In The Weeds

This episode we arrive in Berlin and drop into conversation with one of the pioneers of the Third Wave coffee movement, CEO and founder of the The Barn Coffee Roasters Ralf Rüller. If you are interested in the speciality coffee world or want to learn more then this episode is for you. Ralf has grown The Barn into one of the most recognised brands in the speciality coffee world. His simplistic approach to quality and the product is what has made this so successful and we find out where the idea and his love for coffee (and bread) originated from. We discuss the ongoing discussion around packaging and sustainability and the need for clarity in the conversation. Most importantly we discuss the process and the huge importance of the farmer. Extensively travelling all over the world sourcing coffee we also learn about Ralf's favourite places outside Berlin and learn his ITW moment in hospitality.

This week I talk to Jonas Anderson and Spaniard Bernabeu as we stop off to check in on Copenhagen. The guys have recently opened PULP bar in the Nørrebro neighbourhood. After working in the industry for a number of years they have finally realised their dream of opening their own place, only right in the middle of a pandemic! They have some refreshing ideologies of what they want their bar to bring to their guests and the community. Copenhagen is also often voted the best and happiest cities to live in the world and one of the most forward thinking in food and drink culture. We gather some interesting insight into how it got there and what its like living there now.

This week we are arrive in sunny Barcelona in conversation with a Schmuck to find out the story of Two Schmucks with Moe Aljaff. A story of independents, shoe string budgets, pop ups, collaborations, triumphing through adversity and ultimately coming out the other side. Putting life back into the historic multicultural Raval neighbourhood that is now called home and also his love of the city. Famous to documenting many of the trials and tribulations of owning your own bar on social media, he has catapulted his brand to one of the most recognised online and throughout the industry. A really positive insight into how to use social media an be used as a democratising inclusive platform in a modern world. Moe has lived in many places before residing in Barcelona and we talk about his favourite cultures and travels. This was recorded back in May 2021 and on a busy street in Barcelona haha.

Throughout this series the focus is all about reaching out and hearing stories from across the globe. As always hospitality, food, cullture and well-being are the focus. Its time to reconnect. We start this series in Stockholm with the young talented chef Daniel Heffy. A native of Liverpool who moved to Stockholm to work in Frantzén (3 Michelin Star) widely renowned as one of the best restaurants on the planet and now for the esteemed restaurant Adam/Albin. We talk and learn about the different ways gastronomy integrates into life, family and culture in Sweden and his time in what is one of the most beautiful cities in the world in the kitchen and reconnecting with nature.

With the hospitality industry opening back up it's time to talk about the epidemic of NO SHOWS and put them into the history books. An horrendous and almost accepted problem for soo long and a real sore spot for the industry. Something has to change and the guest has to be educated to understand the ramifications, here I am adding to the conversation in trying to explain these issues that have a knock on effect for so many. Post pandemic hospitality must fight back for change (and stay out of the weeds) in some key areas that were crippling the industry and this is right up there at the top!

This week I welcome Josh Kopel to ITW podcast. Josh is originally from Baton Rouge but now calls Los Angeles his home. Josh is an entrepreneur, award winning Michelin rated restaurateur and environmental advocate bringing Southern Hospitality to California. Josh has managed the hottest Hollywood nightclubs, bars, and ultra-lounges and in 2010 went independent, opening his first concept Five0Four on the Walk of Fame in the heart of Hollywood. Ten years later, and he has created a family of brands ranging from Michelin-rated fine dining to fast casual, all with a central focus on Southern hospitality and Southern cuisine. Josh had his world turned on its head a year ago, like many, and we hear his story and fight throughout this pandemic to get the message of support out there. Josh has been busy creating content, hosting the Full Comp podcast (in partnership with Yelp) and getting the word of support out there for the industry, as well as realigning some of his core values.

Louise is a herbalist hairdresser and founder of Wilderness Hair. I feel the next few years could be an interesting time for Louise, as more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of a powerful holistic ethos and this is not about standing under a waterfall with some shampoo! If you go to Louises salon you will herbs growing, pots and pans cooking away, so the integration of raw cooking elements really got me really fascinated in her story and ideologies and how this can be integrated into a society with new found beliefs and this ultimately can start at home. Louise is also a twin parent and we discuss the challenge of multiples alongside educating ourselves on her story and passion about the earth and its ingredients.

