The Go To Food Podcast

Follow The Go To Food Podcast
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Welcome to 'The Go To Food Podcast', where each week we will be joined by a celebrity guest to uncover their 'Go To's'. From their favourite takeaways, to their tried and tested hangover remedies to their favourite foodie hangouts and so much more. Plus we will be drinking cocktails and eating food themed around the guests experiences, personally curated by co-host Ben Benton (chef & food writer), as Freddy Clode (award winning host) gets to the bottom of their incredible life stories.

The Go To Food Podcast


    • Jun 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 125 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The Go To Food Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Go To Food Podcast

    Chef Gabriel Pryce - Rita's - From A Popup In A Nightclub Toilet To A Soho Institution - Calling Out Giles Coren & Inventing The Mini Martini!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 44:06


    This week on The Go-To Mise en Place, we sit down with Gabe Pryce — chef, writer, ferret-wrangler and co-founder of Rita's in Soho.From a legendary (and surreal) childhood acting debut in Casualty to the kitchens of New York and the streets of Mexico City, Gabe shares the winding path that led him to co-create one of London's most beloved neighbourhood restaurants. We talk early days, industry heartbreaks, philosophical food writing, and why there's no shame in simply wanting to make a great chicken roll.He opens up about hospitality's hidden emotional weight, the long game of writing scripts that may never get made, and what it means to speak out when the food world's gatekeepers get it wrong. We also cover: ferrets named Lancelot, haunted basements, why London can't quite crack pizza by the slice, and the pure joy of a lamb's tongue dish that changed everything.And if that isn't enough, as always we get into Gabe's ultimate foodie weekend (spoiler: it ends in New York with a very big-collared shirt), his most haunting kitchen day, and the underrated genius of Brooks Headley's Superiority Burger.------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Allan 'Seapa' Mustafa - From Frying Fish At A UK Theme Park To Becoming A BAFTA Award Winning Actor/Writer & Food Documentary Maker!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 68:29


    Today we're joined by the legendary actor, BAFTA-winning writer, and one half of People Just Do Nothing – Allan Mustafa, aka Seapa, aka MC Grindah – for a hilarious and heartfelt deep-dive into the meals that shaped him, and some hilarious stories from; firing Post Malone's guns at his house in LA, to helping trigger Craig David's comeback, to getting forcefully removed from a 'ping-pong' show in Bangkok to surviving a food disaster in Mexico!Allan shares everything from the Kurdish-inspired dishes of his childhood to late-night eats in Prague and big family meals at Royal Nawaab. He talks about learning to cook for himself (shoutout Kurdish risotto), his go-to weeknight spots (Song Que gets a major nod), and where he heads when it's time to celebrate (One Club Road and Mountain top the list).We also get an incredible step-by-step guide to his dream foodie weekend in Marseille – from chai lattes and French-Tunisian couscous to rocky beach swims and street-level people-watching that feels straight out of The Wire.To close it all out, Allan picks his perfect three-course meal, including a Kurdish stew, Czech duck with dumplings, and his controversial but justified love of profiteroles.Warm, unfiltered, and full of great food recs – this is one of our faves yet.And remember, use code GOTOBLINQ for one month free with our sponsor Blinq, and don't forget to send in your wildest hospitality horror stories to – front of house, back of house, or just you as a customer - to competition@thegotopodcastcompany.com.------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    John Devitt & Shuko Oda - How They Created 'Koya' The UK's First Udon Bar - The Biggest Mistakes Restaurants Always Make & The Brutality Of Tokyo's Kitchens!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 37:04


    To celebrate 15 years of Koya — the quietly iconic udon bar that helped change the way London eats — we're joined by its founders: John Devitt and Shuko Oda.From early-morning queues to feet-kneaded noodles, we go behind the steam with the pair who brought serious broth and bounce to Soho. Shuko shares how a childhood in Japan shaped her savoury cravings, how miso soup became her first solo dish, and how Tokyo's obsessive Italian food scene first lured her into the kitchen.John reflects on what it took to build Koya as an outsider to the restaurant world, the challenges of scaling a niche, noodle-focused concept, and how a love of good service has shaped the way Koya welcomes people in. We hear about their early trips to Japan, the now-legendary specials board, and the tightrope walk of keeping things consistent while always evolving.We talk burnt soy wings, kimchi holidays, and what it means to work in restaurants where holidays don't exist — plus what makes a good noodle, how Koya scaled without losing its soul, and why Shuko still finds comfort in the simplest rice ball.It's a portrait of a restaurant that's quietly influenced a generation — and the story of two people who put in the hours, trusted their instincts, and let the food do the talking.----------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ruth Leigh & Oli Brown - How They've Turned Updown Farmhouse Into The Best Restaurant Led Hotel In The Country + Horror Kitchen Stories From London, Hong Kong & Beyond!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 68:39


    Today we're bringing you a very special episode indeed as we're joined by Ruth Leigh and Oli Brown, the owners of Updown Farmhouse in Kent which over the last couple of years has become to be recognised as the best restaurant led hotel in the country.What started as a pop-up in a dilapidated 17th-century farmhouse has become a destination in its own right, serving wood-fired dishes that feel somewhere between rustic Italian trattoria and hyper-local British larder. Ruth and Oli talk us through how they built it — from sourcing wild boar from just up the road to accidentally catering half of Kent's weddings (including Ben's mum's). We get into the reality of running a proper country restaurant, how they keep things romantic and real, and what makes Updown's style of hospitality so special.Plus: one dish for the Hall of Fame, the most underrated corner of Italy, and a love letter to anchovies.--------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Santiago Lastra - From Sofa Surfing To Creating The UK's Only Michelin Starred Mexican Restaurant & How Rene Redzepi Changed His Life Forever!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 63:11


    Today we're delighted to be joined by Michelin Starred Head Chef and Owner of Kol and Fonda - the genius Santiago Lastra to unpack his incredible career that started off with him working in an Italian restaurant in Mexico and has taken him around some of the greatest kitchens in the world including working for Andoni Luis Aduriz at Mugartiz and leading René Redzepi's Noma during its residency in Mexico.Santiago's restaurant Kol was just voted the 17th best restaurant in the world and he takes us through the crazy hurdles he's put in place in order to try and stay as authentically British produce led as possible, refusing to use; avocado's, limes and chocolate which are staples of Mexican cusine and instead replacing them with foraged British substitutes. He also reveals; the moment as a child he fell in love with cooking after finding a basic cooking box in the local supermarket, the revelation he had about the power of food when his cooking brought his family together after the tragic loss of his father and grandparents in the same month, the craziness of working at Mugaritz in Spain, the genius journey he went on with Rene from Noma for a year in Mexico, plans for the future and much more....We talk the real roadmap from pop-ups and Instagram DMs to finding investors (and knowing when to say no), the difference between René Redzepi and Andoni Luis Aduriz, and why chefs today must master more than just the plate. Plus, Santiago maps out the perfect 48-hour food trip to Mexico City — churros, brains, barbacoa, and Negronis at the gate.Expect wisdom, wild stories, and the dish that made him cry. This one's a feast.-----------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sabrina Ghayour - From Fleeing Iran To Working At McDonalds To Becoming A Multi Best Selling Cookbook Author!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 52:40


    In this episode of The Go-To Food Podcast, we sit down with the unapologetically fearless Sabrina Ghayour — bestselling author, supper club pioneer, and one of the most influential voices in Middle Eastern cooking today.Sabrina talks about; fleeing Iran during the revovlution in 1979, working illegally as an 11 year old at her local Chinese supermarket and some nightmare happenings between her and customers, working at McDonalds, her love and obsession with Ken Hom, how losing her job during the recession forced her to rethink everything, and how saying yes to a dinner party she didn't even want to host ended up changing her life. She shares the behind-the-scenes chaos of running underground supper clubs in her flat, the shocking story of how her first cookbook almost didn't happen, and the Instagram DM that led to a career-defining opportunity.We dive into her sharp takes on the food industry, what she really thinks about the “chef” label to the snobbery that still exists around cookbook writing, and why she's never been afraid to take up space, speak her mind, or ruffle feathers.Plus: the kitchen disaster that still haunts her, the food that instantly transports her back to childhood, and what she cooks when she needs to feel grounded.A rich, warm, no-BS conversation about food, resilience, and forging your own path, one dish at a time.------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Farmer Tom Jones - Britain's Best Farmer on; Fighting Depression & Toxic Masculinity, A Short Lived Acting Career & Supplying The Best Restaurants In The UK!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 37:41


