Kith and Kin Unscripted: Real Talk on Independent Hospitality

By Cassie Davison, Author of Stand Out HospitalityBusiness Entrepreneurship

Kith and Kin Unscripted: Real Talk on Independent Hospitality episodes

October 25, 2024EP14: Passion, Pressure, and Purpose: Ben Knowles' Journey from Pub Kid to Chef and Entrepreneur
Episode Title: A Chef's Journey: Ben Knowles of Ben’s Kitchen
Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Ben Knowles, Chef and Founder of Ben’s Kitchen
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Cassie sits down with Ben Knowles, a chef with over 15 years in the industry and founder of the renowned catering service, Ben’s Kitchen. Ben opens up about his journey from growing up in his family’s pub to discovering his passion for cooking, navigating the highs and lows of running his own catering company, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.
Episode Highlights:
[00:01] - Welcome & Introduction
Cassie introduces Ben Knowles and his background as a chef and business owner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[21:17] - Hopes for the Future
Looking ahead, Ben shares his ultimate dream of owning a standalone restaurant where he can showcase his culinary creativity.
Connect with Ben:
Ben’s Kitchen offers catering for events of all sizes and styles, from weddings to corporate functions. Reach out on:
Instagram: @benskitchen

Linkedin: ⁠benskitchen⁠

Website: Ben's Kitchen Leicester
Thank you, Ben, for sharing your story and passion for the industry. Catch the full episode for an inspiring look into the life of a chef and entrepreneur
21 min
October 17, 2024Ep12: From Fairgrounds to Mobile Bars: Robert Holden’s Journey in Hospitality
In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie sits down with Robert Holden, director of Showtime Attractions, to explore his fascinating journey from a fairground upbringing to creating the UK's largest mobile pub. Robert shares how the lockdown in 2020 unexpectedly led him to pivot from running a park to building unique mobile bars, including a massive beer keller made with the roof from his grandfather’s Dodge.
Robert reflects on his experiences and lessons learned in the events industry, discussing the thrill of traveling across the UK for truck shows, festivals, and reenactments. He opens up about the highs and lows of hospitality, from the challenges of unpredictable events to the joy of crafting a lively atmosphere. Robert also touches on his passion for creativity, explaining how he personalizes each bar to his taste and adapts to keep his business moving forward.
Throughout the conversation, Cassie and Robert delve into the similarities between fairgrounds and event bars, the importance of filling business gaps, and the unplanned successes that sometimes come with risk-taking.
Links Mentioned:
Connect with Robert on LinkedIn

