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The biggest challenge in the hospitality industry today is delivering a memorable experience for guests, as discussed by the hosts in this engaging podcast episode and the first of season 5. New host Joe McDonnell highlights that while the industry excels at opening new venues and crafting enticing menus, it often struggles with the execution and follow-through necessary to create truly unforgettable moments. This episode also introduces Joe, bringing a wealth of experience from his global journey through the hospitality world, including insights from premium restaurants and five-star hotels. Tracey Rashid and Timothy R. Andrews join Joe in exploring the importance of attention to detail and the need for venues to connect the dots between their big ideas and the actual guest experience. As the podcast gears up for an exciting season 5, the hosts share their commitment to innovating and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality. The podcast delves into the pressi…

Episode 43, Season 4 of Talking Hospitality marks a significant transition as we bid a heartfelt farewell to Sarah Kettel, the original host and founder, who has been an integral part of the podcast for 32 episodes across four seasons. Timothy R. Andrews and Tracey Rashid take us on a reflective journey through Sarah's impactful tenure, her beginnings in the hospitality industry, and her motivations behind the podcast. As Sarah steps down, she shares her current endeavours and leaves us with valuable insights and advice for hospitality professionals. Why You Should Listen This episode is not just a farewell; it's a celebration of Sarah's contributions and a testament to the resilience and passion that define the hospitality industry. Listeners will gain an intimate look into the origins of Talking Hospitality, the challenges and triumphs faced along the way, and the future direction of the podcast. It's a must-listen for those in the industry seeking inspiration, insight, and a se…

Dive into the heart of sustainability with Andrea Zick, a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, as she unveils the intricate dance of creating a sustainable future without sacrificing the essence of luxury dining. This episode is a journey through the lens of a former chef turned sustainability champion, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges and triumphs of embedding sustainability into the fabric of the hospitality industry. Why Listen: If you're passionate about the future of hospitality and the planet, this episode is a must-listen. Andrea Zick, with her rich background in nutrition, health, and a deep-rooted connection to the environment, shares invaluable insights into transforming the hospitality industry into a beacon of sustainability. From the importance of empathy and communication in driving change to practical steps for reducing food waste and embracing regenerative practices, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a vision for a mo…

Introduction: In this episode of Talking Hospitality, hosts Timothy R. Andrews and Tracey Rashid engage in a captivating conversation with Nick Clover, a seasoned entrepreneur in the hospitality sector. The episode delves into Nick's journey from starting as a 14-year-old working in a pub to establishing several successful companies in the hospitality industry. Why Listen to This Episode: This episode is a treasure trove of insights for hospitality professionals, especially those in leadership roles or aspiring to be. Nick Clover's story is not just about business success; it's a narrative of resilience, innovation, and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on career development, the importance of people in the industry, and how to navigate the challenges and opportunities in hospitality. Key Points of Interest: 1. Early Beginnings: Nick's journey in hospitality began at 14, working in a pub, which instilled in him the value …

In this episode of Talking Hospitality, we delve into the fascinating world of drag and what lessons the hospitality industry can learn from them. Summary The Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the drag queen community, with performers losing their primary source of income. Many drag queens turned to digital platforms to perform for their fans, but it wasn't always enough to make ends meet. As the pandemic continued, drag queens found new ways to adapt, such as starting their own businesses or hosting outdoor events. The drag scene has evolved over the years, especially with the influence of RuPaul's Drag Race. During lockdown, drag queens used social media to create content and connect with their audience. Advice for those going through difficult times includes finding joy every day, surrounding yourself with good people, and maintaining a positive attitude. Whilst lockdown seems a distant memory, how are Drag Performers managing now? To help answer this ques…

Join Tracey Rashid and Timothy R. Andrews for a festive celebration of Christmas in a special episode featuring a host of Santas from around the world. The holiday spirit shines brightly in this special Christmas episode of Talking Hospitality, where hosts Tracey and Timothy engage in heartwarming and humorous discussions about the meaning of Christmas. The episode opens with a fun fact about the Statue of Liberty, the largest Christmas gift ever given, symbolizing friendship—setting a nostalgic tone for the holiday season. Tracey and Timothy R. delve into their own Christmas memories, sharing anecdotes that resonate with the importance of family and togetherness. Tracey fondly reminisces about Christmas celebrations filled with family traditions and the playful chaos brought by a beloved pet, while Timothy reflects on his Christmas Eve birthday, emphasizing the joy of spending quality time with loved ones. Their personal stories serve as a reminder of the special moments th…

