough flexibility and provides me with a good work/life balance along with exciting opportunities for career growth.

Tell us a little bit about where you’re from.
I grew up during the civil war in Croatia and moved around a few times during that period. At the age of 28, I moved to Australia and New Zealand, focusing on my studies. Since then, I’ve travelled to more than 20 countries!

What’s your all-time favourite item on the menu and why?
It would be the lamb shoulder and haggis merguez. If you haven’t yet, give them a go – you won’t be disappointed!

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
I’d love to know how to truly live a simple, fulfilled, and meaningful life based on real values and wisdom. Then I’d be providing guidance to others in doing the same.