Follow Showtime Inn and The Southern Lodge Bierkeller on Facebook
Tune in to hear Robert’s inspiring story of adapting, creating, and thriving in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.
13 min
October 17, 2024Ep11: Building Community One Coffee at a Time: Josh Shirtcliffe on Redefining Hospitality at Café Fifty Five
In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie welcomes Josh Shirtcliffe, an experienced hospitality professional with nearly 20 years in the industry. Josh shares his journey from growing up in a household that embraced hospitality to his current role as the manager and director of Café Fifty Five, a non-profit community café located in Thurnby, Leicester. He offers insights into the ups and downs of his career, as well as the passion and dedication that have driven him to where he is today.
Josh talks about his early exposure to hospitality through his family's welcoming nature, hosting friends and community members. He shares how he first stepped into the industry at age 16, working in a kids' indoor soft play area, and later exploring roles at McDonald's and Costa Coffee.
Café Fifty Five is not your typical park café or church tea room; it’s a well-thought-out space designed to bring quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere to the community. Josh discusses the unique approach to designing the café and the focus on delivering a high-quality product with a mission of inclusion and community building.
Josh and Cassie dive into the idea of "third spaces," which serve as essential social environments outside of home and work. Josh explains how Café Fifty Five aims to be a third place where anyone can feel welcome, cultivating an atmosphere of warmth and connection.
Josh opens up about some of the biggest mistakes he has made, including the consequences of hiring too quickly. He emphasizes the importance of careful hiring practices and the damage that can occur when staffing decisions are rushed.
Josh discusses the value of learning from larger chains like McDonald’s and Costa Coffee. He shares how these companies’ systems can teach work ethic and efficiency, lessons that can be applied to smaller, independent venues.
Josh Shirtcliffe: Follow Josh on Instagram @JoshShirtcliffe, where he shares his insights about hospitality and coffee. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Café Fifty Five: Located in Thurnby, Leicester, Café Fifty Five is a non-profit community café. Visit their website, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Cassie expresses her gratitude to Josh for sharing his story and his infectious enthusiasm for the industry. Josh also thanks Cassie for her ongoing efforts in the hospitality sector.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community, quality, and the true essence of hospitality.
Josh's Background:Building Café Fifty Five:The Concept of Third Space:Lessons Learned in Hospitality:Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals:Where to Find Josh and Café Fifty Five:Thank You:4o
Key Highlights:Where to Find Josh and Café 55:Thank You:
24 min
October 16, 2024Ep10: Rebuilding, Reskilling, and Reinventing: Azher Rubbani’s Journey from Food Supply to Digital Transformation
Summary:
In this episode, Cassie welcomes Azher Rubbani, a seasoned entrepreneur whose journey spans from the world of hospitality supply to digital marketing and reskilling. Azher shares his story of building a £50 million food supply business from scratch, running a dark kitchen, and navigating the devastation of a cyber attack that led to the loss of his business. He also discusses his passion for training others, the pivotal changes he made in his career, and how he now helps individuals and businesses reskill for the digital age.
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction to Azher Rubbani: A former hospitality supplier and current digital marketer, Azher discusses his background and how he transitioned from traditional business to digital ventures.

Founding Penta Foods: The challenges and rewards of building a food supply business from the ground up, starting in his mother's garage and eventually supplying top chefs and restaurants across the UK.

The Dark Kitchen Experiment: Azher’s experiences with running a dark kitchen, including the highs, the lessons learned, and why he ultimately decided to step away from it.

The Impact of a Cyber Attack: How a bank holiday weekend cyber attack in 2018 led to the collapse of his business, and the toll it took both professionally and personally.

Rebuilding After Loss: Navigating through bankruptcy, losing his family home, and facing estrangement from his children; how these experiences shaped his approach to life and work.

Finding Relief Amidst Crisis: Reflecting on the relief and newfound opportunities that arose after letting go of his previous business and embracing change.

From Burnout to Digital Marketing: Azher’s journey into digital marketing and reskilling, sparked by a burnout in 2023 and a subsequent passion for teaching others.

The Importance of Reskilling for the Digital Age: How Azher helps individuals and businesses adapt to the changing digital landscape, emphasizing the value of acquiring marketing and automation skills.

The ReMovement Group: Azher's current project, which focuses on helping people transform their careers or businesses through digital skills and online entrepreneurship.
Resources and Links:
ReMovement Group: removementgroup.com – Learn more about Azher’s current work in digital transformation and reskilling.

Connect with Azher: Visit the ReMovement Group website for contact details and more about his journey.
Key Quotes:
“It’s not what you do, it’s why you do it.” – Azher on the importance of understanding your purpose.

“You have to be very conscious that you’re putting so much effort in, but what is the impact on your personal life?” – Azher reflecting on the demands of the hospitality industry.

“Crisis forces you to do a lot of things that you didn’t want to do out of fear.” – On how difficult times can catalyze growth and change.
Tune in Now: Join Cassie and Azher as they discuss the ups and downs of the hospitality industry, the resilience required to rebuild after loss, and the power of digital skills to reinvent your career.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/azherrubbani/
29 min
October 10, 2024Ep6: A very expensive education/ lessons learnt in marketing
Lessons learnt from getting it terribly wrong!
Lack of marketing knowledge and tools can hinder the success of a business, especially in the absence of social media and online resources.