In this engaging episode of "Talking Hospitality," hosts Timothy R Andrews and Tracey Rashid welcome the esteemed chef and restaurateur, Cyrus Todiwala OBE. Recorded at the bustling Cafe Spice Namaste, the episode delves into Todiwala's inspiring journey in the hospitality industry. Guest: Cyrus Todiwala OBE Hosts: Timothy R Andrews & Tracey Rashid Key Points: 1. Cyrus Todiwala's Early Culinary Interests: Todiwala shares his childhood experiences that sparked his interest in cooking, including his early encounters with food while dealing with asthma. 2. Career Beginnings: His journey in hospitality began with a diploma in India, leading to a significant role at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Bombay. 3. Transition to the UK: Todiwala discusses the challenges and hurdles he faced in establishing himself in the UK hospitality scene, including a 10-year battle with the Home Office. 4. Establishing Cafe Spice Namaste: Insights into the establishment of his renowned restaurant and th…

MasterChef Special with Daksha Mistry, Pookie Tredell, Mike Bartley and Mikes Khan Hosts: Timothy R. Andrews, Tracey Rashid, and Sarah Kettel Dive into a captivating conversation with MasterChef stars and discover the heart of culinary passion and innovation. Join us in this special episode where we explore the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of these culinary artists. Why Listen to This Episode:This episode is a must-listen for hospitality professionals seeking inspiration and insights from the world of competitive cooking. It offers a unique perspective on culinary passion, creativity, and the journey from television fame to real-world application. The episode is filled with personal stories, professional advice, and a deep understanding of the culinary arts, making it an invaluable resource for those in the hospitality industry. Key Points of Interest: 1. The Essence of Cooking with Heart: The guests discuss how cooking with love and passion is the true essence of c…

In an enlightening discussion on the empowerment of women in the hospitality sector, this episode of Talking Hospitality features a live recording from Lakefield Hospitality College in North West London, where we engage with Frankie Strinati. The college, founded in 1962 with the explicit aim of promoting female participation in hospitality, stands as a testament to the evolution of gender roles within this industry. Frankie shares her insights on the strategies employed at Lakefield, which emphasise the importance of a supportive, all-female learning environment that enables students to flourish without the pressures often associated with mixed-gender settings. Throughout our conversation, we explore the challenges that young women face in pursuing careers in hospitality, particularly in securing leadership roles. Frankie highlights the college's comprehensive mentoring program, which is designed to bolster confidence and equip students with the skills necessary to excel in the…

Ever wondered how storytelling can transform the hospitality industry? Join us in this enlightening episode with Phil Street, where we explore the art of narrative in shaping careers and changing perceptions. Dive into the world of hospitality through the lens of stories that inspire, educate, and entertain. Introduction: Welcome to a captivating episode of the Talking Hospitality podcast, where we delve into the integral role of storytelling in the hospitality industry. I'm Timothy R. Andrews, joined by Tracey Rashid, and today we're thrilled to host Phil Street, a renowned figure in the hospitality world, founder of Momentum Recruitment and Hospitality Meets.. podcast. Why Listen to This Episode? This episode is a must-listen for hospitality professionals seeking inspiration and insights. Phil Street, with his rich experience in hospitality and podcasting, shares invaluable perspectives on the industry. His stories and the discussion around the transformative power of story…

Why Men in Hospitality Don’t Talk About Mental Health — and How We Change That Men’s mental health in hospitality is still a taboo topic. In this honest episode, industry leaders share why that needs to change — and how we make it happen. In this hard-hitting episode of Talking Hospitality, we tackle an issue that’s long been overlooked — men’s mental health in our industry. The statistics are stark: male hospitality workers are significantly more at risk of anxiety, burnout, and even suicide. But what’s behind the silence? To explore this, we’re joined by a powerful panel of voices from across the sector: • Joe McDonnell – 200 Hospitality • Craig Prentice – mum. Hospitality Talent • Paddy Howell – So Let’s Talk • Frven Lim – WHAD Movement • Aidan Fraser – Organic Recruitment We discuss: • Why men in hospitality still struggle to open up • The outdated culture of "man up" and masking emotions • How poor workplace design affects wellbeing • What vul…

In this special episode, we’re joined by Dawn Burton — speaker, entrepreneur, founder of Carol Burton Caterers, co-founder of the Caribbean Food Collective, and creator of the UK Caribbean Food Awards. Dawn shares her story of moving from a hotel career into catering, the challenges of setting up her own business, and why she’s committed to making sure Caribbean food and entrepreneurs get the recognition they deserve. From cooking thousands of meals for children during school holidays to handing out roast dinners to the hidden homeless at Christmas, Dawn’s work goes far beyond business — it’s about community, culture, and giving back. We also discuss why Caribbean food businesses have been overlooked in the past, how the Collective came together to provide a voice for the sector, and what it means to celebrate the very best at the inaugural Caribbean Food Awards. It’s an inspiring conversation about resilience, heritage, and making space for communities that have too often been …