    Welcome back to a farming and butchery special by the man who's been supplying some of the UK's best restaurants for over 2 decades including ST. John, Lyle's, Camille, The Camberwell Arms, and more and has recently opened his own butcher's shop in Bermondsey, the legendary Farmer Tom Jones. We find out how he went from turning down a career being an actor and playwright and then Harry Hill's assistant to becoming the most respected and sought after meat supplier in the country. It's been a tough journey though from; turning his back on his family and their farm, to fighting depression, greed and toxic masculinity in Wales to ripping up the rule book of Farming and deciding to go his own path and heading down to London.....What does it take to produce truly exceptional meat? In this special episode of The Go-To Mise en Place, we head to the fields with fourth-generation farmer and butcher Tom Jones, whose family has been rearing livestock on the Welsh borderlands for over a century. From traditional butchery methods to ethical farming practices, Tom shares what goes into raising animals with care—and how that translates to quality on the plate. We talk dry-aging, nose-to-tail respect, and why provenance matters more than ever in today's kitchens.Whether you're a chef, food lover, or just curious about where your Sunday roast really comes from, this one's for you.------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/Find out more about Farmer Tom here - https://www.facebook.com/farmerthomasjones/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jimi Famurewa - How He Was Brutally Fired From 'The Standard' - Why London Restaurant's Scene Is Getting Boring & His Horrifying Experience With Salt Bae!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 62:21


    This week on The Go-To Food Pod, we're joined by the much-missed voice of London restaurant criticism, former Evening Standard food writer Jimi Famurewa. For years, Jimi helped define what made eating out in the capital exciting, accessible, and culturally relevant. From neighbourhood heroes to headline-grabbing launches, his reviews brought warmth, wit and sharp insight to every corner of the scene. But earlier this year, in a surprising move, Jimi's column was abruptly axed during a major restructure, along with around 70 other jobs at the paper.In this episode, Jimi opens up about what it felt like to lose that platform so suddenly after putting so much of himself into it. He also talks candidly about the state of London dining right now, from the dominance of value-driven menus and weeknight deals, to the uneasy economics of running a restaurant in 2025. We hear about the places he got wrong, the ones he loved most, and what really happened when he reviewed Salt Bae's notorious gold steak spot in Knightsbridge. Plus, we quiz him on his dream weekend getaway, favourite neighbourhood hangouts, and whether we'll be seeing his byline in another major paper anytime soon.This is a rich, funny, and surprisingly moving episode with one of the most thoughtful voices in British food journalism.-----Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/Buy Jimi's book Picky here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Picky-must-read-journey-professional-gourmet/dp/1399739549 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Samyukta Nair - The Queen Of London Restaurants On; Critics Getting Personal, Why She Prematurely Closed Her Restaurant With Claude Bosi & Why London Is Facing An Existential Crisis!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 50:45


    In this episode of The Go-To Mise en Place, we sit down with Samyukta Nair, the powerhouse behind London's boldest and most elegant dining destinations. As the creative director of LSL Capital, she's responsible for a growing portfolio of restaurants that blend storytelling, design, and deeply personal heritage — from the Michelin-starred Jamavar to the vibrant, cinematic Bombay Bustle, the maximalist charm of MiMi Mei Fair, and the newly launched KOYN, Elenas, and Élan.We delve into Samyukta's journey from the family-run Leela hotel group in India to launching her first solo concepts in London. She shares what it was like entering the restaurant world on her own terms, how she approaches each venue like a film set with its own narrative, and why her late grandfather remains a guiding force in her decision-making.Expect reflections on the power of instinct over trend, how she builds restaurants with longevity in mind, and what she's learned about balancing creative ambition with operational excellence. We also talk about the making of KOYN, her most personal project to date, inspired by her time in Tokyo, as well as her bold move into Mayfair nightlife with the newly opened Koyn Thai and Nipotina.This is a wide-ranging conversation with one of the most visionary and quietly influential figures in hospitality today — and a rare look behind the scenes of London's most theatrical dining rooms.---------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Tom Kerridge - Kitchen Trauma, Alcohol Abuse & Risking Everything To Create The First 2 Michelin Star Pub In The World!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 70:52


    This week on The Go-To Food Podcast, we sit down with one of Britain's most recognisable chefs, Tom Kerridge, for a refreshingly honest conversation about the journey from wild, hard-drinking kitchens to becoming a household name with multiple Michelin stars.Tom opens up about the early days of The Hand and Flowers, how he went from not even knowing what a Michelin star meant to becoming the first pub in the UK to earn two. He reflects on the sacrifices, personally and professionally, that came with success, including a traumatic kitchen accident that left a young chef with life-changing injuries, forcing him to confront the pressure-cooker culture of hospitality.We dig into the pivotal moment he quit drinking, and how that transformed not just his lifestyle but his leadership style. He talks about managing fame while still pulling 18-hour shifts, and how the restaurant robbery that left his team devastated became a lesson in resilience.There's plenty of lighter stuff too; like an epic story of when Liam Gallagher came for a long lunch to the Hand & Flowers, the story behind his dream food weekend in Singapore, and the three-course meal he'd serve his mates (including a controversial soufflé just to wind up Sat Bains).From building a people-first kitchen culture to his thoughts on where British food is heading next, this episode is Tom Kerridge as you've never heard him before: candid, self-aware, and full of hard-won wisdom.--------------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/Grab hold of the hottest reservations in town with the app ResX - https://www.resx.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Amy Poon - Bringing Back The First Ever Michelin Starred Chinese Restaurant - Starting A Champagne Bar In Singapore's Red Light District & Struggling To Survive In Tokyo!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 37:04


    In this episode of The Go-To Mise en Place, we sit down with Amy Poon, chef, food entrepreneur, and heir to one of the most iconic names in Chinese dining, for a wide-ranging, laugh-out-loud conversation that covers everything from opening a champagne bar with a newborn to scrubbing pots at midnight when staff don't show.Amy reflects on her family's pioneering role in transforming the perception of Chinese cuisine in Britain, particularly her father Bill Poon's groundbreaking achievement of earning a Michelin star in the 1980s - the first for an independent Chinese restaurant in the UK, attracting everyone from Mick Jagger and Sean Connery to opera singers and cultural icons. Raised in and around the restaurant, Amy recounts childhood meals that ranged from venison to crispy duck sandwiches on school trips, illustrating how her Chinese-British identity shaped her palate. She also shares vivid family lore - including the story of an ancestor who may have invented the stock cube - and how her own journey through Oxford, advertising, art sales, and nightlife in Singapore has ultimately brought her back to food, launching Poon's Pantry and now preparing to open a new restaurant, Amy is reimagining her families legacy through her cross-cultural lens: not fusion, but a true mix of tradition, innovation, and identity.Plus, we hear about Amy's ultimate foodie weekend, the comforting simplicity of a fried egg over rice, and the ABBA song she'd play herself out to. Don't miss this one.-----Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Giorgio Locatelli - The Tragedy That Nearly Ruined His Career, Getting Bullied In Paris & The Reason Why He Decided To Walk Away From His Michelin Stars!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 66:12


    This week on The Go-To Food Podcast, we sit down with legendary Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli — the man who helped redefine Italian cuisine in London. From his early training at The Savoy to becoming the first independent Italian chef in the UK to earn a Michelin star, Giorgio takes us through the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of a career that has shaped the city's food scene for over four decades.In this wide-ranging and often hilarious conversation, Giorgio reflects on the golden years of London dining between 1995 and 2005, shares what it was really like walking into one of Gordon's infamous kitchen meltdowns. He also dives into the now-infamous Truffle Kerfuffle — a billing scandal involving a lavish dinner and a very expensive mushroom — and tells us how he ended up cooking £25k pasta for royalty in the Qatari desert, and how a well-timed delivery ended up making him an unlikely truffle dealer to the King himselfWe also talk about his return to TV stardom with MasterChef Italia, why he believes chefs need to stay grounded, and his advice for the next generation entering the industry. Plus, Giorgio shares his favourite go-to restaurants — from a hidden gem in Kentish Town to a no-frills spot in Palermo.This episode is a masterclass in food, legacy, and keeping your feet on the ground in an ever-changing industry.----------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will Beckett - Hawksmoor Founder On; How He Broke America, His Huge Falling Out With Keith McNally & A.A. Gill's Brutal Review!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 57:02