Creating awareness is important, but converting customers requires tactics like events and promotions to encourage the first move.

Understanding customer behavior and competing with established habits are crucial in the hospitality industry.

Failure can be an expensive education, but it provides valuable lessons for future success.
48 min
October 10, 2024Ep9: Behind the Systems: Robin Williams on Financial Control in the Hospitality Industry
Guest:
Robin Williams, Financial Controller with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Cassie welcomes Robin Williams, an experienced financial controller, to discuss his journey through the hospitality industry. Robin shares how he transitioned from restaurant management to becoming a trusted financial expert for hotels. He explains the benefits of cluster financial control and how he helps independent hotels manage their finances more efficiently by providing systems and processes typically seen in larger hotel chains.
Robin's story is filled with valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes systems that keep hospitality businesses running smoothly. From his experiences working in hotels across Europe to his current work supporting independent hotels, Robin highlights the importance of having robust financial processes in place. He emphasizes the need for constant problem-solving and efficiency to allow front-line staff to deliver exceptional customer service.
Key Moments:
00:01 – Cassie introduces the podcast and guest Robin Williams.

00:35 – Robin shares his 30-year career as a financial controller for independent hotels.

01:21 – Robin talks about his interesting path into the hospitality industry, starting with postgraduate studies in hotel management.

03:53 – A key mentor in Gibraltar inspired Robin's transition to finance.

06:52 – Robin recounts his experiences with hotel openings in Barcelona and Malaga.

11:16 – The turning point: Robin starts working for hotels in his spare time, realizing the need for experienced financial controllers in smaller operations.

12:38 – Robin's philosophy: effective financial systems allow hotel staff to focus on customer service.

18:20 – Robin reflects on his biggest mistakes and learning from them.

20:58 – Robin shares how to get in touch with him and his company, Hotel Synergies.
Connect with Robin Williams:
Website: www.hotelsynergies.com

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: robin-williams
Key Takeaway:
Efficient financial control is essential for hotels to thrive. By having systems and processes in place, hotel staff can focus on delivering outstanding customer service without worrying about the back-office operations.
Contact Kith & Kin Hospitality:
Website: www.kithandkinhospitality.com

Join the Kith & Kin Forum for hospitality professionals: Free to join for resources, networking, and more!
22 min
October 08, 2024 Ep8: From Pot Wash to Entrepreneur: Gavin Taylor’s Inspiring Hospitality Journey
In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, we sit down with Gavin Taylor, founder of Dot and Lola, a company providing high-quality hair and skincare products to the hospitality industry.

Gavin’s journey from starting as a pot washer at 14 to running his own business is a testament to the resilience and passion that drives the hospitality sector.
Join us as Gavin shares the lessons he’s learned, the challenges he’s faced, and why hospitality continues to be at the heart of his career.

https://www.instagram.com/_dot_and_lola/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-taylor-74690514/
https://www.facebook.com/dotandlola?locale=en_GB
25 min
October 04, 2024Ep 7: Michael Godden _ The Wine Fan
https://www.instagram.com/the.winefan/
https://thewinefan.co.uk/
Summary:
In this episode of the Kith and Kin Hospitality podcast, Cassie interviews Michael Godden, the founder of The Wine Fan, who shares his journey into the wine industry and his passion for making wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Michael discusses his unique approach to wine tasting events, the importance of demystifying wine, and how he enhances the dining experience in restaurants.

He also reflects on the challenges he has faced in his business and his future plans for expansion.

Takeaways:
Michael Gordon runs a unique business called The Wine Fan.

He aims to make wine easy and fun to understand.

Michael's passion for wine began 30 years ago after a challenging experience.

He provides wine tasting events that are engaging and educational.

Demystifying wine helps people enjoy it more and reduces intimidation.

Michael emphasizes the importance of quality wines that aren't available in supermarkets.

