Legends, Icons & Celebrity Episodes

Six years ago, Robert Richardson joined me on Hospitality Meets for the very first time. Back then, he was a hotel General Manager with a passion for people, wondering what the next chapter might look like. Neither of us could have predicted what came next. Fast forward six years, and Robert returns to the show as CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, leading a global professional body with more than 17,000 members, overseeing record membership growth, driving the Institute's Charter ambition,...

What do a biochemist, a Chinese mansion house, Heathrow Airport, 250 burger restaurants, a pub turnaround, student accommodation, retirement living, and more than a few bottles of Mao Tai have in common? This week's guest... Duncan Garrood. And trust me... You're going to want to hear this one. Duncan's career began in a laboratory as a scientist with a PhD in Biochemistry. It then took him through Unilever, a decade living in China, Heathrow Airport, the Middle East, Punch Taverns, Bill's ...

Still Building Born in a hotel, thrown out of university Built the UK’s biggest hospitality recruitment business, Lost control of it, Lost his driving licence, Broke his back. You'd think this was a lesson in how not to do it? But far from it! This week on Hospitality Meets, I sit down with Roddy Watt, recruitment pioneer, hotel strategist, owner of one almighty black book and living proof that setbacks are not full stops, they’re commas. In This Episode Why most careers start by accident ...

To watch this episode, head to https://youtu.be/tMghGC2VZMo This week, we’re in one of the stunning bedrooms at Corinthia London, talking to a man whose story genuinely feels like a film. Simon Casson, now CEO of Corinthia Hotels and former President EMEA at Four Seasons, was once told at 15 that he was a failure, that his education was over, and that he should “learn to fix cars or join the army” He went home devastated. His mum came back from a bar shift, wrapped her arms around him and said...

In this entertaining and insightful episode, I joined David Cochrane, the CEO of HIT Scotland (https://hitscotland.co.uk/), who shares his incredible journey through the hospitality industry. From his early days as a chef (with a few kitchen disasters) to leading a transformative organisation, David offers a mix of heartfelt wisdom, career insights, and laugh-out-loud moments. The conversation covers the importance of hospitality education, the camaraderie of the industry, and some unforgettable...

Summary: Join Phil as he welcomes the exceptional Martin Traynor OBE, Chair of the Institute of Hospitality and a prominent figure in hospitality and public service. This episode is rich with light hearted anecdotes and humorous reflections, giving listeners a delightful yet informative glimpse into Martin's illustrious career and unique experiences! Highlights: The Meaning Behind OBE: Martin reveals his wife's humorous take on his prestigious honour Shoe Mishap with the King: A hilarious rec...

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Podmas everyone! 🎅🎁 Prepare to unwrap something truly special this Christmas Day as our gift to you is an episode packed with culinary genius and a sprinkle of laughter! Join me as I sat down with the hilariously insightful Daniel Clifford, the proud owner of the two Michelin starred Midsummer House (https://midsummerhouse.co.uk/) and a treasure trove of unforgettable stories! 🎙️ Episode Highlights: 1. Ho Ho Hospitable Hiccups: Picture this: Daniel decides to take a break and le...

Well, have I got an absolute feast for your ears today! I welcomed the incomparable Kate Austen to the show. Kate is a culinary maven whose journey from a kitchen newbie has taken her on to become the youngest ever 2 Michelin Starred Female head chef and the First Female to win the main course at the awesomeness that is, The Great British Menu. Join us as we dive into Kate's hilarious anecdotes, heartfelt reflections, and invaluable industry insights. 🍴 Highlights of the Episode: 1. From "Naïv...

Hospitality Meets - Episode 200 Welcome to the 200th episode of "Hospitality Meets"! In this landmark celebration, we delve into some of the best bits from the last 100 episodes including the extravagant tales, pivotal moments, missteps and inspiring journeys shared by our incredible guests. Each story is a testament to the laughter, dedication, creativity, and resilience inherent in the world of hospitality. What you can expect in this episode (Bed in, it's epic!):- Eddy Tannous haircut disa...

In this lively episode, I sat down with the multifaceted The Rt Honourable The Viscount Thurso, also known as quite simply, John (Watch how I blunder that at the beginning). This episode takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride through John's unconventional career, filled with hilarious anecdotes, unique experiences, and invaluable leadership insights. From mastering the art of hospitality to navigating the political landscape, John shares his wisdom with a touch of humour that makes this episode...

On this weeks Hospitality Meets I was able to get some time with one of my food heroes, Galton Blackiston, Chef Patron of the quite wonderful Morston Hall. He shares his fascinating journey and insights from and amazing career in the hospitality industry so far. Galton takes us through his early days, starting as a kitchen trainee in the Lake District without any formal culinary education. He reminisces about the tough yet rewarding experience that ultimately led him to become a head chef after...

In this weeks Hospitality Meets, we have a very special guest - Sally Abé, renowned chef and author who has recently released her memoir - A woman's place is in the kitchen. Throughout her career, Sally has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the UK, including the Savoy, Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, and the Ledbury. She's here to share her journey, from working as a waitress in golf clubs and bars to becoming a junior sous chef and eventually the head chef at the Harwood Arms...

