Hospitality is at the heart of what makes London the greatest city in the world, and in this episode, we're diving deep into that very idea! Jason shares his unforgettable encounter with Bill Clinton, who declared London the best city, sparking an inspiration that led to the creation of the London Lifestyle Awards.
We chat about how these awards celebrate all the amazing experiences outside of work that make London shine, from top-notch restaurants to cozy coffee shops. With over 15 years of recognizing the best of the best, Jason gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the awards evolved and adapted to the changing landscape of hospitality. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and join us as we explore the vibrant world of London hospitality and the joy of celebrating it together!
What does Bill Clinton, the Dorchester, and a passion for public recognition have in common? Jason Gale, founder of the London Lifestyle Awards, joins us for an unfiltered and inspiring look at how the capital’s hospitality scene is celebrated—and what still needs to change.
In this episode, Jason shares how a conversation with the former US President sparked the creation of one of London’s most recognised consumer-voted awards. We unpack the rise of “competitive socialising”, the changing values of Gen Z diners, and the essential role of team celebration in staff retention. Jason also shares candid insights on navigating industry egos, how trends like wellness and one-venue nights are shaping the future, and why some hospitality awards risk becoming hollow when they operate on a pay-to-win model.
This is a must-listen for hospitality leaders who believe in meaningful recognition, building loyal teams, and putting the public at the heart of what we do.
Takeaways:
• Meeting Bill Clinton left a lasting impression and sparked a northerners' passion for London.
• The London Lifestyle Awards celebrate hospitality and the best experiences outside of work, uniting the public with businesses.
• Great hospitality is essential for London's appeal; without it, nobody would want to be here.
• The awards process allows the public to nominate and vote for their favourite businesses, creating a true celebration of excellence.
• Over the years, the hospitality industry has changed, with a rise in demand for entertainment alongside food and drink.
🤝 Thanks to Our Brand Partners
This episode is brought to you by LeisureJobs and Graphic Kitchen.
LeisureJobs connects top talent with the best hospitality roles.
Graphic Kitchen brings bold hospitality stories to life through creative content.
We’re proud to have them on board.