Episodes

In this lively and laugh-filled episode of Hospitality Meets, I sat down with John Herity, Club Operations Manager at The Caledonian Club in London. From his accidental start in hospitality to tales of Burns Night feasts and Scottish banter, John's journey is a testament to adaptability, tradition, and keeping your cool in high-pressure situations. Expect stories of butlering for the elite, dodging dodgy chicken, and navigating the world of private members' clubs with a mix of humour and hard...

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...

Welcome back to Hospitality Meets, where we dive into the stories behind the people who keep the hospitality world buzzing! 🍻 In this episode, Phil sits down with Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (https://beerandpub.com/) and all-around pub enthusiast. We chat about: 🍺 Why the pub is the heart of every community (and why you should probably visit yours more). 🏛️ Emma’s whirlwind journey from studying law to being elected the youngest UK MEP (via a ch...

Ever wondered how a dishwasher at age 10 ends up running the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts? Well, Lisa Jenkins (CEO of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts) is here to spill the tea (and maybe a few kitchen secrets). We get through a lot and I chat with Lisa about: 🍽️ Why hospitality careers are more than just chefs & managers (yes, journalists count too!) ✈️ How working too hard at the Singapore Air Show got her a business-class flight home (note: not a recommended career strategy) 💡...

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...

What do really expensive toilet paper, waistcoat etiquette, and Ferraris getting smoked by Teslas all have in common? They’re just some of the unexpected gems from this week’s chat with Jason Simpson, CEO of Raw Charging, an all-around electric vehicle (EV) evangelist and holder of an epic journey. I joined Jason at Raw's London offices for a deep dive into the world of EV charging, hospitality, and the surprisingly dramatic shift from petrolhead to plug-in advocate. Along the way, we bust so...

My goodness have I got a chat and half for you for the weeks special. You are about to receive Mind blowing Learning, Authentic emotion, Unbelievable power and Easy to take action. All that and we fix politics as well Back in November 2023 I had the privilege of appearing on the Thoughts that Rock Podcast, hosted by old friend of the show Jim Knight and today’s guest (And hopefully new friend of the show) Brant Menswar. Brants Journey will absolutely blow your mind. This conversation is a m...

I love coffee. That is all, bye! In all seriousness, I was beyond thrilled to sit down with Will Corby, the coffee connoisseur extraordinaire and Director of Coffee and Social Impact at Pact Coffee. From thrilling tales of gangland encounters to the intricacies of brewing the perfect cup, this episode is as much a caffeine kick as it is a heartfelt chat. Oh, and did we mention it’s full of laughs too? Dive into Will's journey from being a coffee hating mechanical engineer to a coffee afici...

Welcome back, Hospitality Meets fans! In this delightful episode, I sat down with the effervescent Clare Downes, a dynamic executive coach and founder of Martlet.Life and who excels in guiding leaders to their full potential. We go on an engaging journey through Clare's fascinating career path—from her entrepreneurial roots on a farm, into the bustling world of food and drink, and finally to becoming an inspiring executive coach! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store: The Serendipitous S...

This week I sat down with one of my oldest clients and friends, Barry Dawson, the Senior Vice President of Finance at Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA, to explore the intriguing world of finance in the hospitality industry. Amidst the humour and light-hearted banter, they uncover some serious gems about how technology and automation are revolutionising hospitality and finance. What You'll Hear in This Episode: An Unexpected Journey: Discover how Barry stumbled into the world of finance during a...

So here's another cheeky bonus for you this week. Having connected properly earlier in the year, Michael and I decided it might be interesting to have a chat about what we'd learned from over 500 conversations with hospitality professionals so todays bonus, is that chat in all its glory done in collaboration with the Michael and his awesome show, Hospitality Mavericks. We dive deep into the heart of adversity, resilience, and the powerful impact of diverse backgrounds in the hospitality indust...

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...

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! ...

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...

In this cheerful and engaging episode of Hospitality Meets, Phil catches up with the delightful Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA (https://www.hospa.org/). Get ready for a conversation filled with laughter, intriguing experiences, and valuable insights into the world of hospitality. Highlights: 1. Career Pathways and Unexpected Turns: Jane takes us through her colourful journey in the hospitality industry, complete with unexpected opportunities and memorable moments. Whether it's working a night sh...

🎙️ About This Episode: Get ready to dive into an episode brimming with laughter, heartfelt stories, and eye-opening revelations! I sat down for a candid chat with Professor Peter Jones MBE, a hospitality industry guru with a heart of gold and a knack for comedic storytelling. 📰 Here’s What You’ll Discover: The Art of Inclusion: Peter shares how inviting employees to explain tasks to new team members—especially those with disabilities—not only boosts team performance but also turns mundane tasks...

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...

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...

Someone once said to me that coffee tastes better when it's doing some good. Well today, we can apply that same mindset to Tea. Summary: In this engaging and insightful episode of "Hospitality Meets," Phil sits down with the inspiring Roshana Gammampila, who shares her incredible journey from a corporate career in London to managing a tea estate in Sri Lanka. This episode is filled with fascinating discussions, enlightening takeaways, and a sprinkle of fun as Roshana dives into the world of tea...

We're thrilled to announce the latest episode of Hospitality Meets featuring the truly brilliant James Peck, MD of Ember Restaurant, No13 Cocktail Bar and The Four Pears Pub! 🤩 There's a story as to how James and I met which I retell in the podcast but join us for a delightful blend of fun, laughter, and insightful conversations. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss: 1⃣ Kitchen Comedy: You’ll chuckle too hard at James's story about accidentally stabbing his hand while multitasking ...

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...