    This week on The Go-To Mise en Place, we're celebrating 15 years of Hawksmoor Seven Dials—one of London's most beloved restaurants—with co-founder Will Beckett. Over a very special lunch from their 15th birthday menu (available Monday to Friday lunchtimes for just £19.50—arguably the best value lunch in the West End), Will reflects on the journey that took Hawksmoor from a scrappy East London opening to a globally respected restaurant group with sites in New York and Dublin.In a conversation as honest as it is insightful, Will talks about the systems and philosophies that keep the business grounded and people-focused—from staff culture and team rituals to thoughtful leadership and scaling with integrity. He breaks down what “mise en place” means outside the kitchen, shares what he looks for in great hospitality, and explains why real success has little to do with chasing trends.Whether you're obsessed with restaurants, fascinated by founder stories, or just curious about what makes a place special, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how one of Britain's best restaurant groups is run.----------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stevie Parle - Kicking A Michelin Starred Chef Out Of His Restaurant - The Tragic Effect 'Viral Dishes' Has Had On Menu's & Creating The Pop Up Movement!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 38:54


    This week on The Go-To Food Podcast, we sit down with London's original restaurant protege Stevie Parle - one-time pop-up poster boy, chef, restaurateur, and the creative force behind Dock Kitchen, Rotorino, Pastaio, and most recently, the soon to be hardest restaurant in London to get a table at, Town on Drury Lane.Stevie shares the story behind his unconventional journey through the food world, from formative years at the River Café, Moro and Petersham Nurseries, to building a career that spanned pop-ups, bestselling cookbooks, newspaper columns and bold restaurant ventures.We talk about the surprising impact of going viral on TikTok — including the lobster pasta video that turned a quiet dish into a logistical nightmare — and the tension between cooking for social media vs. cooking from instinct and taste.He talks about how Town was born out of a desire to “just cook good food” rather than follow the restaurant concept trend, how simplicity and spontaneity shape the menu, and the freedom that comes with ditching the formula.We also get into the nitty gritty: Stevie's favorite under-the-radar food spots (including a deep love for Rot King in London and The Goods Shed in Canterbury), memories of culinary disasters (ever swapped salt for sugar in a lemon tart?), and of course, cooking for famous faces from Mick Jagger to David Cameron.----------------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/Download ResX Now To Claim The Best Tables In Town - https://www.resx.co/Plus, we chat dream meals, the rotisserie chicken revival, London's evolving dining scene, and why chefs might be done chasing stars in more ways than one.------------Grab hold of the hottest reservations in town with the app ResX - https://www.resx.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Rosie Kellett - The Queen Of Supper Clubs on; Warehouse Evictions, Parmesan's Medicinal Magic & Creating Meghan Markle's Wedding Cake!!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 47:09


    This week, we're joined by the brilliantly warm and wildly talented Rosie Kellett - writer, food creator, and author of In For Dinner. From comforting nostalgia to weeknight saviours, Rosie takes us through her dream menu from breakfast to pudding. We get into her favourite hangover-busting salt and vinegar potato soup, a citrusy macaroni-spaghetti hybrid born out of broke London flatshares, and the pudding inspired by her Grandma Margaret's legendary raspberry cakey concoctions (somewhere between a tiramisu and a trifle).We also talk about her love for Polish sauerkraut—her desert island essential—and a pierogi-inspired soup that's become a go-to. Rosie takes us to Emilia-Romagna for some erbazzone and shares why she sees Parmesan as a kind of culinary medicine. There's big love for London favourites too, including the crisp pink dosa at Rasa, deep chilli heat at Xi-an Impressions, and perfect service at Sessions Arts Club.And then there's the Hall of Fame dish: a shrimp and scallion pancake from Piazz that, in Rosie's words, made her feel whole again. We also get into her biggest food trend icks, why certain garnishes should be banned, her failed acting career and the one word she'd love to see retired from recipe vocabulary forever (spoiler: it's “hack”).Rosie's new book In For Dinner is full of the kind of recipes you'll actually want to cook—comforting, clever, and affordable. Go order it now - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dinner-delicious-affordable-recipes-batch/dp/152993656X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Legends Roundtable: Michelin Starred Chefs; Phil Howard, John Williams & Adam Byatt | Escoffier's Legacy & The Current State Of The Industry.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 77:47


    The Go-To Food Podcast proudly introduces The Legends' Roundtable— a brand-new monthly series celebrating the chefs, kitchens, and ideas that have shaped modern gastronomy. Each episode, we gather some of the most respected names in the industry to reflect on where food has come from, where it's going, and what it truly means to dedicate a life to hospitality.For our inaugural Round Table, we are delighted to be hosted in the extraordinary Trinity restaurant where we are joined by Michelin starred legends, Adam Byatt of Trinity, Phil Howard of Elystan Street and John Williams of The Ritz to dive into Escoffier's Legacy and the timeless foundations that still underpin great kitchens today.In a lively and honest conversation, three legendary chefs open up about the evolution of the industry — from the old-school days when chefs could focus solely on craft, to today's harsher realities where financial precision is critical to survival. They explore the irreplaceable thrill of cooking, the unique rewards of creating something ephemeral yet deeply meaningful, and the hard balance between natural flair and disciplined technique.The discussion peels back the layers of what it really takes to be a great chef: the importance of marrying creativity with meticulousness, the subtle but crucial connection between cook and ingredient, and the difference between chefs driven by pure love of food and those who focus on process. They reflect on the irreplaceable role of mentorship, the pride in seeing protégés rise, and the deep emotional bonds forged through years of relentless service.With unforgettable stories from iconic kitchens, candid reflections on leadership and legacy, and plenty of laughs (and tart anecdotes) along the way, The Legends' Round Tables is a love letter to the world of food — and to everyone who has ever fallen in love with it.-----------Grab hold of the hottest reservations in town with the app ResX - https://www.resx.coSupport the incredible work of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts - https://royalacademyofculinaryarts.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chef Andy Benyon - Winning A Michelin Star After Just 20 Days Of Opening - Witnessing A Married Couple Breakup Mid Meal At His Restaurant & The Genius Of Claude Bosi & Phil Howard!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 28:17


    This week, we head Behind the pass—literally—with chef-owner Andy Benyon, the Michelin-starred mind behind one of East London's most intimate and inventive restaurants. From langoustines with truffle yakisoba to clam shell madeleines, Andy's flavour-first, technique-driven cooking has built a cult following and earned him a Michelin star just 20 days after opening.In this episode, Andy shares what it was like working under culinary greats like Phil Howard and Claude Bosi, and how their influence shaped his own philosophy in the kitchen. We dig into the art and agony of tasting menus—why they're so hard to get right, and how Andy keeps his feeling fun, creative, and worth the price. He recalls the chaos of nightmare services (including a guest walking out mid-meal over the music) and the small wins that come from surprising, happy endings.We also talk about Andy's upcoming speakeasy-style bar concept hidden behind his restaurant, where diners will be able to enjoy more casual snacks while peeking into the kitchen. And of course, we couldn't resist chatting about one of his most passionate design features: the toilets. Built with the same guy who did Sketch, they're part submarine, part statement—proof that every detail matters.This is a candid, unfiltered chat about perfectionism, creativity, and building a restaurant that feels like home.--------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/Download ResX Now To Claim The Best Tables In Town - https://www.resx.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chef Jake Finn - Walking Out On The Biggest Bully In The Industry, Chucking Out Racist Customers & Creating One Of London's Greatest Neighbourhood Spots!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 42:39