In this powerful season finale, we’re joined by Lorraine Copes, Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality, for a conversation that every hospitality professional needs to hear. “This is not the place for performance. This is people’s lives.” – Lorraine Copes We explore the hard-hitting findings of the 2023 Inside Hospitality report — the only one of its kind focused specifically on race equity in the UK hospitality sector. Lorraine shares the lived experience behind the data, her motivation for launching Be Inclusive Hospitality, and what it’s really going to take to make lasting change. From underrepresentation in senior roles to lack of accountability for discriminatory behaviour, Lorraine lays out the barriers — and more importantly, what can be done to break them down. We also discuss the limits of “performative inclusion”, the companies doing the real work, and why employers must stop waiting for permission to act. Lorraine’s story isn’t just about pointing out problems…

Raffles is heading to London and is making a stir! Whether you like it shaken or stirred, Timothy R. Andrews and co-host Sarah Kettel look beyond the Singapore Sling with OWO's talented Nathan Craigie, who is heading up their recruitment drive. Whilst being a world-renowned name has no doubt helped the hotel in it's hiring, so has it's many innovative recruitment strategies, some of which Nathan shares in this episode. At the heart of it all, however, is that staff are treated well, fairly and have a chance to contribute to their own success as well as that of the hotel. Nathan reveals how treating employees as important as the guests is key to the success of the hotel and that the importance of team events. A fascinating conversation about a very traditional name has very modern and forward thinking ideas, showing why it is one of the top names in the Hotel industry. Unfortunately we would like to apologise for the audio issue affecting our guest and hope it doesn't hampe…

Why is alcohol abuse still the norm in hospitality? Shell Righini joins us to challenge stigma, share her recovery story, and offer hope and solutions. In this deeply personal and refreshingly honest episode, we speak with Shell Righini, host of We Recover Loudly, a podcast changing the conversation around addiction and sobriety in hospitality. Shell shares her powerful story of working her way through the industry while navigating alcohol misuse — and how she found the strength to build a sober life without leaving hospitality behind. Together, we explore the industry's ingrained drinking culture, its impact on mental health, and what real support for addiction could and should look like in our workplaces. We cover: • Why “after work drinks” aren’t working for the next generation • Shell’s personal journey from alcohol dependence to recovery • Signs managers should watch out for (and what not to ignore) • The difference between celebration and coping mechanisms …

This episode focuses on recruitment, perception and the future of hospitality, through the lens of apprenticeships and long-term career pathways. Timothy R Andrews and Sarah Kettel are joined by Adele Oxberry, Founder and CEO of Umbrella Training, who shares her journey from housekeeping to running a specialist hospitality training business. Adele reflects on growing up in hospitality, starting work at 14, and progressing through housekeeping, front office and leadership roles before moving into education and training. She explains how apprenticeships have evolved, why their reputation still lags behind reality, and how they can directly address labour shortages, skills gaps and retention issues across the sector. The conversation explores perception problems in hospitality, the impact of the pandemic on young people’s confidence and communication, and why schools, employers and government all have a role to play in reshaping how hospitality careers are viewed. Adele also breaks…

This uplifting episode sees recruitment guru for Everyman Cinemas, Mike Newman join us for this extremely informative podcast. Many people don't think of Cinema as being part of Hospitality but Everyman Cinema turns this on it's head. Mike shares some of the struggles but reveals how he & Everyman have faced those struggles head on & how they continue to build solutions proactively. Mike reveals how employees and the community are key to the success of the business and that the work to improve their employee offer is ongoing. A fascinating insight into a world where film & Hospitality combine. We also find out more about the man behind the incredible Linkedin posts and what "C" word he doesn't want to use but very quickly does! Unfortunately there were a number of technical issues meaning that Sarah had to lead most of the show and we hope that some of the audio issues affecting our guest does not hamper the show. *** More information on Mike Newman can be found …

In this brave and moving episode, we sit down with Che Young (formerly Che Barnes) to talk candidly about gender identity, transitioning, and what inclusion really looks like in the hospitality industry. Che shares her personal story of coming out as a trans woman and the response she received — from the people who stood by her, to those who didn’t. We discuss the discomfort many feel around language and pronouns, and why silence is never neutral. Che reflects on the pressure to conform, the fear of not being accepted, and the importance of creating space for people to show up as their full selves — especially in an industry that thrives on connection. This is a conversation about allyship in action, not just in policy, but in the everyday words, behaviours, and decisions we make as leaders. If you care about building an industry where everyone truly belongs, this episode will stay with you. Che is now the founder of A View From A Dove (https://aviewfromadove.co.uk) , using …