This weeks I go ITW with Oscar Akgul, owner of Lucia Restaurants and Cut and Craft Steakhouses with sites in Harrogate, York and soon to be Leeds. Originally from Turkey and traveling the world working on some of the finest cruise liners, Oscar settled in York 22 years ago and has never looked back. After completing a 800k return in their Lucia site in York last February they were then forced to close a month later due to coronavirus but we hear how they have seen great support throughout from the public.  A self contest workaholic we hear the challenges faced by Oscar and also the expectations he sets himself.

I am joined by BAFTA award winning actress Chanel Cresswell, best known for playing Kelly Jenkins in This is England, as well as roles in popular shows The Bay and Trollied. We get an insight into Chanel's personal story working in making it as an actress and working with some great characters in her career so far and we discuss how the arts industry has been suffering over the course of the pandemic and how it can bounce back. Chanel is also a big mental health advocate and we discuss about believing in yourself and the importance of looking out for others and not forgetting of course her favourite places to eat and drink across the globe!

This week I am delighted to be joined by one of Scotlands and the U.Ks most celebrated Michelin star chefs Mr. Tom Kitchin. Tom has held the accolade for 14 years and became the youngest ever chef to be awarded a star at just 29 years old. Tom has some beautiful venues in and around his beloved hometown Edinburgh and he has cut his teeth with some of the best chefs ever to set foot in a kitchen. We talk about all things hospitality, investing in youth, his love for Scotland and also his close affiliation with Liverpool. We also learn of an ITW moment that changed Toms career forever. Tails of positivity and determination grace the episode to come out of this difficult period stronger and fighting fit! *“Scran'' - for those who do not know is another word for food originating in Scotland and widely used in Liverpool, hence one of Toms venues being fantastically named the “Scran and Scally''. **The episode was recorded a few weeks ago the morning after the Michelin stars were announced this year.

This week I am joined by Ollie Downey who runs successful food blog 'Ols Food' on instagram. He is also recipe developer for the Courtney Black fitness app, which is an online sensation with nearly 1 million followers associated to her brand. First it was the mobile phone and soon more people in the world, will not know life without social media. It has become a fabric in society and it is completely normal to do business, interact, make friends and learn about new things but what does the future hold and are the positives outweighed by underlying problems? We get an insight into how these online businesses function and ultimately thrive. Ol has also worked in the hospitality industry for many years and we discuss everything from Stockholms food scene to some crazy ITW moments. Life is full of cross pollination of industries and lifestyles so learning to understand each other can only be a good thing in and never changing fast pace world.

Welcome back and for the first episode of Season 3,I am joined by chef, musician, business man and all round true gentlemen Mr. Levi Roots. From humble beginnings way back in Clarendon Jamaica to a meeting, a sauce and a song 13 years ago that changed his life forever. I think we can all remember that 'Reggae Reggae' sauce performance of the Dragons Den. Levi has been an inspiration to many over the years his journey is fascinating and also his work giving back to the youth and the community in Brixton, where he still resides, and around the country. We talk about how he has managed to merge cooking and music ,his two great passions, throughout his life and and also how life as a Rasta influences this. We all need stories of positivity and humility right now and Levi has this in abundance. The episode includes some motivating and powerful messages from Levi for the listeners.

This week I have Dave Critchley Exec Chef of Luban Restaurant. Christmas is fast approaching and we are all looking for tails of togetherness, community and being kind to lift our spirits and we have one right here. I have renamed Dave, Father Critchley due to his selfless work throughout the pandemic and into the festive period. He is part of countless initiatives such as LIDS (Liverpool Independent Delivery Services) that are all about solidarity and we learn more about them and how to get involved. We also find out more about his culinary training in China and his unforgettable ITW service story. Merry Xmas x

Sustainability, zero waste, knowing about our produce and improving our lifestyles are high on agendas for many people at the moment and rightly so. In a world where change is on the horizon. This week I speak to Nicolas Friar, founder of Hypha restaurant in Chester. He talks candidly about these ideologies that run through the veins of his restaurant and their teams mission to soon be a 100 per cent zero waste restaurant. Here we speak about the importance of change, the wonderful local suppliers and growers, plant based diets, restaurant influences and of course his home town of Chester, which has grown over the past few years into having a vibrant diverse independent food and drink scene. Music: Intro - Killer Crab Men Outro - Carrianne Hayden

