Experience Matters

After a run of several incredible guests, Lou & Ted are taking a quick coffee break... and taking a look at the hottest caffeine trends for 2024! How are flavour, premium experiences and 'conscious' coffee affecting the market and products being produced? They get into the stuff that matters, and give you something to ponder over your next flat white.

We're back with a new episode for the New Year - and of course we're talking Dry January.We're not alone either - this episode we're joined by a real pro in this area, with incredible hospitality credentials - Pooja Sharma-Jones is Chief Marketing Officer for drinks brand 'Mocktails'.We talk about Pooja's background with brands like Harrods and Soho House, as well as current motivations behind the trend of increased no & low options, and the effect that has on the hospitality industry.

It's the last episode of the year! With that comes a look back at 2023 and everything we've learned. Lou & Ted give you their top 5 developments that made a difference this year, and how those trends will impact hospitality in 2024. If you want to get ahead in 2024, this is a great place to start.We also mention how to get your hands on some free beer, if you're interested!

We're pleased to welcome Cynthia Miller to the podcast!Head of Innovation at 11:11, (Paris Hilton's media agency) Cynthia leads the business in Web3 and Metaverse initiatives.  In this episode she shares her insight into building digital experiences, and why platforms like Roblox are opening up new ways to interact with captive audiences like Gen Z.We talk about the success of Sliving Land, as well as how other brands are capitalising on this tech to create new communities  - and in turn what Hospitality and F&B can learn from that process, and get in on the action!

This week we chat to Dan Clayton, who comes to us from our studio based out in Dubai.Dan comes with a wealth of experience of working in F&B and in this episode shares his insights and key learnings from working with hotels over the years, as well as some specific hot tips on how to get your F&B winning that work even if you're not in the hotel game.

Lou & Ted are back on the QSR train! This time talking all things innovation. Everything from tech, to speed and ultimately automation. Are burger flipping robots the future, or more of a robo-flop? How much does speed of service really affect customer satisfaction? All this and more in this episode of Experience Matters!

The first in our QSR series! Ted & Lou get into the thrills & spills of Quick Service Restaurant trends. This first episode takes a look at how consumer wants, needs and behaviour shapes fast-food chains and the development of their businesses. What aspect of QSR's should we get into next?

Mike & Ted talk about the rise in brand collaborations - the difference between the perfect partnership and when it's all hype, but no hope. 

Ted & Dave talk about pubs - and what they have to do to stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape starting with the important question: "What exactly is a pub?"

Ted & Lou talk cocktails! Whether you prefer to enjoy a cocktail or two at the bar, you're behind it mixing them, or maybe you own the place - this episode has something for you. From trending flavour profiles, to cocktails at home and in retail, we cover all the bases. What's your drink of choice?

Are you a night owl? This week, Ted and Lou chat nightlife ecosystems and how they are adapting in line with shifting social habits and attitudes. Identifying the best tactics that are tempting audiences out during more challenging economic times.

This week Ted & Dave get together to discuss the power of new-to-market concepts (and how much fun it is to create them!) We chat through overcoming the challenge of dated concepts, filling gaps in your wider brand portfolio and when to let go & move on to something new!

There is a LOT of hype around the Barbie movie right now, so we couldn't NOT talk about it. That being said - we're more focused on the marketing, and what we can learn from the development of the Barbie brand. What does it take to create truly engaging experiences and bring a brand back to life?

Let's talk delivery! From the benefits of dark kitchens, to the impact a hoard of delivery drivers can have on the dining experience - Lou & Ted talk about all things food delivery in this episode.What about you? Do you run a dark kitchen? Are you considering adding a delivery service to your offering? Maybe you've recently teamed up with some of the big delivery businesses in the sector? We'd love to hear from you...

This episode, we take a look back at the good old days, and why a dose of nostalgia can do wonders for your marketing. Lou calls out an incredible experience at our new local Bundobust and, in the spirit of the episode, Ted remembers a time hunting around Soho for miniature meat cleavers as part of an engaging campaign experience.

Episode 3 and we already want some time off – so this time we'll be diving into the world of hotel experiences and what the big names can learn from smaller rental properties and the bespoke moments they create for their guests.

First guest time! Keeping it close to home, we've got our very own Chief Creative Officer, Mike Roberts to walk us through what Retail and F&B can learn from each other. We'll talk about how both are pushing toward entwined brand experiences, and why his son's obsession with hand-driers is a great metaphor for how we all feel about dining out.

Yes, we're starting the podcast by talking about the cost-of-living crisis! It's not all doom and gloom though – we'll be looking at the effect it's having on UK Hospitality and specifically how a focus on overall customer experience is key to getting people through the door and coming back for more.