You'll most likely know today's guest as Co-Founder of Honest Burgers but he's been working away on something transformative and has also Co-Founded another business in the form of Pineapple described as "future proofing hospitality through people data and research". I am of course talking about Philip Eeles. Philip is high on energy from the outset and to the backdrop of his balcony in Brighton, and a Gin & Tonic, we set to getting through his rather wonderful story. There's so much to love, ...

On a sunny Monday morning, a few minutes out of a busy lunch service, I somehow managed to get some time with legendary chef and restaurateur Phil Howard, Chef Patron of the Michelin Starred Elystan Street and co founder of Notto. From the off, it's easy to see why Phil is described as the "Chef's Chef", just get him talking about food and the conversation is easy. He has had one hell of a journey to this point and we cover:- Who is Phil Howard? The changing face of the London food scene Get...

Goodness, have I got a beast of a chat for you this week. After much "toing and froing" of diaries, I finally got some time with one of the Pre-Eminent Hoteliers of our time, all round legend David Taylor, CEO of Lore Group. And I really don't know where to begin with this chat as there were so many wonderful takeaways both in story terms and some general career and business learning. It's an epic chat and we get through loads including:- Boarding school A hotel glimpse Being bold Taking ...

Another treat for you this week as I got some time with the walking industry legend that is Peter Hancock. Peter has had a wonderful career so far and is one of the most respected people within hospitality, now plying his trade as a public speaker and MC extraordinaire. We chat about:- The Changing face of the mid life crisis The unplanned start Quick Promotion Moving to Hotels Publishing Evolution Pride of Britain Getting into speaking Having a laugh Being a MasterChef eater Hospita...

To say I was a little excited to get today's guest on would be the understatement of 2023. I was so delighted to get some time with total industry legend, and all round top bloke, Robin Hutson OBE - Chairman of Home Grown Hotels. Home Grown hotels look after such well known brands The Pig & Limewood. The conversation is full from start to finish and he does not disappoint as we get through:- The Pig Distractions Going to college with no real plan Acing college Savoy Management programme T...

Another belter for you this week as I got some time with Masterchef: The Professionals champion 2022, Nikita Pathakji. One of the the joys of that competition is that it gives chefs of all levels the opportunity to compete against each other, with Nikita winning the competition whilst at Junior Sous Chef level. Her career has of course accelerated since then which we cover in our chat. We also get through:- Using brownies to get out of University Moving to London Finger sandwiches Moving to...

A big hearty welcome back to every one of you and we are kicking off season 4 in style! I was lucky enough to get some time in the more than hectic diary of rockstar chef and restaurateur Adam Handling (https://www.adamhandling.co.uk/). Not only did he make time for me, but he did it on the day he launched Eve Bar (https://www.evebar.co.uk/) to add into his 3 other amazing places - The 1 Michelin starred Frog by Adam Handling, Ugly Butterfly in Cornwall and Loch & Tyne in Old Windsor. A more p...

To round off your digital meal this week, for your dessert (he had to be the dessert really) I chat to Benoit Blin, Chef Pattisier at Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons and TV Judge from Bake off: The Professionals. We get through:- Winter in Le Manoir The Pastry Section Born to be in Pastry Committed parents Learning bread Changing perceptions The Financier The process of pastry Creating new dishes Learning the classic basics Bakers Shop to Restaurant to Hotel The Ritz Paris Being bad at ...

In the second of our three chats this week (The main course), I was lucky enough to get some time with the absolutely awe inspiring and industry icon that is Raymond Blanc, Chef Patron at Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons, founder of Brasserie Blanc, author of several books and of course, TV personality extraordinaire. The chat is laden with gold including:- Inclusive luxury The many strings to Raymond's Bow Family & Values Humble beginnings An early understanding of food Le Manoir and future ev...

Well, have I got a belter for you this week (I mean, they're all belters of course). I got some time with superstar that is Alexander Schneider, President of Nikki Beach Global's Hotel division (https://nikkibeach.com/) And this chat does not disappoint and whatever stage you are at in your career, there is gold for you here. We get through:- Building a brand according to the market Customisation v Standardisation Being authentic The McDonald's effect The changing face of travel Startin...

There won't be many people the UK hospitality scene who haven't heard of today's guest, and if you haven't, then have I got a treat for you. I chat to none other than award winning HR legend Sean Wheeler, now running his own consultancy. Sean has had one hell of a career so far having worked with many recognisable brands. We chat through his epic journey and get through:- Marlow Avoiding Academia Getting on a management training programme Moving to Coffee shops Miss Selfridge TGI Friday’...

This week’s episode is brought to you in partnership with Zero Procure who are here to make procurement simple, offering great value and quality for products and services, all for zero cost. Just click on this link or visit their site at www.zeroprocure.com/podcast to help support both this podcast and your business. I don't really know where to begin with this weeks guest. I was welcomed to the (rather beautiful) Mayfair Townhouse (https://www.themayfairtownhouse.com/), part of Iconic Luxury H...