This week I am joined by Carrianne Hayden who is not only a talented musician but a forward thinking yoga practitioner with her Third Wave Yoga business and an Oat Flat White enthusiast. We get an insight into how Carrianne merges her two passions together in her life and throughout the podcast we discuss the importance of gratitude, personal growth, evolution and ways in which we can take a measured holistic way of living throughout these difficult times.  We also establish Carriannes favourite musical influences and the episode features two amazing songs written and performed by Carrianne. Intro - San Fransisco // Outro - Not tonight. 

This week I am joined by Patrick Howley the CEO of 'So Lets Talk.' “So lets talk” is a non-profit platform with a mission to 86 the silence, providing education, events, training and activities on all aspects of mental, physical and financial health in the hospitality industry. The industry has often been stigmatised over the years as an unhealthy place to work, so it is critical that we can openly talk about solutions for working in the sector and enjoying a healthy way of life. Patrick speaks from the heart about his raw personal experiences. Mental health has been highlighted throughout the pandemic. The impact of lockdowns and restrictions are testing peoples state of mind. We discuss potential techniques and methods that can be implemented into your life and help through these difficult times. Theres never been a more prevalent moment to connect and look after each other. So Lets Talk.....

James is one of the co-founders of Maray Restaurants and is also one of my closest friends, so it was a pleasure to have him on chatting about various topics on this weeks episode. Naturally, with our lives being interlinked for soo many years there was plenty to cover and which has made for a slightly longer episode than the norm. We learn about the founding of Maray while touching upon current factual events that have impacted the hospitality industry. As well as the fundamentals of fairness in our society and the right for wellbeing and nutrition trends through the conversation and also James first hand experience with COVID.

Humans of BSC : Carl Rice  We talk to Carl about the importance of staying caffeinated, the changing world of television and film, also his life as a chef (or a pretend one)!! From ‘Accrington Stanley who are they?…' we all remember that all the way to be a highly respected writer, producer and actor starring in shows such as Trollied, Deep Water, Good Cop and Brassic to name a few. 'Humans of BSC' is the part of the series which includes episodes on the life and times of some of the the fantastic regulars (almost residents) from Bold Street Coffee Coffee shops are becoming the cornerstones of communities again and places of inclusion and equality. The guests create this ethos and their stories are beautifully diverse and entertaining. ‘Filter Coffee Not People'.

A different format and shorter episode than usual, as I am flying solo this week. This is unedited and just quite simply some of my personal views on horrendous policies and the creation of a modern day prohibition. As hospitality reaches a critical point, I wanted to reflected on the issues and problems that lie ahead and what we can do to help each other. These are unprecedented times and there is only one way out and that is of unity rather than division.

Laura joins me from Tallinn, Estonia. Laura holds a MSc in Food Innovation and Health from Copenhagen University where she found her passion in gastrophysics and sensory science. Her topic of research has been about developing methods to educate children about the taste of food. This is a thought provoking chat regarding kids and food something I have become intertwined with being a father of young girls. At the moment she is working on establishing the sensory education method in kindergartens and elementary schools at the national level in Estonia until recently she was leading the research and development in the best restaurant group in the Baltics- Siigur Restaurants.  What could be more important for the wellbeing of the next generation!|? 'I care about good food & inspiring people to enjoy it' - Laura Vana

In Season 2 we will focus on food, wellbeing, health both mental and physical and gaining an insight post lockdown into how we can incorporate that into our lives, as we thrive for a stronger more thriving society. As we see more than ever how different sectors in business and life need each other in one ecosystem. Gabriella Margiotta, is a very talented chef and part of a wonderful Italian/Scottish family who have a rich history in owning restaurants and the hospitality business. She is one of the success stories of lockdown with Gabriellas Kitchen online on Instagram and Youtube, that inspired many at home to cook along with Gabi. It has left a lasting legacy that will continue long after lockdown and potentially have changed some families lives and eating habits forever. Music 'In My Mind' by Killer Crab Men featuring Kristrun Steingrimsdottir and Jay Lyons. Episode recorded in Cucina di Vincenzo.