    Welcome back to Mise en Place where this week we sit down with Jake Finn, the chef-owner behind Cinder – the neighbourhood restaurant where everything hits the charcoal. Jake shares his journey from being one of the first Ritz apprentices in 2006 to opening Cinder in the middle of a pandemic, and building it into a two-location favourite for fire-cooked, produce-led food.We talk about his formative years under the notoriously exacting Raphael Duntoye at Le Petit Maison, then going onto Coya where there was one night he ruined £2,500 of Waygu Beef for one table, and the leap into running his own place. Jake gets candid about the tough moments – walking out of a toxic kitchen, delivering meals to 50 homes a night during lockdown, chucking out guests for being racist to his staff and the struggle to stay afloat in this market– as well as the highs, like when Pierre Koffmann walked into his restaurant, and how he became a regular.Expect stories about burnt sausages, burnt leeks, and everything in between, as we explore Jake's Mediterranean-inspired cooking style, signature dishes like cedar plank salmon, and why he believes the best food is always the simplest. Oh, and he's not holding back on his thoughts about smash burgers either. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Rosemary Shrager - How Pierre Koffmann Saved My Life - Falling Out With Donald Trump & Surviving A Very Unhappy Childhood!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025 63:22


    This week on The Go-To Food Podcast, we sit down with the legendary Rosemary Shrager — self-taught chef, bestselling author, and TV favourite — for a wide-ranging conversation full of warmth, grit, and unapologetic passion for food.Rosemary opens up about her unconventional journey: from a turbulent childhood and being sectioned as a teen, to carving out a place in top kitchens alongside icons like Pierre Koffmann and Jean-Christophe Novelli. We talk about leaving her marriage to follow her dreams, finding joy in simple dishes like poached eggs on toast, and why salt is her ultimate flavour weapon.From I'm a Celebrity to The Real Marigold Hotel, Rosemary shares behind-the-scenes stories from her TV career, plus the foodie destination she's desperate to visit. Expect laughs, honesty, and a serious love of cooking.---------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chef Luke Farrell - Opening The Spiciest Restaurant In The Country - Creating A Thai Jungle In Dorset & Passing Out Eating Thailand's Craziest Dish!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 35:34


    This week on The Go-To Food Podcast, we sit down with Luke Farrell — the modern godfather of Southeast Asian cuisine in London. From the neon-lit Speedboat Bar to his innovative Thai greenhouses in Dorset, Luke unpacks what it takes to run four award-winning restaurants rooted in authentic Southeast Asian flavours: Speedboat Bar (Thai-Chinese), Plaza Khao Gaeng (Southern Thai), Bebek! Bebek! (Indonesian), and Viet Populaire (Vietnamese).Expect stories of late-night noodle runs in Bangkok, frozen Thai beer slushies, and the surprisingly spicy secrets of Southern Thai cuisine. Luke reflects on cultural appropriation in food, the grind of growing tropical produce in the English countryside, and what makes a truly unforgettable dish — including the time he fainted after eating a raw blood delicacy in Chiang Mai.Finally, Luke takes us on his ultimate foodie weekend in Bangkok — from rice soup at dawn to cocktails at Dua and deep-fried fish buoyancy sacks in Chinatown.If you're into bold flavours, Southeast Asian restaurants, or are drawn to the idea of growing ingredients that seem impossible in British climes — this one's for you.-------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chef Theo Randall - Winning The River Cafe Its Michelin Star -The Magic Of Working At Chez Panisse & Uncovering A Young Jamie Oliver!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 59:23


    This week on The Go-To Food Podcast, we sit down with legendary chef Theo Randall to talk about his incredible journey through the world of food. From starting as a kitchen porter at just 14, to working his way up through some of the most influential kitchens in the world, Theo shares how a transformative stint at Chez Panisse shaped his approach to ingredients and how 17 years at the River Cafe saw him rise to head chef and win a Michelin star.He had a front-row seat to the beginning of Jamie Oliver's meteoric early success and later worked with Jamie's 15 charity, mentoring young chefs while it was still running. Now at the helm of his own restaurant at the Intercontinental Hotel, Theo takes us inside his cooking philosophy, the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients, and why he's still passionate about training the next generation of chefs.Plus, he reveals his dream foodie weekend in Verona—where the streets are paved with marble, trattorias serve the finest local cheeses and salumi, and risotto is king. From delicate seasonal ingredients like Bruscandoli to rich Amarone-infused rice, Theo paints a mouthwatering picture of why this northern Italian city is a must-visit for food lovers.A must-listen for anyone obsessed with Italian food, kitchen culture, and what it takes to reach the top of the culinary world.---------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Manuel De La Torre - Escaping Death Threats From The Mexican Cartel Who'd Killed His Family - Making Emergency Asylum To The UK & Creating The Best Mexican Restaurant In The Country!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 34:16


    Welcome back to Mise en Place, where this week we sit down with Taco Manny at his spot Guacamoles. Manny is a Mexican refugee who fled death threats for a cartel and rebuilt his life in London—one taco at a time. With just £70, he launched a pop-up that made £3,000 in 15 days, all of which he donated to his church. Now, his tacos are celebrated as the best in London, with both The Financial Times and The Infatuation crowning his food as the city's finest Mexican offering.Manny shares how his family's culinary heritage shaped his approach and why authenticity is at the heart of everything he makes. He talks about the struggle to source proper ingredients in the UK, his mission to recreate true barbacoa, the 17 spices that make his birria taste exactly like home and his ongoing quest to find intestines for the tripe tacos he misses from home. He also reflects on his spiritual awakening, overcoming addiction and loss, and how his faith has guided his journey.His reputation skyrocketed after Jonathan Nunn put Guacamoles on the map not long after it opened, and since then, he's cooked for everyone from actors to the Mexican ambassador in the UK. Now, as demand for his tacos continues to soar, he's setting his sights on expansion.From cartel threats to culinary success, this is a story of resilience, faith, and the power of truly great food. Don't miss it.---------------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chef Kate Austen - How She Became The Youngest 2 Michelin Starred Female Chef In The World - Why She's Turned Her Back On The Industry & The Secrets To Winning The Great British Menu!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 59:54


    Today we're delighted to be joined by a chef who was once the youngest 2 Michelin star female chef in the world and after working in 4 Michelin Starred restaurants around Europe and then working for Gordon Ramsay, she casually became the first woman to ever win the Great British Menu main course, in over 20 years of the shows history!Kate opens up about; why she decided to leave the restaurant industry and become a private chef rather than try and open her own restaurant, the struggles emotionally of being a Head Chef, the brutality of 19 hour days working in Michelin Star kitchens, the greatest way to tackle sexism and inequality, the delights of Copenhagen's dining scene, her secrets to becoming the first female in history to win the Great British Menu's main course, the unglamorous truths of working for Gordon Ramsay, the selfishness you need to be a successful chef and so much more...It's a truly fascinating listen and Kate is a wonderful orator, so sit back, relax and enjoy!-------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ramael Scully - The Chef Behind Yotam Ottolenghi's Global Success On His Journey From A Brutal French Kitchen In Sydney To Running His Own Award Winning Restaurant!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 44:20


    Welcome back to Mise en Place where this week we take a deep dive into the mind of Ramael Scully, the powerhouse behind London's critically acclaimed Scully. From his early days grafting in Australian kitchens to learning from Ottolenghi and carving out his own culinary empire, Scully's journey is packed with inspiration, grit, and game-changing ideas. Expect no-nonsense insights, jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes stories, and a masterclass in creative cooking.He opens up about what it's really like to be mentored by one of the world's most influential chefs and how those early lessons shaped his fearless approach to food. His Malaysian-Australian heritage and obsession with street food have fuelled a completely unique cooking style, blending bold, unexpected flavours into dishes that Londoners can't get enough of. But running a top restaurant isn't just about the food—it's about survival. Scully reveals the brutal highs and lows of the industry, from impossible customers to the relentless pursuit of perfection.And then there's the future of food. Fermentation, zero waste, multi-layered flavour explosions—Scully is rewriting the rulebook on how we cook, eat, and think about ingredients. For food lovers, ambitious chefs, and anyone obsessed with the art of eating well, this episode is an absolute must-listen. Download now and get stuck in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Giles Coren - Award Winning Restaurant Critic On; Scandals, Regrets & Feuds!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 67:56


