Operators Episodes

Whilst out and about on my travels, I was introduced to today's guest by previous guest, powerhouse Rachel Thomson (Episode 176). So it was great to sit down with Tim Hobern, the founder of Dovetail Bars, to talk about his wild and unexpected journey from bartender to bar owner to entrepreneur shaping London’s cocktail scene. From opening London’s smallest bar to launching a Leicester Square hotspot in just 72 sleepless hours, Tim shares the thrills, challenges, and lessons of building a hosp...

This weeks episode of Hospitality Meets is a rollercoaster of inspiration, resilience, and comedy, featuring the incredible journey of Rizwan Khan, General Manager at Junsei. From his accidental dive into hospitality to becoming one of the youngest GMs in Mayfair, Rizwan shares stories of perseverance, leadership, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. Key Takeaways: Life is a Marathon, Not a Sprint – Rizwan views hospitality as a never-ending relay race where each generation passe...

Hold onto your wine glasses, folks; this episode is a roller coaster of laughs, heart warming tales, and high-flying business ventures! I welcomed back Andrew Fishwick, CEO of Hestia and an irrepressible entrepreneur with a penchant for fun and "pulling wool over everyone’s eyes"—literally (Read on)! 🐑 Episode Highlights: 🎓 Academic Rivalries: Andrew’s fresh from bagging a master's degree, but the real academic battle royale? A playful showdown with his wife, who’s plunging into a doctorate! ...

Welcome to an hilarious and insightful episode of Hospitality Meets! In this episode I got to sit down with Linden Beattie, the lively General Manager of Downhall Hotel, Spa, and Estate and AA Hotel of the Year 2024🌟🌟🌟 Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through Linden's journey from aspiring RAF recruit to hospitality aficionado, peppered with laughs, wisdom, and eye-opening industry insights. Episode Highlights: 1. The Unexpected Career Turn: 🌟RAF Rejection: Discover how an 18-year-old Linde...

Summary: This week, Phil sits down with master baker and founder of Bread Ahead (https://www.breadahead.com), Matthew Jones for an episode packed with laughter and life lessons. From cheeky kitchen pranks to the transformative power of baking, Matthew’s stories offer a delightful mix of humour and heartfelt insights. Get ready to be entertained by tales of culinary chaos and inspired by Matthew’s journey from pastry novice to successful bakery mogul. Highlights of the Episode: Pastry Work and M...

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 and insightful episode of "Hospitality Meets," I welcomed the ever-engaging Conor O'Leary, the Managing Director at the iconic Gleneagles Hotel. Buckle up for a mix of humour, wild anecdotes, and invaluable career lessons as Conor takes us on his remarkable journey through the world of hospitality! Highlights from the Episode: From Tokyo Dreams to Dubai Realities: Conor shares his career trajectory, initially planning a move to Tokyo but ultimately finding himself in the bustlin...

Today, we have a remarkable guest joining us — Claire Llewellin-Davis, the dynamic Managing Director of The Lensbury. Claire's journey is a fascinating tale of resilience, adaptability, and bold career moves. ✨ In This Episode: Adventures in Language and Lands From studying languages in France and Germany to teaching in Japan, Claire's story kicks off with vibrant globe-trotting adventures that would make even Carmen Sandiego jealous. Military Makeover Learn how Claire transitioned to military...

😂 Episode Summary: Have you ever wondered how you can meet Kiefer Sutherland, dodge recruitment woes, and still run one of the world's most historic hotels? Well, grab your aprons and notepads because Franck Arnold, MD of The Savoy, spills the beans (and maybe some champagne!) in this rib-tickling yet insight-packed episode. Spoiler alert: It's not all afternoon tea and cucumber sandwiches (Shame) 🍸 🗣️ Key Takeaways: Four-Day Fantasy or Reality? - Ever dreamed of a four-day work week? Franck r...

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Simon Numphud, the dynamic Managing Director of AA Media. Join us as we delve into Simon's fascinating journey through the hospitality industry, from his humble beginnings in catering college to becoming a leading figure in the industry. In this episode, Simon shares candid anecdotes about the less glamorous side of constant travel and dining, the rigours of maintaining fitness, and the humorous misconceptions his children have about his job. We discu...

Welcome back to Hospitality Meets where today we have a special treat as we sit down with none other than James Brown (no, not the legendary blues singer - Highly original and never been used before joke) the dynamic CEO of Brewdog's bar division as well as being the co-founder of Tipjar. Join us as James takes us through his remarkable journey, from his humble beginnings at a chip shop in rural Scotland to leading Brewdog’s international bar operations. We'll dive into the fun and innovative cu...

Today, on Hospitality Meets, we dive deep into the fascinating career journey of Phil Murphy, the Managing Director at Hoar Cross Hall Hotel & Spa. Starting his career in leisure and fitness, and facing numerous challenges, including personal tragedy and the unforeseen impact of Covid-19, Phil demonstrates the resilience and dedication required to thrive in the hospitality industry. From restructuring a large spa facility to overseeing a landmark hotel, Phil shares valuable insights into leader...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Hospitality Meets, the podcast where we delve into the inspiring journeys of the industry's most dedicated professionals. Today, I sit down with Guillaume Marly, Managing Director at Hotel Café Royal. Guillaume's remarkable career in hospitality, influenced by early aspirations in the military and an unwavering commitment to excellent service, has led to transformative successes in some of London's most prestigious hotels. In this episode, Guillaume s...