In this episode, we sit down with Tracey Rashid, founder of Essence of Cake, to explore the highs and lows of leaving corporate life behind and building a business from scratch. Tracey shares her journey from a successful career in learning and development to becoming a cake artist and entrepreneur, balancing family life with business growth. She opens up about the freedom and creativity entrepreneurship brings, the challenges of working alone, and the power of saying “yes” to opportunities — including an unexpected moment that landed her on live TV representing the UK. We also discuss her passion for inspiring the next generation by showing young people the diverse career pathways hospitality can offer beyond the traditional roles they might imagine. It’s an honest, uplifting, and motivating conversation for anyone considering stepping out of their comfort zone to build something of their own. Takeaways: • Tracey Rashid shares her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the…

Mark McCulloch from Hospitality Rising discusses with co-hosts Timothy R Andrews & Sarah Kettel the current recruitment crisis in Hospitality. He shares how Hospitality Rising was formed and how it tackled head on the poor reception Hospitality has an employer. In todays' episode find out how a ransom letter to a fishy company led Mark into Hospitality and how not being able to get a coffee in the morning led to a significant step to kick starting Hospitality Rising. Mark also shares why he hasn't been targeting schools and people over 55, but why targeting the under 30s is key to addressing the staffing shortage and poor perception of Hospitality. He reveals the brands that inspired Hospitality Rising, the power of Tik Tok and his confusion over Bratwursts. So go on - grab a cuppa and stick the Kettel on. Co-hosted by Timothy R. Andrews and Sarah Kettel. *** More information on Mark and Hospitallity Rising can be found at: Mark McCulloch (https://www.…

In this episode of Timothy put the Kettel on: Talking Hospitality, Executive Chef Sebastian Price shares his insights on how to recruit and retain top talent in the hospitality industry. Sebastian discusses the challenges of hiring and keeping good chefs in the current climate, and offers advice on how to create a positive and supportive work environment that will attract and retain top talent. Sebastian also discusses the importance of creating a culture of respect and fairness in the workplace, and why to avoid the pitfalls of toxicity and ridiculous working hours. He shares his own story of how he lost his job during the pandemic, and how he used that experience to pivot and truly make a difference in the hospitality industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who hires and recruits in the hospitality industry. Sebastian's insights are invaluable, and his story is inspiring. Co-hosted by Timothy R. Andrews and Sarah Kettel. *** More information on Se…

The episode features a captivating dialogue with Jill Whittaker OBE FCA, a distinguished figure in the hospitality sector and the leader of HIT Training, a company dedicated to enhancing skills within the industry. Jill's remarkable career trajectory serves as an inspiration, showcasing the diverse pathways available within hospitality. From her early experiences in a prestigious hotel to her extensive background in accountancy and training, she embodies the multifaceted nature of our industry. Throughout our conversation, Jill emphasises the importance of valuing all roles within hospitality, particularly those traditionally perceived as low-skilled. She advocates for a rebalancing of perspectives that recognises the vital contributions of every individual, irrespective of their position. This discussion not only highlights Jill's personal achievements but reminds the industry to embrace inclusivity and elevate the status of essential roles, enriching the overall hospitality ex…

We’re back with our latest episode. So grab a cuppa and hear our latest inspirational Hospitality guest, Jane Pendlebury CEO at HOSPA. In this episode of Timothy Put The Kettel On, find out about Jane’s hospitality journey, how she became CEO of this incredible organisation and the amazing work they have been doing supporting the Hospitality industry during it’s darkest period. We discuss Hospitality as a career, whether soup is a beverage and some of the great help that is out there. Join us for this fantastic episode to find out why joining HOSPA could be just the thing you need. Another inspirational podcast from the ‘Timothy Put the Kettel on’ team https://www.timothyrandrews.com/podcast Please subscribe, follow and like so you don’t miss any of our inspirational stories and tips and advice for Hospitality professionals For more information on HOSPA, please visit: https://www.hospa.org/ To connect or follow Jane, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/…

The salient point of today's discussion revolves around the resilience and adaptability demonstrated by private chef Sebastian Price, founder of the Raw Pantry, amidst the adversities posed by the pandemic. During our conversation, we delve into Sebastian's candid reflections on the challenges he faced, including job rejections and the emotional toll of the lockdown, which ultimately catalyzed his entrepreneurial journey. He recounts how, through a series of inspired adaptations, he transformed his culinary passion into a thriving business model that integrates personal engagement with clients via innovative cooking experiences. Furthermore, we examine how Sebastian's journey resonates with the broader hospitality community, as many have navigated similar upheavals while seeking to forge meaningful connections. This episode serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those in the hospitality industry, showcasing how shared experiences can foster solidarity and inspire n…