    Welcome back to The Go To Food Podcast! Today, we're joined by the country's most famous food critic and journalist, and perhaps once the angriest man in Britain, Giles Coren. Giles has been the restaurant critic for The Times since 2002, following stints as a critic for Tatler and The Independent on Sunday. He's also hosted over 30 TV shows in both the UK and US, landing his big break in 2005 with Gordon Ramsay's F-Word.Known for never shying away from controversy, Giles has found himself at the center of numerous scandals over the years—many of which, as he reveals, have led to pay raises instead of sackings. A brilliant writer and orator, he's also made a few enemies with his notorious Twitter rants and his sensitivity to public opinion. In today's episode, for the first time ever, Giles opens up about his most memorable controversies, shares his regrets (including his greatest regret over his comments about Dawn Foster after her passing), and explains why he thinks Jonathan Nunn is the biggest "C***" in the world—though it may not be as harsh as it sounds.We also dive into his professional journey to the top of the journalism world, explore why he believes the role of food critic is nearly extinct, uncover why he had a complicated relationship with AA Gill, and hear about the most disgusting food he's ever eaten. Plus, find out how he got a famous restaurant chain shut down, his thoughts on the Notting Hill dining scene, how he discovered he had cancer, and much more.This is definitely one of our most entertaining—and possibly controversial—interviews yet. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!--------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Danny Winer - Failed Hollywood Actor To Bankrupt Businessman To Creating The $600 Million Hexclad Cookware Company With Gordon Ramsay!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 38:36


    Welcome back to the podcast whereby his week, we're joined by Danny Winer, the man behind one of the most talked-about cookware brands in the game: HexClad.From aspiring actor to cookware kingpin, Danny's journey is anything but ordinary. He opens up about his early missteps, including the juicing business that collapsed overnight, and how he kept the faith when things looked bleak. He shares how HexClad was built on sheer graft—begging, borrowing, and (not-quite) stealing their way through the early days—and how they turned the chaos of the pandemic into a business advantage by hiring an entire freelance sales team when everyone else was making cuts.And then there's the Gordon Ramsay moment—a chance DM that snowballed into one of the most successful chef partnerships in recent memory.It's a story of resilience, reinvention, and a fair bit of hustle. Tune in for an episode packed with lessons on business, belief, and the fine art of the sales pitch.--------------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chef Sally Clarke - The Secrets To Remaining A Great Restaurant For 40+ Years - Why Alice Waters Is A Genius & Banning A Hollywood Director!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 53:48


    Today we're joined by arguably the most iconic female chef in the country in the legendary Sally Clarke, who's been the owner and chef patron at Clarke's in Kensington for over 41 years. Sally ironically failed her O level in cookery and yet has gone on to become one of the most successful chef and restaurant owners in the country. Clarke's is a London institution and the restaurant is the favourite of everyone from Mick Jagger to Bono - David Hockney to Paul Smith and all in between. In only her 2nd ever audio interview, Sally reveals how she fell in love with food through the books of Elizabeth David and her travels across France as a child. However it was when she headed to study at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris in the early 70s when she knew that this was going to be her life. Having worked at 3 of the most famous restaurants in the City she came back to London to work alongside Pru Leith at her cookery school, but within a year found herself moving to live in California to work at some of the greatest new age restaurants. It was here she met and fell in love with Alice Waters and Chez Panisse, and was inspired 5 years later in 1983 to return to London and set up Clarke's following in the same farm to table ethos and daily changing set menu as her culinary hero and friend. However, setting up a restaurant as a female head chef and owner wasn't easy in the early 1980s and we hear about; the disastrous problems she encountered, and rude sexist male customers and suppliers she had to deal with. We also hear about her friendship with Lucian Freud who used to eat breakfast and lunch at the restaurant everyday and how she had the privilege of being the last person ever to sit for him. Also, alongside the restaurant Sally runs an incredibly successful commercial bakery that sells over 90,000 handmade Mince Pies each year and beat all her Parisian competition to provide the pastries for the Eurostar. Sally very kindly also shares her secrets to success including; how to create the ultimate menu, the 'Art Of The Table, how to treat your customers and why she never ever gives her customers the bill. ------------------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Introducing - The Go To Weekend

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 1:04


    Welcome to The Go-To Weekend, your ultimate guide to making the most of your days off. Hosted by Sunday Times deputy food editor Hannah Evans and Foodism deputy editor Molly Codyre, we're here delivering the hottest tips on where to go, what to eat, and what not to miss this weekend, all with a sharp eye, a raised glass, and zero tolerance for nonsense.This week, we're taking in the scent of Tom Straker's candle—does it whisper ‘buttery bliss' or just smell like burning cash? And speaking of money, we're tackling International Women's Day, the gender pay gap, and why letting your partner pick up the tab might just be a sleeper act of economic rebalancing.Meanwhile, we reminisce about the golden age of Big Mamma Group restaurant launches - back when treating yourself didn't require financial planning and leaving a restaurant launch in an ambulance wasn't quite the faux par it might be today.Then, with St Patrick's Day looming, we get stuck into the internet boxing match of the year, Ellis vs Corcoran, before we brace for the inevitable onslaught of Guinness brosplaining while making the case for Beamish as the superior pint. Plus, in a twist that defies all logic, we investigate Guinness as a health food—its surprising role in weight loss and post-pregnancy recovery.Click here to listen and follow the show; https://linktr.ee/gotoweekend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chef John Chantarasak - How An Ex Professional Drummer Won A Michelin Star Just 3 Months After Opening His Restaurant AngloThai!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 43:49


    Today we're joined by a man Giles Coren described as ‘a hippy genius' who recently received a Michelin Star having just opened the doors to his restaurant AngloThai merely 3 months before the awards, the wonderful John Chantarasak. Although it's been a long road from him touring the world as a professional drummer to moving to Bangkok to train at Le Corden Bleu followed by working under the stewardship of arguably the most famous Thai inspired chef in the world in David Thompson to doing almost 10 years of pop ups and false starts before opening his beautiful 44 cover restaurant in Marylebone, the wait has been worth it. His food his beyond incredible and his stories of his unlikely struggle to the top match his flavours note for note, so sit back, relax and enjoy the only Michelin starred Thai chef in the country. ---------------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Chef Jocky Petrie - Heston Blumenthal's Genius - Gordon Ramsay's Temper & The Reality Of Working At The Craziest Restaurant In The World!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 63:14


    Today we're joined by one of the most in demand chefs in the world in the genius Jocky Petrie who's overseen operations for both Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay globally, whilst casually also creating some of the most famous dishes in the world whilst he was Head Pastry Chef at The Fat Duck during its golden era. Today on the podcast we uncover his incredible story which has taken him from a remote village in Scotland to working at the craziest 3 Michelin Star restaurant in America to eventually becoming Heston's right hand man where he created some of the most famous dishes in the world. After 10 years pushing the culinary boundaries with Heston, Chef Jocky ended up being put in charge of Gordon Ramsay's business empire globally and additionally landed the role as Sous Chef on the multi-award winning TV show 'Hells Kitchen'. He now finds himself back working alongside Heston, as he's pushing the boundaries of food innovation once again, as they once more plan to be the greatest restaurant in the world. This is a truly fascinating interview, so please sit back, relax and enjoy. -----------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S3 Ep31: Lloyd Morse - How He Created The Best Restaurant In Edinburgh - Why He Never Settled At The River Cafe & Rejecting Christoph Waltz!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 58:48


    Today we're joined by the legendary owner and Exec Chef of the most popular restaurant in Scotland in The Palmerston, the wonderful Lloyd Morse, to hear how he's created such a successful venture in Edinburgh and uncover some of his war stories from his career so far. We sat down to a delicious and incredibly boozy supper a couple of weeks ago and managed to prize out his greatest tales from; his time working alongside his mentor Skye Gyngell when they opened Spring together, why he never enjoyed his time at The River Cafe, how he structures a menu and his love for nose to tail cooking, the importance of working on a farm, the night he rejected Christop Waltz, Noel Gallagher's awful jokes, his younger days working at a terrifying Michelin starred restaurant in Australia, his hatred for certain items which should never be on a menu, the secrets to managing a team, why he never wanted to open a restaurant in London, the importance of properly training younger chefs, his love for shitty Hawaiian pizzas, why pissy livers are the greatest thing to eat in the world and much much more....--------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show. If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    S3 Ep30: Jeremy King OBE - Britains Most Successful Restaurateur on; Go-Karting with Princess Diana, His Secrets To Success & Why His Investors Screwed Him Over!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 68:36