Sometimes the guest chooses you and they don't even know it. I'd been a fan of the work that today's guest had been doing for quite some time so I was beyond thrilled when she said a big Essex yes to coming on the show. I'm joined by the dynamic and Epic Shereen Ritchie, CEO of Buns from Home. Shereen shares her incredible journey in the hospitality industry, emphasising the importance of authenticity, embracing one's uniqueness, and the value of entry-level roles in nurturing future leaders. ...

Today's special episode features an engaging conversation with the quite wonderful Jason E. Brooks, a seasoned expert in the restaurant industry and the author of the transformative book "Every Leader Needs Followers." Phil, delves into Jason's innovative strategies for integrating new hires, his methodology for effective leadership, and the crucial shift from managing to leading a team. Jason sheds light on his book’s five keys, encapsulated in the acronym MODEL, and further expands on the impo...

This week on Hospitality Meets, we had the incredible privilege to sit down with Natasha Robinson, a torchbearer for a storied legacy in the restaurant industry. Natasha’s deep-rooted connection to hospitality comes from a lineage spanning generations, with her parents standing out as boundary-pushing restaurateurs. From her upbringing amidst the bustling energy of family restaurants to her contemporary role guiding young talents, Natasha’s journey is awe-inspiring! We cover January Changing ...

Today marks the end of season 5 of the show and we are signing off with a bang. I welcomed Hamish Anderson to the show, CEO of Tate Enterprises. This episode was a totally joyous education from the outset and represents another wonderful corner of the industry, where art and hospitality collide, in glorious fashion (Have I just inadvertently written a tagline for next years fashion week?). Hamish is brilliant, he oozes effortless passion for hospitality all the way through and with some crackin...

Another treat for you this week as I got some time with the wonderful Zoe Watts, Managing Director of Bennett Hay Zoe's rise to MD has seen her take in some quite amazing places to work. In addition to her journey we also get through:- Exploring being a nurse The BHS Coffee Shop Off to Uni Beefeater Restaurants Savill garden Restaurant Becoming a GM The people who see something in you The Royal Society of Arts Tate Events The Adaptability of Hospitality Meetings with Royalty The mov...

On a cold January day in 2024, I whisked myself off to enjoy the hospitality offered by the wonderful Tej Walia, Managing Director of Foxhills Collection. Whilst there, Tej and I had a chat about his career story so far, and what a story it is too. We get through:- Golf Hotel Management as 2nd choice Working through the departments Impatience The foundation years Guernsey Sweating Hilton Confidence and leadership The Many forms of Mentoring Fawsley Hall Dartington estate Foxhills ...

I properly love the people this little show has introduced me to and today you are all the wonderful benefactors of listening to my chat with "wee Scottish livewire", Rachel Thomson. Rachel really brought the triple threat (Passion, Energy and Fun in abundance) to our chat, leaving nothing but gold in her wake. She's got great lessons all the way through in addition to that A game on fun. We get through:- Christmas Managing a pub within the first year of her career The pub life Drive & Res...

What a story and career journey we have for you this week as I got some time with Andrew Munt, CEO of Penta Hotels. When we initially recorded this, Andrew was Chief of Operations & Commerce. A week before I was scheduled to air our original chat, Andrew let me know that he was going to be stepping up into the CEO role. As a result, we thought it was relevant to get him back for a quick round off of his story to include that wonderful news. So this week, we have two distinct parts which will b...

My life are we kicking 2024 off in style! I was beyond thrilled to get some time with one of the USA's pre-eminent Hoteliers in the form of the wonderful Vaughn Davis, Managing Director of Dream Hollywood. And this chat is rammed full of inspirational thinking from the work the outset. As well as sporadically covering Vaughn's amazing journey, we get through:- AI & Robotics Roots in Guyana Moving to New York Starting in acting & Modelling Discovering hospitality Hospitality the healer ...

I cannot even describe what a total joy recording this podcast was with 2023 AICR Receptionist of the Year, Chelsea Lacey. Chelsea is also Front of House Receptionist at the quite fabulous Pennyhill Park. Chelsea oozes natural fun and authenticity (Two traits that I'm sure serve her well in her role) all the way through our chat and she's got some cracking stories to boot. We get through:- Midweek weekends Making Rota’d shifts work for you The (Genuine) Joy of working Christmas Having no pl...

What a cracker of a chat I have for you this week! When Daniel McLoughlin (Owner of Rocksalt Cafe's & Restaurants in Ireland) reached out to me earlier this year to see if I'd have him on the show, a quick bit of research (And some discussion points from Daniel) highlighted what an interesting chat it could be. And it does not disappoint as we get through:- Early Entrepreneurial spirit Shannon College Ironing Finding your feet Tenacity Vincent Madden & Arora Hotel Group David Connell & ...