Hardings | Meet the team

Meet the team

	DEAN HARDING, DIRECTOR Dean trained as a chef at Brighton College for 2 years before starting work at The Queens Hotel as a Trainee Sous Chef. His career took a different path in 1988 when he joined International Casinos as a Croupier where he quickly became an Inspector. Whilst at the Casino he also continued his work as a Chef and in 1997 left and together with 2 other friends opened a Squash & Health Club called ‘Willows’ within the Sussex County Cricket Ground. This was successful for 2 years however in 1999 he was asked by Phil Bell, the new General Manager at Brighton Racecourse, to operate the bars at the Racecourse. Dean has since worked tirelessly to turn Hardings into Sussex’s most Premier Caterer.
	DARREN HARDING, FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Darren joined Hardings as Financial Controller soon after it’s inception in 1999. From fairly modest beginnings he has overseen the introduction of accounts & payroll systems for the company. His background has always been in accounts & cashiering from his first job in 1984 right through running his own Bookkeeping company during the 1990’s to the start of Hardings. He enjoys the diversity of his position and the opportunity not always to be “desk bound”.
	SCOTT BOWMAN, DIRECTOR Originally from Angus, Scott has been involved primarily in the casino and entertainment sector all his life. After his first spell in Brighton he spent three years working offshore for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines before moving to Prague in 1990 where he operated a chain of Casinos on behalf of the Balnex group. He returned to Brighton in 2001, and has been with Hardings since then. As a Director his main role is the smooth running of the Hove Centre, which caters for Council meetings, Boxing events, Weddings & Conferences.
	ADAM BRINE, CATERING & EVENTS MANAGER Adam has over 20 years of international experience having worked in Zimbabwe, South Africa, The Channel Islands, UK and the USA. One of the newest members of the “Hardings family”, Adam has worked most recently for Marriott Hotels and also at the prestigious golf course, St Mellion Golf & Country Club in Cornwall. Adam “brings to the table” a wealth of experience in event & catering management and loves the adrenaline rush of executing fantastic functions and delivering first class and personal service.
	BILL WATKINS, CATERING & EVENTS MANAGER Bill has a wealth of experience and is a highly versatile & competent Events & Operations Manager. His first prestigious appointment was Deputy General Manager at the Café Royal in London where he organised functions for all client sectors up to 2500 guests. He has also been a City Director for Compass & South East England Operations Manager for Letherby & Christopher. He started with Hardings in 2003 as Operations Manager at Sussex County Cricket Club and has been an invaluable member of the team ever since.
	SAM HARDING, BARS & CELLAR MANAGER Sam joined Hardings at 14 working as a Kitchen Porter & Glass Collector. He counted down the days to his 18th birthday to be able to complete his first “bar” shift. He holds a Personal Licence and is an invaluable member of the Hardings team. He has been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the back of house department, ensuring all functions are properly stocked and set-up. Sam was promoted to Bars & Cellar Manager in November 2011 and is relishing his new role which covers all of the bars provided by Hardings as well as the bar stock for all of the Hospitality suites at both Brighton & Fontwell Park Racecourses.
	BEN HARDING, SENIOR CHEF Ben also joined Hardings at 14 working as a Kitchen Porter & Glass Collector. When he turned 18 he began doing bar work but decided the kitchen was more to his liking and began training as a Chef in 2005. He initially started by making up Sandwich Platters and Finger Buffets but has worked very hard to now be in a position to run the kitchen for any catering for up to 1000 guests. He deputises for our Head Chef in his absence by organising staff, all functions and taking care of the ordering. Ben supervises most Racedays at Fontwell Park Racecourse, where he organises the Hospitality & Public catering for up to 5000 guests.
	MATT GRAY, SUPERVISOR Matt is the sole original survivor of Hardings first Raceday at Brighton Racecourse in 1999. He too holds a Personal Licence and together with Sam is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the back of house department. He also takes care of the smooth running of the cafes for all of our venues and takes immense pride in their appearance. He is able to work in any role within Hardings, from back of house, bar, cafes and even Silver Service.