    Today we're joined by the greatest restaurateur of his generation in Jeremy King OBE, the genius behind the success of such places as; Le Caprice, The Ivy, The Wolseley, J Sheekey, Brasserie Zedel, The Delaunay and much more. For the first time ever he reveals his ind epth career story from working the floor at Joe Allens in the late 70s to becoming the most successful restaurateur in the world to his feud with Richard Caring & his fallout with his Thai investors he reveals it all. Plus we hear delightful memories of his intimate friendship with Lucian Freud, his plans to reopen the iconic Simpsons on the Strand next year, his days gokarting against Princess Diana, how he made The Ivy the coolest restaurant in the world in the 90s, the terrifying day he was chased by his psychotic head chef with a meat cleaver, recalls his rudest ever customers, reveals why you should never giveaway a majority in anything, gasps over the most shocking sexism he's ever witnessed and much much more... Plus he reveals all his secrets to industry success and what it takes to make money in todays market, so sit back, relax and enjoy his genius.  ------ Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.  If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it. Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours. Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/

    S3 Ep29: Roberta Hall-McCarron - Tom Kitchin's Genius - The Shocking Reality Of Cooking At A 7 Star Hotel & Witnessing The Rudest Customers Ever!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 41:05


    Today what a joy it is to be joined by a Scottish superstar and Edinburgh icon in Roberta Hall-McCarron to hear about her incredible career that's taken her from the atmosphere-less kitchens of the only 7 star hotel in the world in Dubai to working in the brutal kitchens of Michelin icon Tom Kitchin to now running 3 of the best restaurants in the UK. We hear about sexism in the kitchen, the outrageous extremities of working in the Burj Al Arab, the brutal training of working under Tom Kitchin, her failed venture running a rural country pub in England, the excitment of cooking for Anthony Bourdain, her award winning cookbook and much more..... ------------ Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show. If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it. Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours. Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/

    S3 Ep28: Val Warner - TV Regrets, Royal Family Baking F*** Ups & Why 'Grandma Food' Is The Greatest In The World!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 63:02


    Today we're honoured to be joined by a Chef who's worked for the greats, a TV star who's created 9 TV series of his own, an author who's written 5 award wining cookbooks - but most importantly he's Ben's Hero - in the gloriously charming - Valentine Warner! We discuss his crazy upbringing which often saw him sat round the table debating with Harold Pinter whilst sampling his mums genius culinary creations, his tough years at school where he was bullied and called 'Fat Val' which led him to skip sports in the afternoons and instead steal the local trout farmers fish before he was whipped within an inch of his life, his career as a chef working for Alistair Little and getting brutally rejected by Rick Stein, setting up his catering company which became famous in London and catered all the high end fashion parties of the 90s including an infamous incident with Kate Moss one evening at a Rimmel party, ruining a member of the royal families birthday with the worst cake ever invented, illegal fishing trips to India, his regrets on not making more of his 9 TV series, his amazing new spirits company 'Hepple', his new project 'Kitchen In The Wild' where you escape on a luxury week away into Kenya to be cooked food by Jackson Boxer and much much more........ ------- Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.  If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it. Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours. Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ @valentinewarner49 @kitchenitw www.kichenithewild.org @hepple_spirits Www.hepplespirits.com Valentine Warner Food YouTube

    S3 Ep27: Stuart Ralston - Getting Stabbed, Gordon Ramsay's Temper & The Hostilities Of The Edinburgh Food Scene!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 47:34


    Today we're joined by the recently crowned Michelin Star Head Chef and Owner of Lyla in Edinburgh in the wonderful Stuart Ralston to celebrate his success, find out he achieved it and dig out his best war stories from over 20 years in the professional kitchen. Stuart got his big break working under Gordon Ramsay in New York, having grown up in a council estate in Scotland and followed his father into the industry, albeit that was working in his fathers pizzeria rather than the Michelin starred kitchens he found himself in from New York to London to the Caribbean. Stuart shares with us some shocking stories ranging from; getting stabbed, the most shocking sights he's witnessed in the kitchen, slicing off his finger and carrying on his trial, working for Ramsay and what his famous temper is like, the beef in the Edinburgh food scene & how it's grown into a culinary destination (recently labelled the 'Best Foodie City In The UK'), his fathers stern words to him growing up, fucking up a trial at a Michelin starred kitchen in London,  his hatred of foraging, the secrets to getting a Michelin star and much much more..... --------------- Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.  If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it. Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours. Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/

    S3 Ep26: Jeremy Lee - How Simon Hopkinson & Alistair Little Changed The UK Food Scene Forever - The Creation Of The Worlds Best Sandwich & Soho's Foodie Evolution!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 59:54


    Is there a more charming, eloquent and talented chef in the industry than Jeremy Lee? I think not and so today we're delighted to be joined by the legend himself in the studio to celebrate over 40 years of his incredible culinary creations. Jeremy is the only chef in the world to work under both Simon Hopkinson and Alistair Little, both the founding fathers of modern British cooking, and so regales us in some incredible stories and memories of his time working for both. Prior to running Quo Vadis he was running The Blueprint Cafe in partnership with the legendary Sir Terence Conran for 15 years, arguably the most important restaurateur in London, and Jeremy reveals to us some wonderful stories of their time together. We hear about his magical childhood, how he got fired as a waiter and forced into the kitchen instead, the machoism of the kitchens in the 80s, the magic of Bibendum and the birth of the London restaurant scene, the accidental invention of his smoked eel sandwich, his love for Soho's great institutions, the struggles of the current food scene and oh so much more! So sit, back, relax and enjoy and please make sure you're subscribed and you leave a rating and comment. ----------- Please leave us a 5 star rating if you enjoyed the podcast and a written review, it really helps us to grow and of course share it with anyone you think would love it as much as you hopefully have! Head to www.delli.market and discover the thousands of creative products dropping daily. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto...

    S3 Ep25: Avi Shashidhara - Cooking For Anthony Bourdain - Being Bullied Out Of A 2 Star Michelin Kitchen & The Magic Of Working At The River Cafe!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 41:20


    Today we're joined by the delightful Avi Shashidhara who's Head Chef of the multi-award winning Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai in Fitzrovia, which Jamie Oliver recently revealed as his favourite restaurant in the city. Avi's journey is an incredible one which has taken him from growing up in Bangalore to working for Antonio Carluccio in India to working at various Michelin starred restaurants in the UK before running the River Cafe for 10 years to cooking personally for Anthony Bourdain & Nigella Lawson to now running one of London's greatest restaurants. Avi is in a wonderful sharing mood as he entertains us with crazy stories of; being bullied in a 2 Michelin starred restaurant, the brutality of Indias fine dining culinary college, working at India's first boutique hotel under Chef Antonio Carluccio, the magic of working at the river cafe for over a decade, why PR agencies are ruining the food scene, why Michelin are 'anti-indian restaurants' and so much more.....it's a real juicy one, so sit back, relax and enjoy! ------- Please leave us a 5 star rating if you enjoyed the podcast and a written review, it really helps us to grow and of course share it with anyone you think would love it as much as you hopefully have! Get tickets to Avi and Andi Olivers supper here - https://www.pahlihillbandrabhai.com/whats-on/a-dinner-with-andi-oliver Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto...

    S3 Ep24: Jay Rayner - Angering Chefs - Scrapping Bad Reviews & Fighting Nepotism!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 66:53


    Today we're joined by the most famous food critic in the world in Jay Rayner, to discuss his incredible career as a restaurant reviewer for the Observer over the last 25 years. Jay is on incredible form as he reveals stories of ; falling out with chefs, scrapping reviews, law suits, reporting murders, fighting nepotism, questioning whether he's infact a bastard, why Guinness refused to give into the Devonshire's discount demands, the worst restaurants he's ever been to, the art of writing a review, the magic of Joe Allen's, the tragedy of the downfall of The Ivy, why Pizza Express pizzas are some of the best in the country, the secrets to perfect meringues and much much more.... Buy 'Nights Out At Home' here - https://www.jayrayner.co.uk/books#13 Buy tickets to Jays next gig here - https://www.woolwich.works/events/jay-rayner-sextet ------ Please leave us a 5 star rating if you enjoyed the podcast and a written review, it really helps us to grow and of course share it with anyone you think would love it as much as you hopefully have! Head to www.delli.market and discover the thousands of creative products dropping daily. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto...

