This bonus episode of Talking Hospitality is recorded live at Confex in London and shines a light on an unusual but powerful initiative bringing the industry together.
Timothy R Andrews sits down with Paul Gilley, founder of the London Hospitality Festival, to discuss Hospitality Fight Night — an event that takes hospitality professionals with no boxing experience and puts them through a 12-week training journey before stepping into the ring in front of hundreds of industry peers.
But this event isn’t really about boxing.
It’s about resilience, wellbeing, confidence and community. Participants train together, build friendships and challenge themselves in ways many never expected. The evening itself becomes a celebration of the industry, with leaders and colleagues gathering to support the fighters and raise funds for Hospitality Action, the charity that supports hospitality workers in times of crisis.
Paul also shares the wider story behind the London Hospitality Festival — an event that has grown over nearly two decades to bring thousands of hospitality professionals together through sport, connection and shared purpose.
This episode is a reminder that hospitality is at its best when people come together, support one another and invest in the wellbeing of the industry.
Show Notes:
In this episode we discuss:
1. The idea behind Hospitality Fight Night
2. Why hospitality professionals are stepping into the boxing ring
3. The 12-week training journey participants go through
4. Confidence, fitness and personal development through sport
5. The role of community and camaraderie in hospitality
6. Raising funds for Hospitality Action
7. The story behind the London Hospitality Festival
8. Why wellbeing and looking after people matters more than ever in hospitality
Key Takeaways:
1. Hospitality Fight Night is about the journey, not the boxing
Participants train for twelve weeks, building confidence, resilience and friendships along the way.
2. Community is one of hospitality’s greatest strengths
Events like this remind people that the sector works best when it comes together.
3. Personal growth can come from unexpected places
Many participants start with no boxing experience but finish with new skills and confidence.
4. Charity remains at the heart of the industry
Funds raised from the event support Hospitality Action, helping hospitality workers when they need it most.
5. Sport has long been a connector in hospitality
The event builds on the legacy of the London Hospitality Festival, which brings thousands of professionals together each year.
6. Wellbeing is now central to leadership in hospitality
Paul reflects on how the industry has shifted towards caring more about people, culture and mental health.
Paul Gilley explains Hospitality Fight Night, where hospitality professionals train for 12 weeks to step into the ring and raise money for Hospitality Action.
Links referenced in this episode:
1. hospitalityaction (https://hospitalityaction)
2. hospitalityfightnight (https://hospitalityfightnight)
3. paulgilly (https://paulgilly)
4. hospitalityjobsuk (https://hospitalityjobsuk)
5. hjuk (https://hjuk)
6. graphickitchen (https://graphickitchen)
7. mmgevents (https://mmgevents)