The Big Interview It has been two years since Emma Tagg left Norfolk and The Hoste Arms to raise her young family in Lincolnshire with her husband Chris. She is now back as one of the Directors of Barefoot Retreats, a new holiday company offering luxury self-catering holidays and short breaks in some of the very best houses Norfolk has to offer … KL MAGAZINE: Tell us a little about your background... EMMA TAGG: I started work as a part-time waitress at the Lifeboat Inn in Thornham, and that’s where I met Paul Whittome, who suggested I go and work for him in Burnham Market. This was 1989 and Paul had just purchased a run-down themed pub, which he built up over the next 20 years to become one of the country’s most renowned hotels and restaurants. It was, of course, The Hoste Arms, and the influx of Londoners who flocked to Burnham Market resulted in the village being affectionately nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea. I started as a housekeeper and gradually worked my way up to the position of Managing Director. After Paul passed away in 2010, I continued to work for his wife Jeanne, but when it was taken over two years later, I took a career break to have my two young children. I’m now ready for a new challenge and have recently launched Barefoot Retreats with my two fellow Directors, Annelli Taylor and Helen Millin, which markets laid-back luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Norfolk.
KL MAGAZINE: What’s the most rewarding part of your job? EMMA TAGG: Barefoot Retreats is ultimately offering guests a boutique hotel experience in a luxury selfcatering property. I’ll personally ensure the same high standards that I’ve always strived for and delivered are reflected in both the standard of property, the service we provide and the experience our guests and homeowners will enjoy, whether renting or letting a property through Barefoot.
Emma Tagg
KL MAGAZINE: What do you consider to have been your greatest achievement? EMMA TAGG: Being a mum is undoubtedly my greatest achievement! However, I am very proud that I managed The Hoste Arms with my exhusband Andrew McPherson for over 20 years. Little did I realise that when I accepted the job from Paul, I would one day become the Managing Director of such an amazing and iconic hotel. KL MAGAZINE: What have you learned from your work? EMMA TAGG: If you’re not prepared to do something yourself, then don’t ask someone else to do it. I’ve always been very hands-on and I think you get more out of your team if you are.
KL MAGAZINE: What do you like best about Norfolk? EMMA TAGG: The people! Norfolk is wonderfully unspoilt with beautiful beaches and great places to eat. We’re really spoilt for choice with so much local fresh produce from the land and sea. Born and bred in Norfolk, it is and always will be a huge part of my life.
Co-Director, Barefoot Retreats
KL MAGAZINE: What does your dayto-day role entail? EMMA TAGG: My role at Barefoot Retreats involves talking to owners who want to bring their holiday homes to our portfolio and guests who are looking for a more upmarket luxury self-catering holiday break. Barefoot offers a renovation, design and styling service, so if you’re a homeowner we can help you to
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maximise your income and take away any hassle associated with renting out your home. As guests we can match you with the holiday property of your dreams and create an experience that ensures you won’t forget it either – Barefoot will go that extra mile for you through our concierge service. KL MAGAZINE: What are the biggest issues facing women in business today? EMMA TAGG: I think it’s always difficult for women to juggle home and work life successfully. I sometimes found this hard while I was working at The Hoste Arms – but whatever I do I’ve always made sure I’ve given it at least 110%!
KL MAGAZINE: In your free time how do you like to relax? EMMA TAGG: I love spending time with my family, and on a perfect day I would grab a picnic, head to either Brancaster or Wells, kick off my shoes and feel the sand between my toes. In the winter I love nothing better than enjoying a bowl of mussels beside a roaring fire at a local pub – I particularly love The Duck Inn at Stanhoe!
KLmagazine January 2015