    S3 Ep23: Eric Lanlard - The 'King Of Cakes' on; Baking For The Royal Family - The Genius Of The Roux Brothers & Getting Teased By Gordon Ramsay!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 46:02


    Today we're bringing you a pastry special and who better than the King of Cakes himself Eric Lanlard to take us through his incredible career which has taken him from cooking for the French President in the Navy to baking cakes for the; Queen, Madonna, David Beckham and Elton John to name a few. Eric moved to London in 1995 to work for the legendary Roux Brothers and within 2 years was heading up their whole pastry kitchen overseeing all the sweet treats in all their restaurants and for the likes of Harrods and various 5 star hotels. During this time he worked alongside Gordon Ramsay amongst others and struck up an incredible friendship with his mentor the late great Albert Roux. He then went on to set up his own company 'Cake Boy' where he's become the go to baker for all celebrities parties and weddings. It's not all been plain sailing however and today he reveals all of his nightmares he's experienced from his time as a Chocolatier Apprentice in Luxembourg as a 16 year old to working in the Michelin kitchens of london right up to the modern day where he's set to become the first chef in history to enter Space! Eric is a wonderful man and great orator so sit back, relax and enjoy. ------------------  Please leave us a 5 star rating if you enjoyed the podcast and a written review, it really helps us to grow and of course share it with anyone you think would love it as much as you hopefully have! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto...

    S3 Ep22: Romy Gill MBE - A Valentines Day Nightmare Involving Grace Dent & Matt Tebbutt - Ready Steady Cook Secrets & How Fay Maschler Changed Her Life!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 51:34


    Today we're honoured to be joined in the studio by the wonderful Romy Gill MBE who's an award winning food/travel writer and broadcaster and was the owner and Head Chef at Romy's Kitchen, and In 2016 she was appointed an MBE in Queen Elizabeth's 90th Birthday Honours List. On this podcast we discuss; her incredible journey from West Bengal to the UK, her memories of 1000 mile picnics to the Punjab as a kid, the magic of Tiffin boxes, why she can never emulate her mothers cooking, why she thought she was getting punked when she got an MBE, the struggles of opening a restaurant in the UK, a nightmare Valentines Day service involving Grace Dent and Matt Tebbutt, how a Fay Maschler review changed her life overnight, the secrets to cooking great Indian food, why Dishoom changed the game in the UK food industry, secrets from Ready Steady Cook and much much more..... ------------- Please leave us a 5 star rating if you enjoyed the podcast and a written review, it really helps us to grow and of course share it with anyone you think would love it as much as you hopefully have! Head to www.delli.market and discover the thousands of creative products dropping daily. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Romy-Gill/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ARomy%2BGill

    S3 Ep21: Emily Roux - Why She Refused To Take Over At Le Gavroche - The Pressure Of The Roux Family Name & How Cancellations Are Ruining The Industry!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 41:17


    What a joy it is to be joined by the incredibly charming and wonderfully talented Emily Roux at her restaurant Caractère, which is celebrating its 5th anniversary and this year hoping that they may have just charmed the Michelin inspectors enough to win their first star. Emily is joined in the kitchen with her husband Diego Ferrari (Ex Head Chef at Le Gavroche) and they are creating some of the best dishes in London. Today we were lucky enough to sit down with her and properly uncover all her stories from her career so far and find out about the pressures of growing up with the Roux family name. We discuss everything from; the delights of French supermarkets to why she chose not to keep Le Gavroche alive to false claims of nepotism by jealous onlookers to the rudest customers she's ever had to how cancellations are ruining the restaurant industry and much much more....So sit back, relax and enjoy. ------------- Download The Appetite app now and track your fav spots or places that you're dying to check out and book them easily all through the app - download it now. https://shorturl.at/yFXyK

    S3 Ep20: Niklas Ekstedt - The Brutality Of Working At El Bulli - Hiring An Unknown René Redzepi & How He Made Cooking Over Fire Sexy Again!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 59:51


    Today we're truly honoured to be joined by one of the most famous Michelin starred chefs in the world in Niklas Ekstedt, who's inspired a whole culinary movement by opening his restaurant 'Ekstedt' in Stockholm in 2011. Niklas decided to get rid of all modern appliances; ovens, grills, microwaves, sous vides and replace them purely with birchwood fuelled fires. This creates a significantly increased amount of challenges for his cooking but also forces him to be creative and innovative to the point where he's invented some of the most famous dishes in the world. Today he takes us through his incredible journey from; growing up in rural Sweden to travelling to America to work for the late Charlie Trotter in Chicago and then onto being an early employee for El Bulli. He hated his time at El Bulli so greatly that he eventually walked out and headed back to Sweden to set up his first restaurant at just 21, where he employed a certain gentleman called René Redzepi. Niklas shares with us some of the most entertaining stories from these times but also some incredible advice on how to get the most out of your talents. He's a pure joy to listen to. ------------- Please leave us a 5 star rating if you enjoyed the podcast and a written review, it really helps us to grow and of course share it with anyone you think would love it as much as you hopefully have! Head to www.delli.market and discover the thousands of creative products dropping daily.  Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto...

    S3 Ep19: Seb Vince - From Selling £1 Ciabattas On Portobello Road To Creating The Best Pizzas In The UK!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 53:05


    Today we're joined by Seb Vince, the owner and genius chef behind the most sought after Pizza brand in the country 'Breadstall' to celebrate his incredible career thats taken him from the advertising boardroom to selling cut price ciabattas on Portobello Road to eventually creating the best pizzas in the UK. We discuss everything from; how he came up with his award winning dough, the magic of the pizza industry, angry customers, stoner delivery drivers, his huge move opening up in Soho, the secrets to his success, getting banned from Rosa's, the best city in the world for a foodie weekend, his thoughts on his competitors, how he learnt his trade selling bread on market stools with his dad, why he gave up selling coffee and pastries for Pizzas, what he hates about the industry, his favourite restaurants to eat out in and much much more..... --------------- Download The Appetite app now and track your fav spots or places that you're dying to check out and book them easily all through the app - download it now. https://shorturl.at/yFXyK

    S3 Ep18: Tim Hayward - Why Food Critics Have Gone Soft - How A Generation Forgot How To Cook & The Impending Death Of Restaurants!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 69:31


    Today we're joined by the Financial Times food critic and multi-award winning food writer, author and owner of the famous Fitzbililes cafe's Tim Hayward to uncover his fascinating story and unpick his varying views on the industry. Tim has a fascinating life story which takes us from; working in the deep-south as an illegal alien working as a line chef in various diners to writing comedy for BBC Radio 4 alongside Armando Iannucci to becoming one of the most respected food writer and critics in the world. In this interview we uncover; why food critics have gone soft since covid, the hardest reviews he's ever written, why natural wine has a huge marketing problem, why you should never put a certain something on your bacon sandwich, how he turned around Fitzbillies from bankruptcy into a thriving business, the impending death of restaurants, how Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay made men finally fall in love with cooking, why he would never have his own Substack, why he's tempted to buy The Regency Cafe, what its like working in diners in the deep-south, why you should never do anythign for free, the secret to cooking the perfect steak, his favourite restaurants and much much more..... --------- Please leave us a 5 star rating if you enjoyed the podcast and a written review, it really helps us to grow and of course share it with anyone you think would love it as much as you hopefully have! Head to www.delli.market and discover the thousands of creative products dropping daily and use the code GOTODELLI25 for 25% off everything from us. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto...

