Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast: Stories from the Hospitality Industry, Cassie sits down with J Mark Dodds, a seasoned publican, advocate, and founder of the Fair Pint Campaign. Mark shares his fascinating journey in hospitality, from running the award-winning The Sun and Doves in Camberwell to leading a movement for fairer practices in the tied pub sector.

Mark discusses the challenges of operating under a tied lease, the systemic issues in the pub industry, and his vision for a fairer future through the People’s Pub Partnership—a socially conscious initiative aiming to revitalise pubs as community hubs.

Key Topics Covered:

• Mark’s journey into hospitality, starting in rural Northumberland.
• His experience managing The Sun and Doves, including the financial challenges of a tied lease.
• The Fair Pint Campaign and its role in lobbying for the 2016 Pub Code.
• The ongoing struggles tied tenants face despite legislative changes.
• The vision and goals of the People’s Pub Partnership.
• How pubs can be restored as vital community assets with investment, sustainability, and local focus.

Highlights:

• [00:31] Mark introduces himself and his background in hospitality.
• [03:46] The story of The Sun and Doves: successes and challenges.
• [08:18] The founding of the Fair Pint Campaign and its impact.
• [20:16] The limitations of the Pub Code and what still needs to change.
• [33:33] Mark’s vision for the People’s Pub Partnership: a pub company for the future.

Connect with J Mark Dodds:

• LinkedIn: J Mark Dodds
• Website: www.peoplespubpartnership.co.uk

Join the Conversation:
Mark invites you to join the movement to transform the pub sector. Whether you’re a publican, investor, or community supporter, there’s a place for you in the People’s Pub Partnership.

Subscribe & Share:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast and share it with your network! Let’s keep the conversation about the future of hospitality going.

In this episode of Kith & Kin: Stories from the Hospitality Industry, Cassie is joined by Sam Harrison, an inspiring restaurateur with six thriving hospitality venues in West London. Sam shares his remarkable journey from working as a waiter for Rick Stein in Cornwall to managing prestigious restaurants, and eventually opening his own.

Together, Cassie and Sam reflect on:

• The early days of Sam’s career, including his time with Rick Stein and his foray into the corporate world.
• The challenges and lessons learned from launching and managing restaurants like Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick.
• The changing landscape of the restaurant scene over the past 20 years—from the days of newspaper reviews to the rise of social media.
• Adapting to modern demands, including the creative use of spaces and evolving with customer needs.
• Sam’s candid experience with burnout, stepping back, and rebuilding with a focus on balance and passion.

Sam’s insights, energy, and creativity shine as he shares the highs and lows of a life in hospitality. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the industry or anyone passionate about food, restaurants, and creating community spaces.

Resources & Links:

• Explore Sam’s venues: SamsRiverside.co.uk
• Follow Sam on Instagram: @SamsRiverside
• Get in touch: reservations@samsriverside.co.uk

Highlights:

• [02:30] Sam’s early career: From a catering assistant to his time at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant.
• [07:00] Launching Sam’s Brasserie and Harrison’s—what it takes to start a successful restaurant.
• [13:00] The evolving hospitality industry and the pressures of running multiple venues.
• [22:00] Learning from burnout: How Sam approached building his new ventures.

Host: Cassie Davison Guest: Rob, Former Publican & Founder of Lift BrandWorks Episode Summary: Join Cassie and Rob as they discuss the highs and lows of the pub industry, Rob's journey from managing pubs to launching his design business, and the impact of COVID-19 on publicans. Rob shares his personal experiences of resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing industry, highlighting the emotional and financial struggles pubs faced during lockdown and the unexpected new challenges that arose in its aftermath.

• Introduction to Rob's Story: Rob, a fourth-generation publican, shares memories from his family pub, experiences in hospitality, and what led him to pursue his own pub in Brighton, known for its award-winning roasts and vibrant atmosphere.

• The Impact of COVID-19: Rob recalls the sudden, surreal shock of closing his pub due to the pandemic. Facing a cellar full of beer, stocked fridges, and the uncertainty of how to move forward, he reflects on the difficult decisions and adaptations that followed.

• Challenges Beyond Lockdown: After reopening, Rob faced new obstacles, from supply chain disruptions to surging energy costs. He shares how these challenges pushed him to reevaluate his career in hospitality and consider new paths.

• Transition to a Design Business: During lockdown, Rob trained as a business coach and revisited his background in design, eventually founding Lyft Brand Works. His firm now supports pubs and hospitality businesses with affordable, industry-savvy design solutions.

• Finding Purpose & Balance: With a young family, Rob discusses the decision to leave full-time pub management, focusing instead on balancing family life with his passion for the industry.

• Future Aspirations in Hospitality: While Rob’s focus has shifted, he expresses his deep love for pubs and hopes to one day return to the industry. He shares thoughts on the importance of creating a sustainable hospitality career and supporting mental health and employee welfare.

• "Lockdown was the worst and best time of my life, all rolled into one."
• "The skills you learn in hospitality are second to none—you’re a chef, accountant, artist, and more."
• "If we want longevity in this industry, we need to support people’s mental health and make hospitality a career worth choosing."

