Meet Chris Tomlinson
Hospitality is a people-first industry. Success comes not just from great food, beautiful rooms, or a carefully curated wine list, but from the relationships built with teams, suppliers, and the local community.
Few people understand this better than Chris Tomlinson FIH, who has spent more than 18 years carving out a career across some of the UK’s most exciting and challenging hospitality venues.
From transforming boutique hotels to building wine lists that customers care about, Chris believes strong relationships are the foundation of any thriving hospitality business.
Finding His Path in Hospitality
Chris’s career in hospitality, like many, started by chance. He studied Hospitality Management in Manchester as an exciting alternative to the Geography degree he initially signed up for; initially unsure if this was the right industry for him. Family and friends often suggested “more stable” careers, asking why he didn’t choose something more traditional, like accountancy.
But Chris stuck with hospitality. Over time, he began to treat it as a true career, learning from the ups and downs along the way.
He recalls a time early in his career when he was reluctant to work during the Christmas period, as at the time, this was ‘not normal’ to him.
“I had to rethink my attitude”, he admits. “Now I’ve worked nearly every Christmas since, and I enjoy it. There’s something special about sharing that time with guests and a great team.”
Creating a positive working environment became his priority, making sure that while the team worked hard, they also enjoyed what they were doing. “That positivity always resonates with guests,” he says. “If your team is happy, your guests will feel it too.”
Rising Through the Ranks
Starting at The Palace Hotel, Buxton, where Chris initially trained, he quickly gained a promotion.
Chris’s first big role was as an Operations Manager at The Bella Luce Hotel, Restaurant & Spa in the Channel Islands, where one standout moment was that he helped transform the hotel from a 3 Black Star AA rating to 4 Red Stars — the prestigious “Inspectors’ Choice” award — in just two and a half years.
The transformation, which included refining the menu and wine list, was one of the fastest recorded by the AA.
“That was when hospitality became really exciting for me”, Chris says.
The Power of Community and Teamwork
Chris firmly believes that hospitality is a team effort.
“Hierarchy matters, but the best hospitality leaders will tell you they’re nobody without the right team”, he explains.
This philosophy guided his work at Rothay Garden in Grasmere, a luxurious boutique hotel that played a big role in the local community.
“We weren’t just a hotel; we were a significant employer in the village. Being part of that community was vital”, he says.
One New Year’s Eve, a PA system supplier failed to deliver at the last minute, leaving the evening’s fireworks celebration at risk. Thanks to Chris’s relationships in the village, a local electrician, Andrew, stepped in with a PA system from the village hall within half an hour.
“None of that would’ve happened without building genuine connections — and not the kind that are done just for social media likes”, Chris notes.
Why Supplier Relationships Matter
A couple of years ago, at Rothay Garden, Chris started working at a hotel that had seen some turbulent times. One of his priorities was to rebuild relationships with suppliers, including EWGA Wines, who had supplied the hotel for over 30 years.
“Within half an hour of meeting Adrian from EWGA, I knew we’d work well together”, Chris says. “It’s about mutual respect — a good partnership works both ways.”
Together, they revamped the wine list, cutting it from 200+ wines of the past but improving it from the tatters it had become to settle at around 100 bins to remove overlaps and streamline the offering. They kept reliable favourites like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Montrachet, and classic Bordeaux, and added some hidden gems like a White Rioja, Albariño, and Fiano.
“We created a clever list — structured, modern, and exciting for guests, but still commercially viable”, Chris explains.
Training was also a key part of the partnership. Adrian personally visited the hotel to train staff, sharing stories and passion for the wines.
“When your team knows and loves the products they’re serving, it makes all the difference to the guest experience”, Chris says.
Chris also highlights EWGA’s supportive team:
- Janette, the Sales Director, who brings deep knowledge and proactive advice.
- Charlotte in the office, who ensures everything runs smoothly.
- Drivers who know your venue, ensuring deliveries arrive exactly when and where they’re needed, always with a friendly smile!
Even EWGA’s commitment to sustainability, with initiatives like electric van deliveries, aligned with Chris’s values and vision for the hotel.
What Makes a Great Partnership
“Your supplier needs to listen to you — but you need to listen to them too”, Chris explains.
“It’s about creating something together, an experience for the guest. Not just selling a product or service at the highest price possible.”
The collaboration with EWGA is a perfect example of this. Their sale-or-return support, regular deliveries and ability to balance quality with commercial needs made it easier for Chris to manage stock and cash flow without compromising the guest experience.
This led to cutting the stock holding value to a third of what Chris inherited, releasing cash back into the business, reducing stock days to an average of 28-32, ensuring healthy rotation and streamlining the ordering process.
Chris’s Advice for Hospitality Professionals
- Invest in people, not just products. “The best businesses are people-focused. Work with those who care about what they do and inspire those who don’t yet realise it.”
- Learn from your team. “Everyone brings something valuable to the table — even your junior staff.”
- Build real relationships. “Whether it’s your suppliers or your community, those connections will carry you through tough times and make the best times better.”
Beyond Hotels: Chris’s Current Work
Today, Chris works as a hospitality consultant, helping venues fine-tune every aspect of their operations, from front-of-house service and guest experience to financial strategy and food and beverage management.
Chris is also the founder of YUMS Networking, a respected network for hospitality and tourism professionals. YUMS is more than just another networking event; it’s a trusted space where suppliers, entrepreneurs, and business owners can build real, lasting relationships.
Through face-to-face and online events, YUMS helps members connect, share knowledge, and find partnerships that truly strengthen their businesses. Their next event takes place on Tuesday, August 26th, offering another opportunity for like-minded professionals to collaborate and grow. More details here.
Alongside his wife Hannah, a leading event organiser, Chris also runs TradeShowsUK. This initiative celebrates and champions regional industries across the UK by bringing businesses together through events filled with value, collaboration, and fun. Their first major success, the Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show, highlighted the incredible businesses behind the hospitality sector, from food and drink producers to accommodation suppliers and attractions. Following its success, TradeShowsUK has grown to create even more opportunities for regional industries to shine.
From my conversation with Chris, it was clear he is genuinely passionate about these projects. He sees YUMS and TradeShowsUK as more than just platforms for networking; they are communities built on authenticity, trust, and shared passion. Chris does a remarkable job of handpicking the people he works with, ensuring that every connection made through these initiatives is valuable.
Closing Thoughts
For Chris, hospitality is all about the people.
“If you surround yourself with the right team and the right partners, you can achieve great things”, he says.
“Relationships — whether with your staff, your suppliers, or your guests — are the real difference-makers.”