    S3 Ep17: Christina Soteriou - Learning How To Have 'Big Veg Energy' - Holistic Health Hacks & Why Lima Is The Best Foodie City In The World!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 33:02


    Today we're joined by Ex professional chef & viral foodie sensation Christina Soteriou, to uncover her incredible career to date from; working at some of London's top restaurants to setting up MOBs sister page Bunch to creating the most sought after Tahini in the country to debunking some abusive food based myths thrown at her to celebrating her brand new incredible cookbook 'Big Veg Energy' and much much more.... ----------- Order 'Big Veg Energy' here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Veg-Energy-Plant-based-people/dp/1529902347 Download The Appetite app now and track your fav spots or places that you're dying to check out and book them easily all through the app - download it now. https://shorturl.at/yFXyK

    S3 Ep16: Martyn Odell aka Lagom Chef - Cooking At London's Top Restaurants - Becoming A Viral Cooking Sensation & The Magical Ingredient That Improves Every Dish!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 59:19


    Today we're joined by the most entertaining Chef to ever post on socials, the wonderful Martyn Odell aka Lagom Chef who burst onto the scene with his hilarious cooking videos a couple of years ago and now has a loyal following of over 1.5 million disciples. Martyn worked professionally as a chef for over 10 years, working his way upto be sous at some of London's greatest restaurants including his favourite place he ever worked the magical; Andrew Edmunds. He then went to what he describes as 'The Battersea Dogs Home For Chef's' called 'The Underground Cookery School' where he spent 5 years getting drunk, causing mischief and teaching everyone from Hen Do's to Bankers how to cook, with some hilarious stories shared. It was then onto work for the infamous Joe Wickes orchestrating his rapid rise to success, before leaving to go and educate the masses on his real passion which is making better use of food waste. Martyn is an absolutely hilarious guest and it was a pleasure to be able to sit down with him and uncover his greatest tales, so sit, back, relax and enjoy. ------------- Head to www.delli.market and discover the thousands of creative products dropping daily and use the code GOTODELLI25 for 25% off everything from us. Please subscribe and leave us a comment, and if you enjoy the podcast please listen to our audio only podcast that we bring out each Thursday whereby we interview the top chefs in the UK and beyond - https://link.chtbl.com/Vg8g3qpb Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto...

    S3 Ep15: Elliot Hashtroudi - London's Most Exciting Young Chef On Creating A French Culinary Masterpiece In 'Camille'!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 50:17


    Today we're joined by Londons most exciting young chef in Elliot Hashtroudi for an incredibly delicious and very boozy lunch at his award-winning French restaurant Camille in Borough Market. The food is beyond exceptional and so are Elliot's stories and opinions, as every drink goes down, we get more passionate about the various topics discussed from; the dark side of Borough Market to the overuse of Flatbreads on menus to why Camille is the only restaurant in London that properly does nose to tail dining to why other restaurants have to stop 'pretending to be French' to how he bullshitted his way into his first job in the kitchen to memorable life advice from the legendarry Fergus Henderson and much more...... Sit back, relax and enjoy the podcast and make sure you go and dine at Camille, trust us you'll be hard pushed to find a better plate of French food anywhere in the country! -------------- Download The Appetite app now and track your fav spots or places that you're dying to check out and book them easily all through the app - download it now. https://shorturl.at/yFXyK

    15: Chef Calum Franklin on; The Challenges Of Setting Up A British Restaurant In Paris, The Dark Side Of Addiction & How He Made Pies Sexy Again!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 60:57


    Today we're joined by one of our favourite guests of all time in the delightful Calum Franklin, who currently oversees 2 incredible restaurants in; The Public House in Paris and The Georgian in Harrods. However, he's best known as The King of Pies, having gone viral all around the world during lockdown when he was showcasing his creations from his Pie Room kitchen at his award winning restaurant The Holborn Dining Room. Calum's had an incredible career working in some of the finest restaurants in the country, from the glory days of working at The Ivy cooking for the likes of; Al Pacino and Axl Rose to arguing with angry American OAPs at Borough Markets famous Roast. However it hasn't all be plain sailing, as he suffered for many years with a serious alcohol addiction that nearly cost him his life and shares with us the experience that had on his mental and physical health. Plus we hear about the trials and tribulations of opening a British Brasserie in the heart of Paris, how he recovered from a shocking review from Jay Rayner, why he's so passionate about extinguishing bullying from the kitchen, the magic of resurrecting London's oldest dining room in The Georgian and much much more..... ------- Order award winning meats direct to your door from Swaledale Butchers - https://swaledale.co.uk/ Head to www.delli.market and discover the thousands of creative products dropping daily and use the code GOTODELLI25 for 25% off everything from us. Check out Square's an all-in-one restaurant tech solution here - www.square.com Please subscribe and leave us a comment, and if you enjoy the podcast please listen to our audio only podcast that we bring out each Thursday whereby we interview the top chefs in the UK and beyond - https://link.chtbl.com/Vg8g3qpb Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto...

    S3 Ep14: Chef Will Bowlby - Running A Failed 'European' Restaurant In Mumbai, Surviving An Attack On His Life From An Armed Stalker & Creating The Multi-Award Winning 'Kricket' Group!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 39:31


    Today we're joined by the co-founder of the ridiculously successful Indian inspired restaurant group Kricket in Will Bowlby to hear about his incredible journey that's taken him from learning his craft under the legendary Rowley Leigh at Le Café Anglais to being given an incredible opportunity to go move to Mumbai to set up a European restaurant and all the ridiculous unforeseen challenges which came with that including; nearly being killed by a stalker outside his flat, having to constantly change his menu to meet the needs of the locals and the joys of fighting off a deadly parasite. However it was in India where he fell in love with the local food and so upon returning back to London 2 years later he went and did an apprenticeship under Vivek Singh at The Cinamon Kitchen and learnt the basics of Indian cooking. 6 months later he set up the first Kricket restaurant in a 15 cover shipping container in Pop Brixton and after stunning reviews from the likes of Jay Rayner, Will now oversees 6 individual restaurants and 2 Bar's in London and today he shares with us his secrets to such success. ----- Download The Appetite app now and track your fav spots or places that you're dying to check out and book them easily all through the app - download it now. https://shorturl.at/yFXyK

    S3 Ep13: Jon Spiteri - The Genius Restaurateur On How He Created London's Great Restaurants Including; The French House, St John & Sessions Arts Club.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 55:06


    Today we're joined by arguably the most successful restaurateur in the country in Jon Spiteri who has created such institutions as The French House in Soho, St John in Farringdon and latterly Sessions Arts Club. He takes us through his colourful career from working at Joe Allen's in the 70s as a waiter, to winning mixologist of the year in Australia, to mastering the art of hospitality in America before returning to the UK where a chance meeting with Fergus Henderson changed his life and London's restaurant scene over night. We hear about the hardships of setting up such famous institutions, the challenges of convincing diners to trust 'nose to tail' in the early days, the art of the long lunch, Jons close shaves with alcohol and drugs, the secrets behind hospitality, the main challenges facing the industry and much more.... ------------ Order award winning meats direct to your door from Swaledale Butchers - https://swaledale.co.uk/ Head to www.delli.market and discover the thousands of creative products dropping daily and use the code GOTODELLI for 25% off everything from us. Check out Square's an all-in-one restaurant tech solution here - www.square.com Please subscribe and leave us a comment, and if you enjoy the podcast please listen to our audio only podcast that we bring out each Thursday whereby we interview the top chefs in the UK and beyond - https://link.chtbl.com/Vg8g3qpb Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here - https://open.substack.com/pub/thegoto...

    S3 Ep12: BONUS EP - Appetite Special With Founder James Green & Serial Entrepreneur Steve Varsano.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 21:18


    Happy Boxing Day to you all and we hope that you all had a fabulous Christmas, today we bring you something slightly different as we sit down with Appetite co-founder James Green and serial entrepreneur and founder of 'The Jet Business' Steve Varsano to discuss both of their incredible businesses and favourite places to eat in London. Plus Steve shares with us some crazy stories on; being kidnapped by gangsters, having a gun held to his head during his first business deal, why he uses metal business cards and what foods like on private jets! -------- Download The Appetite app now and track your fav spots or places that you're dying to check out and book them easily all through the app - download it now. https://shorturl.at/yFXyK

    Claim The Go To Food Podcast

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel