Community Spotlight Interview – Meet Shashi Prakash, F&B Manager
In this blog, we feature a Shashi Prakash F&B Manager interview, exploring his impressive journey through the hospitality industry. As the Food & Beverage Manager at Taymouth Castle Golf and Sport Club, Shashi shares how his upbringing influenced his career path, what drives his passion for hospitality, and his vision for a more personalised, sustainable, and people-centred future in the industry.
Tell me a bit about yourself…
I was born and raised in Jamshedpur, India, a city with a rich heritage deeply rooted in Tata Steel. Growing up in such an environment shaped my worldview significantly. I come from an academic family, and I was fortunate to have parents who supported my career ambitions without directing me down a specific path.
I chose hospitality because it’s a vibrant, ever-evolving industry that enables you to meet people from all walks of life. The opportunity to experience different cultures and the excitement of each day being unique really drew me in.
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Tell us about your career path?
I currently serve as the Food and Beverage Manager at Taymouth Castle Golf and Sport Club, a private luxury residential community. My role involves overseeing all F&B operations, ensuring exceptional service standards, and delivering a seamless experience for our members.
In addition to daily operations, I’m responsible for staff training and development, stock management, health and safety compliance, and cost control. One of the highlights of my role is curating our wine programme—carefully selecting and pairing wines to elevate our dining experiences.
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What drives your passion and keeps you motivated?
My passion is fuelled by a combination of creativity, connection, and continuous learning. A few key motivators include:
- Creating memorable experiences – There’s immense satisfaction in seeing members enjoy a thoughtfully curated meal.
- Passion for wine and gastronomy – Curating wine selections allows me to indulge my interests in pairing and staying ahead of industry trends.
- Developing and leading a team – Mentoring team members and watching them flourish is incredibly rewarding.
- Pushing for excellence – I’m constantly striving to improve service standards and guest satisfaction.
Is there an achievement or moment that you are most proud of?
One of my proudest career achievements was launching a curated wine programme at Fonab Castle. I spent countless hours researching, tasting, and collaborating with the culinary team to ensure each pairing enhanced the guest experience.
The moment guests began to recognise the attention to detail, and the staff started sharing that passion, it felt truly fulfilling.
I’m also proud to have been recognised in the UK’s Top 100 Sommeliers in 2024, and as a Semi-Finalist for Restaurant Manager of the Year and a quarter-finalist for Sommelier of the Year.
Have you faced any significant challenges in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Yes, challenges have definitely shaped my journey. One early challenge was adjusting to the fast-paced demands of luxury hospitality management. Initially, balancing high guest expectations, team leadership, and seamless operations was overwhelming.
I quickly realised the importance of staying organised, prioritising effectively, and maintaining composure under pressure. Developing a structured system helped me gain control and confidence, which made all the difference.
What does the future of hospitality look like to you?
The hospitality industry is evolving quickly, and I believe the future will be shaped by five key trends:
- Hyper-personalisation and experiential dining – Guests are seeking immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences.
- Sustainability at the forefront – Diners care deeply about environmental impact, and the industry must respond responsibly.
- Technology-driven service – Innovation will continue to streamline operations and enhance the guest journey.
- Investing in people and talent development – The future relies on nurturing professionals through better training and improved work-life balance.
- A return to genuine hospitality – No matter the advancements in tech, the heart of hospitality will always lie in making people feel truly welcome.
The future is exciting, and I’m proud to be part of an industry that continually progresses while staying true to its core values.
Read more community spotlight interviews here.