Where to Find Rob:

• LinkedIn: ⁠Rob’s LinkedIn⁠
• Website: ⁠Lift BrandWorks

Episode Description:
In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie speaks with Poppy, a business development manager at Fuller’s Smith & Turner, about her unique journey into the hospitality industry and the cultural essence of British pubs. From growing up in the pub scene to navigating a career that brings her back to her roots, Poppy shares insights on the allure and traditions of the pub industry, the challenges of running a pub, and why pubs are more than just places to drink—they’re community hubs steeped in culture.

Key Highlights:

• Poppy’s Journey into Hospitality: Growing up with parents in the pub business, Poppy developed a love for the industry. After studying anthropology and working in politics, her passion for hospitality called her back, leading her to roles in PR, craft beer, and eventually, business development at Fuller’s.

• Understanding Fuller’s Tenancy Model: Poppy explains how Fuller’s operates tenanted pubs, where the pub company owns the property while independent business owners run each pub. She highlights how this model balances independence for tenants with support from the Fuller’s network, helping them thrive.

• Finding the Right Tenant: Poppy’s role involves recruiting tenants who align with Fuller’s values and vision for each pub. She shares the importance of knowing the pub’s ideal direction, then networking with local talent, industry professionals, and even those from non-hospitality backgrounds to find the right fit.

• The Role of Rituals and Culture in Pubs: With a background in anthropology, Poppy delves into the cultural importance of pubs, from the unspoken queue at the bar to the daily flow of different patrons. She sees pubs as unique social spaces that provide a backdrop for rituals and community-building.

• Lessons Learned in Event Planning: Reflecting on her early days managing events, Poppy recounts an opera night that didn’t go as planned due to unforeseen logistical issues. This experience taught her the importance of preparation and adaptability, a common theme in hospitality.

• Advice for Aspiring Pub Owners: Poppy provides valuable insights for those looking to run their own pub. She emphasizes the benefits of the tenanted model for those without deep pockets, but also highlights the need for financial preparedness and careful research.

Connect with Poppy:

• LinkedIn: Poppy’s Profile
• Instagram: Follow her journey at Pubs with Poppy for an inside look into pub life and highlights from her work with Fuller’s and other hospitality businesses.

Listen to the full episode to discover the stories, challenges, and joys behind one of Britain’s most cherished institutions—the pub!

Episode Title: A Chef's Journey: Ben Knowles of Ben’s Kitchen

Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Ben Knowles, Chef and Founder of Ben’s Kitchen

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Cassie sits down with Ben Knowles, a chef with over 15 years in the industry and founder of the renowned catering service, Ben’s Kitchen. Ben opens up about his journey from growing up in his family’s pub to discovering his passion for cooking, navigating the highs and lows of running his own catering company, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01] - Welcome & Introduction
  Cassie introduces Ben Knowles and his background as a chef and business owner.

• [01:19] - Early Days in Hospitality
  Ben shares his roots, growing up in his family's pub, and how it set the foundation for his career in hospitality.

• [01:51] - Falling in Love with Cooking
  Memorable stories of foraging mussels on holiday and family meals at the pub, highlighting Ben’s early culinary passion.

• [04:40] - Lessons from Working with Family
  Ben talks about negotiating his pocket money and learning work ethic alongside his parents in their family-run pub.

• [07:37] - The Reality of a Chef’s Life
  Discussing the complexity of managing a kitchen and the dedication required to maintain quality, Ben shares why having a passion for cooking is crucial.

• [13:39] - COVID-19 and Community Support
  During the pandemic, Ben and his team stepped up, providing over 7,000 meals to NHS workers and supporting the local community with essential supplies.

• [16:19] - Overcoming Financial Challenges
  Ben reflects on financial hurdles, including a significant VAT bill, and the importance of staying on top of numbers to keep a business profitable.

• [17:41] - Balancing Business with Family Life
  Ben discusses making difficult choices, including leaving his restaurant to spend more time with his daughter while continuing his catering business.

• [21:17] - Hopes for the Future
  Looking ahead, Ben shares his ultimate dream of owning a standalone restaurant where he can showcase his culinary creativity.

Connect with Ben:
Ben’s Kitchen offers catering for events of all sizes and styles, from weddings to corporate functions. Reach out on:

• Instagram: @benskitchen
• Linkedin: ⁠benskitchen⁠
• Website: Ben's Kitchen Leicester

Thank you, Ben, for sharing your story and passion for the industry. Catch the full episode for an inspiring look into the life of a chef and entrepreneur

In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie sits down with Robert Holden, director of Showtime Attractions, to explore his fascinating journey from a fairground upbringing to creating the UK's largest mobile pub. Robert shares how the lockdown in 2020 unexpectedly led him to pivot from running a park to building unique mobile bars, including a massive beer keller made with the roof from his grandfather’s Dodge.

Robert reflects on his experiences and lessons learned in the events industry, discussing the thrill of traveling across the UK for truck shows, festivals, and reenactments. He opens up about the highs and lows of hospitality, from the challenges of unpredictable events to the joy of crafting a lively atmosphere. Robert also touches on his passion for creativity, explaining how he personalizes each bar to his taste and adapts to keep his business moving forward.