He helps restaurants enhance their wine offerings and staff training.

Mistakes in marketing and understanding customer expectations have been key learning points.

Michael plans to expand his business and reach more venues.

His passion for wine is evident in his approach and interactions.
17 min
February 16, 2024Episode 5: - The subscription model for the hospitality industry
In conversation with Lee Hammond from the Towpath Inn, Gilwern
Lee shares the story behind his journey into running a pub and his determination to discover an effective marketing solution for the independent pub industry.
In our conversation, we delve into the various challenges and rewards of the life of a publican, exploring the dynamic landscape of the hospitality sector. Lee sheds light on the intriguing potential of the subscription model within this industry.
He elaborates on the successes he has experienced so far with this innovative idea and emphasizes the importance for other businesses to seize the opportunity now, before larger players enter the scene. Lee underscores the urgency for proactive involvement in this evolving landscape to maximize the benefits for independent businesses.
This conversation covers various topics related to the hospitality industry, marketing, and business strategies. It begins with a discussion on trends in the industry and the challenges faced in marketing and sales. The conversation then delves into the transition from sales to marketing and the importance of being the best in the industry. The speakers share their experiences in starting a pub business and finding a niche. They also discuss the evolution of the pub, the target customers, and making difficult business decisions. The conversation highlights the benefits of collaboration and using street food as a marketing funnel. Finally, the speakers explore the concept of loyalty and subscription models and the challenges in shifting marketing strategies. In this conversation, Lee Hammond discusses the importance of creating an irresistible offer for customers in the hospitality industry. He emphasizes the need to have a product that stands out and solves a specific problem for customers. Lee also highlights the significance of understanding the problems you solve and defining your target audience. He explains the concept of stacking value in your offer and the importance of pricing and payment options for memberships. Lee discusses the process of simplifying your product and finding market fit. He also shares insights on building a funnel, generating traffic, and retaining customers. Finally, Lee talks about his work in helping others implement these strategies in the hospitality industry.Takeaways
The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and businesses need to adapt to new trends and challenges.

Being the best in the industry is crucial for success, and businesses should strive to provide exceptional products and services.

Collaboration and partnerships, such as street food events, can be effective marketing strategies to attract new customers.

Subscription models and loyalty programs can help businesses build a loyal customer base and increase revenue.

Businesses should regularly evaluate their marketing strategies and be willing to make difficult decisions to stay competitive. Create an irresistible offer that solves a specific problem for your customers.

Understand the problems you solve and define your target audience.

Stack value in your offer to make it more appealing and valuable.

Simplify your product and find market fit to attract and retain customers.

Build a funnel and generate traffic to drive customers to your offer.

Consider expanding your services to help others in the industry.
1 hr 14 min
January 18, 2024Episode 4: I started a trend!
We delve into Restaurant Magazines 2024 trend predictions, including:
Fine dining makeovers

Lasagne's popularity surge and discover Lasagne Soup!

Changing dynamics in Meat vs. Vegan establishments

Guinness' reclaiming its iconic status

The shifting terrain of customer loyalty in hospitality

Embracing the subscription model, with a nod to Lee Hammond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publeecan/

Plus we, share a proven marketing ploy for January and uncover Cassie's 24-year head start on a hospitality trend that's now catching fire! 😆
1 hr 3 min

About Kith and Kin Unscripted: Real Talk on Independent Hospitality

From the publisher's feed

Real talk on independent hospitality. Hospitality SME expert, speaker and author Cassie Davison shares the honest thinking behind running a small independent hospitality business, from pubs,…

Share Kith and Kin Unscripted: Real Talk on Independent Hospitality

Sign up to save your podcasts

Kith and Kin Unscripted: Real Talk on Independent Hospitality

Kith and Kin Unscripted: Real Talk on Independent Hospitality episodes

About Kith and Kin Unscripted: Real Talk on Independent Hospitality