This week I speak to Peter Cranfield or 'Cut Throat Pete' as he is known to many, one of the pioneers in the new wave of barbering offering some of the best hospitality there is in the chair. He's an influential figure for his industry and we get an insight into his world including fashion, photography, lockdown life to travelling across the world cutting hair.  Refreshingly Pete is a really easy and open guy to talk to (which always helps on a podcast!) especially on his past experiences with mental health, so we share some interesting and heartfelt stories and find we actually have quite a lot in common.  Let's keep the conversation going!

This week I go ‘In The Weeds' with the Barrie Bros, Liam and Ellis. The founders of the Marram Grass Restaurant in Anglesey, which involves a fantastic story of turning a greasy spoon on their families caravan park to one of the most sought after restaurants in Wales and the UK. The guys have now come full circle and before lockdown they were due to open their second restaurant Lerpwl, back in their home town of Liverpool on the iconic Albert Dock. They have also seen a renaissance in their other business, since isolation beckoned, 'The Fat Big Co' as everyone adapted to a new way of living. We talk about their current predicaments, family life in Wales, adapting to change, new found fatherhood and T.V work including the new series of 'Ready Steady Cook.' Seems like the lads have been in the weeds a lot over the last ten years but that's what makes their story and conversation even cooler in my opinion! On the week the PM released lockdown to to reopen bars and restaurants after the COVID-19 lockdown, I wish the lads and everyone else out there the best of luck in everything they do.  Peace and love. Stay safe. Xx

Finally back after a few weeks break and we are back with the fantastic Natalia Ribbe joining us from Margate, she is the founder of L.O.R and the co-founder of Baletta. https://www.instagram.com/ladiesofrestaurants/ (L.O.R.) (Ladies of Restaurants) leads positive action that addresses the gender gap in the hospitality industry, which has now become an international renowned organisation with events all over the U.K and most recently in Helsinki. It is a positive and inspirational movement for aspiring women in the restaurant industry. An international human being with a diverse background and many a story to tell from NYC to Budapest. Natalias third favourite hobby after drinking and eating is most certainly, talking (her words not mine), so the podcast is a perfect match! Time to learn more about it all…as we all look to live in a freer, fairer, diverse world of equality for ourselves and our children post lockdown. Peace and enjoy x

This week I speak to Ant Power, who has had An exciting and diverse career all over the world. He is one half of Pilgrim Restaurant (https://www.pilgrimrestaurant.com/ (https://pilgrimrestaurant.com)), you may have seen us both on My Million Pound Menu. He is also part of a great publication in London called Root and Bone (http://www.rootandbone.co.uk/ (http://rootandbone.co.uk)) magazine and is incredibly one of the founding members of the Movember movement. (https://www.movember.com/ (https://www.movember.com)) We get a view from the other side of the world (depending where you are!) as Ant joins us in lockdown from his native city of Melbourne, and gives us an interesting insight into one fo the most exciting food and drink scenes in the world.  The importance of mental health awareness has become prevalent throughout the series. Ant has a distinguished CV of his work in this field and in this episode there is a cardinal message about the importance of conversation and staying connected. So you're in the right place for this one and I think Ant has my favourite the weeds moment of the series so far! Sit back relax, enjoy your walk or run whatever it maybe.  Hope you enjoy this one. XX

This week brings more positivity to the table, we get to know Thom Hetherington one of the most influential people in UK Hospitality and the man behind the infamous Northern Restaurant and Bar exhibition. We look at some fantastic creative offerings from across the North, from city dwellings to rural bliss. (https://www.northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk/#/ (https://northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk)) We look at some fantastic creative offerings from across the North, from city dwellings to rural bliss. Mental health awareness has become somewhat of a feature throughout the series, coinciding with the COVID-19 lockdown, we also talk about the importance of the outdoors and a mutual love of running as a form of meditation. I was working on a media project before this podcast, something Thom was to be a part of, looking at the amazing creative Northern independent scenes and hopefully its something we can pick up after this is all over. I think this will take on extra importance after the pandemic hopefully seeing a raft of staycations in the U.K. (Keep an eye on social media and my website for updates) Sometimes you do not realise whats right here on your doorstep! Stay safe and as always enjoy xx

This week is the first group podcast of the series and the conversation are all about the world of agave spirits, one of my biggest loves. I am joined by some fantastic names from the tequila industry who literally have agave running through their veins and they travel all corners of the world spreading the good word. Jesse Estes (Ocho Tequila) is one of the best known names in the tequila industry. He is the son to the legendary Tomas Estes but Jesse is also a legend in his own right and is currently taking on the mantle of global ambassador for Ocho Tequila, one of tequilas leading brands. http://ochotequila.com/eu/ (http://ochotequila.com) Gaby Moncada (Agave Ambassador) originally from Guadalajara (Mexico) is an extremely proud to be involved in the rich culture of agave spirits fro her homeland and is always looking to change peoples perceptions of this fabulous spirit. Prior to this Gaby has worked on the London bar scene for more than 15 years at some of the best bars in the city. https://specialitybrands.com/ (https://specialitybrands.com) John Ennis (GSG and El Bandito) fellow co-founder at GSG and a tequila enthusiast and frequent visitor to the distilleries of Mexico. John is co-owner with myself of El Bandito, one of the surprisingly few staple specialist tequilerias in the UK today. http://ochotequila.com/eu/ (http://graffitispiritsgroup.com) There is often a misconception that comes with agave spirits which actually happens to be one of the most natural pure spirits making processes on the market. The inebriation can often be surprisingly clean and the opposite to what many may expect and been sold in the past. So get your notebooks ready for an insight into some of the best agave bars and scenes from around the globe and usually with tequila there is always some tales to tell! It's time to bring some tequila to the table, this one is 100% agave. Salud. Stay safe xx

This week we have a fun filled podcast with JONNY 'BONGO' LACEY Lacey the co-founder of the global sensation Bongos Bingo. Jonny is a foodie at heart and I think judging by his social media in this lockdown period he fancies himself as a bit of a chef! We find out what he has been cooking, as well as fatherhood, working around the globe, his love for Michelin star restaurants and staying positive in these difficult times! SPECIAL INTRO CONVERSATION: This week includes a special intro conversation with RICH MCGINNIS of The Merchant who tells us of their incredible journey making PPE for the NHS. This is an incredible story and one that we all need to get behind. We hear how it started and where we can help, donate and raise awareness for an amazing initiative thats helping protect our front line key workers. So please as always enjoy and stay safe xx

We continue are journey into conversation with Mr. Paul Askew. This week we come closer to home discussing Liverpools resurgent food and drink culture over the last 20 years from a culinary dessert, to one of the most exciting scenes in the U.K. Paul is a huge advocate of training and development. He is renowned for giving people a chance from a young age, he talks about how he puts this into action. We also discuss Pauls Top 3 chefs that he has shared a service with and we discover a mutual appreciation for one Michelin Starred chef in particular, as well as his home town San Sebastian. There is also a faulty towers service moment that Paul will never forget, a true IN THE WEEDS moment. So as always stay safe, stay dry and enjoy xxx

This week, zooming in, we have award winning chef, author and all round good guy Mr. Paul Askew. We have a lot in common from our geographical similarities living on Merseyside and with such great conversation on life, food and culinary delights, I decided that I had to split Paul in two! In PART 1 we discuss Pauls life of travel and pull towards the sea. Also, how this has influenced his palette and ultimately moulded him into the person he is today. Leading onto him coming full circle back to his spiritual home in Liverpool, opening the iconic 'The Arts School Restaurant and Cellars' and learning about its strong ethos and his pursuit for culinary excellence. This episode, like the first, is recorded in times of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and while this continues there will be weekly episodes. PART 2 will appear next week as part of a double episode week. Stay safe and Enjoy x

We get 'In The Weeds' with James Hacon - CEO of Think Hospitality. James is a purist of the hospitality industry. He talks of the love that it brings him and the togetherness it generates. We talk about James humanitarian hospitality initiatives for wellness and mental health, which have become uniquely important throughout this pandemic. James is an accustomed public speaker and no stranger to world wide travel. We find out his go to favourite places, amongst it his admiration for Tel Aviv. Yet, he also has an appreciation for all things closer to home in the U.K. We discuss a host of topics including coffee, the future of hospitality and his iconic 'In The Weeds' moments that have made him who he is today. The future has become unclear for the sector but James positivity for a thriving outlook is one for us all to take note. We are all in this together!