Throughout the conversation, Cassie and Robert delve into the similarities between fairgrounds and event bars, the importance of filling business gaps, and the unplanned successes that sometimes come with risk-taking.

Links Mentioned:

• Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
• Follow Showtime Inn and The Southern Lodge Bierkeller on Facebook

Tune in to hear Robert’s inspiring story of adapting, creating, and thriving in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.

In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie welcomes Josh Shirtcliffe, an experienced hospitality professional with nearly 20 years in the industry. Josh shares his journey from growing up in a household that embraced hospitality to his current role as the manager and director of Café Fifty Five, a non-profit community café located in Thurnby, Leicester. He offers insights into the ups and downs of his career, as well as the passion and dedication that have driven him to where he is today.

Josh talks about his early exposure to hospitality through his family's welcoming nature, hosting friends and community members. He shares how he first stepped into the industry at age 16, working in a kids' indoor soft play area, and later exploring roles at McDonald's and Costa Coffee.

Café Fifty Five is not your typical park café or church tea room; it’s a well-thought-out space designed to bring quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere to the community. Josh discusses the unique approach to designing the café and the focus on delivering a high-quality product with a mission of inclusion and community building.

Josh and Cassie dive into the idea of "third spaces," which serve as essential social environments outside of home and work. Josh explains how Café Fifty Five aims to be a third place where anyone can feel welcome, cultivating an atmosphere of warmth and connection.

Josh opens up about some of the biggest mistakes he has made, including the consequences of hiring too quickly. He emphasizes the importance of careful hiring practices and the damage that can occur when staffing decisions are rushed.

Josh discusses the value of learning from larger chains like McDonald’s and Costa Coffee. He shares how these companies’ systems can teach work ethic and efficiency, lessons that can be applied to smaller, independent venues.

• Josh Shirtcliffe: Follow Josh on Instagram @JoshShirtcliffe, where he shares his insights about hospitality and coffee. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
• Café Fifty Five: Located in Thurnby, Leicester, Café Fifty Five is a non-profit community café. Visit their website, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Cassie expresses her gratitude to Josh for sharing his story and his infectious enthusiasm for the industry. Josh also thanks Cassie for her ongoing efforts in the hospitality sector.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community, quality, and the true essence of hospitality.

Josh's Background:Building Café Fifty Five:The Concept of Third Space:Lessons Learned in Hospitality:Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals:Where to Find Josh and Café Fifty Five:Thank You:4o

Key Highlights:Where to Find Josh and Café 55:Thank You:

Summary: In this episode, Cassie welcomes Azher Rubbani, a seasoned entrepreneur whose journey spans from the world of hospitality supply to digital marketing and reskilling. Azher shares his story of building a £50 million food supply business from scratch, running a dark kitchen, and navigating the devastation of a cyber attack that led to the loss of his business. He also discusses his passion for training others, the pivotal changes he made in his career, and how he now helps individuals and businesses reskill for the digital age.

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Azher Rubbani: A former hospitality supplier and current digital marketer, Azher discusses his background and how he transitioned from traditional business to digital ventures.
• Founding Penta Foods: The challenges and rewards of building a food supply business from the ground up, starting in his mother's garage and eventually supplying top chefs and restaurants across the UK.
• The Dark Kitchen Experiment: Azher’s experiences with running a dark kitchen, including the highs, the lessons learned, and why he ultimately decided to step away from it.
• The Impact of a Cyber Attack: How a bank holiday weekend cyber attack in 2018 led to the collapse of his business, and the toll it took both professionally and personally.
• Rebuilding After Loss: Navigating through bankruptcy, losing his family home, and facing estrangement from his children; how these experiences shaped his approach to life and work.
• Finding Relief Amidst Crisis: Reflecting on the relief and newfound opportunities that arose after letting go of his previous business and embracing change.
• From Burnout to Digital Marketing: Azher’s journey into digital marketing and reskilling, sparked by a burnout in 2023 and a subsequent passion for teaching others.
• The Importance of Reskilling for the Digital Age: How Azher helps individuals and businesses adapt to the changing digital landscape, emphasizing the value of acquiring marketing and automation skills.
• The ReMovement Group: Azher's current project, which focuses on helping people transform their careers or businesses through digital skills and online entrepreneurship.

Resources and Links:

• ReMovement Group: removementgroup.com – Learn more about Azher’s current work in digital transformation and reskilling.
• Connect with Azher: Visit the ReMovement Group website for contact details and more about his journey.

Key Quotes:

• “It’s not what you do, it’s why you do it.” – Azher on the importance of understanding your purpose.
• “You have to be very conscious that you’re putting so much effort in, but what is the impact on your personal life?” – Azher reflecting on the demands of the hospitality industry.
• “Crisis forces you to do a lot of things that you didn’t want to do out of fear.” – On how difficult times can catalyze growth and change.

Tune in Now: Join Cassie and Azher as they discuss the ups and downs of the hospitality industry, the resilience required to rebuild after loss, and the power of digital skills to reinvent your career.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/azherrubbani/