MasterChef Special with Daksha Mistry, Pookie Tredell, Mike Bartley and Mikes Khan

Hosts: Timothy R. Andrews, Tracey Rashid, and Sarah Kettel

Dive into a captivating conversation with MasterChef stars and discover the heart of culinary passion and innovation. Join us in this special episode where we explore the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of these culinary artists.

Why Listen to This Episode:This episode is a must-listen for hospitality professionals seeking inspiration and insights from the world of competitive cooking. It offers a unique perspective on culinary passion, creativity, and the journey from television fame to real-world application.

The episode is filled with personal stories, professional advice, and a deep understanding of the culinary arts, making it an invaluable resource for those in the hospitality industry.

Key Points of Interest:

1. The Essence of Cooking with Heart: The guests discuss how cooking with love and passion is the true essence of culinary art, transcending the glitz of television shows like MasterChef.
2. Legacy Projects Post-MasterChef: The idea of MasterChef contestants coming together to cook for the public in a restaurant setting is floated, highlighting the potential for legacy projects beyond the show.
3. Challenges and Rewards of MasterChef: Contestants share their experiences on the show, discussing the pressures of cooking under the public eye and the personal and professional growth it spurred.
4. Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals: The importance of passion and love for the craft is emphasized as crucial for anyone considering a career in hospitality or on shows like MasterChef.
5. Creativity in Culinary Arts: The discussion touches on the importance of creativity in cooking, and how this can be encouraged from a young age, particularly in educational settings.
6. Transition from TV to Real-World Cooking: Insights are shared on how experiences from MasterChef have been applied in real-world culinary settings, offering valuable lessons for listeners.
7. Focus on Fresh Ingredients and Resourcefulness: The episode delves into the importance of using fresh ingredients and being resourceful in the kitchen, especially in the context of the global health challenges posed by processed foods.

This episode of Talking Hospitality is a treasure trove of insights for hospitality professionals. It not only provides a behind-the-scenes look at the MasterChef experience but also delves into the deeper aspects of culinary passion and creativity. The stories and advice shared by the guests are both inspiring and practical, making this episode a valuable listen for anyone in the hospitality industry.

In an enlightening discussion on the empowerment of women in the hospitality sector, this episode of Talking Hospitality features a live recording from Lakefield Hospitality College in North West London, where we engage with Frankie Strinati.

The college, founded in 1962 with the explicit aim of promoting female participation in hospitality, stands as a testament to the evolution of gender roles within this industry.

Frankie shares her insights on the strategies employed at Lakefield, which emphasise the importance of a supportive, all-female learning environment that enables students to flourish without the pressures often associated with mixed-gender settings.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the challenges that young women face in pursuing careers in hospitality, particularly in securing leadership roles. Frankie highlights the college's comprehensive mentoring program, which is designed to bolster confidence and equip students with the skills necessary to excel in their careers.

This initiative not only addresses the prevalent self-doubt among female candidates but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among the students, who are encouraged to support one another in their professional journeys.

The episode also addresses the broader context of the hospitality industry, which is currently navigating a transformative period due to external pressures such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frankie articulates the pressing need for employers to adapt their recruitment practices to attract and retain talent within the UK. By fostering an inclusive atmosphere and providing robust training and mentorship opportunities, employers can ensure that the next generation of hospitality professionals is well-equipped to lead and innovate.

This discussion serves as a crucial reminder of the role that education and mentorship play in shaping a diverse and equitable hospitality landscape.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the significance of empowering women within the hospitality industry, particularly through education and mentorship.
• Lakefield Hospitality College has a unique focus on female-only education, addressing the historical gender imbalance in the hospitality sector.
• The discussion highlights the importance of role models for young women aspiring to leadership positions in hospitality, showcasing successful female chefs and entrepreneurs.
• A pivotal point raised was that the hospitality industry must adapt to attract and retain female talent, particularly in balancing work-life commitments.
• The podcast illustrates the necessity of cultivating a supportive environment that fosters confidence and professional growth for young women in hospitality.
• Employers are encouraged to actively engage with educational institutions to recruit and nurture future talent, ensuring a sustainable workforce.

Links referenced in this episode:

• lakefieldhospitalitycollege

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Essence of Cake

Join the Conversation:

Visit us at https://www.talkinghospitality.com/

For more information on the topics discussed go to our blogs: https://www.talkinghospitality.com/blog/

Or if that's still not enough, get educated with our Hospitality courses at:

https://www.educatinghospitality.co.uk/

🎧 Tune in to listen to the latest episode from Talking Hospitality and for more touching stories and deep insights into the challenges and triumphs of the hospitality industry.

Ever wondered how storytelling can transform the hospitality industry? Join us in this enlightening episode with Phil Street, where we explore the art of narrative in shaping careers and changing perceptions. Dive into the world of hospitality through the lens of stories that inspire, educate, and entertain.

Introduction:

Welcome to a captivating episode of the Talking Hospitality podcast, where we delve into the integral role of storytelling in the hospitality industry. I'm Timothy R. Andrews, joined by Tracey Rashid, and today we're thrilled to host Phil Street, a renowned figure in the hospitality world, founder of Momentum Recruitment and Hospitality Meets.. podcast.

Why Listen to This Episode?

This episode is a must-listen for hospitality professionals seeking inspiration and insights. Phil Street, with his rich experience in hospitality and podcasting, shares invaluable perspectives on the industry. His stories and the discussion around the transformative power of storytelling in hospitality are enlightening, offering a fresh outlook on career development and industry dynamics.

Key Points from the Transcript:

1. Phil's Podcasting Journey: Phil discusses his motivation for starting the 'Hospitality Meets' podcast, emphasizing the need to shift the narrative towards positive experiences in the hospitality industry.
2. The Impact of Storytelling: Phil highlights the power of storytelling in portraying hospitality as an attractive career choice, using real-life stories to inspire and educate.
3. Memorable Guest Anecdotes: Phil shares fascinating anecdotes from his podcast guests, including an encounter with Raymond Blanc and a humorous story involving a vibrating Parmesan machine.
4. Diverse Career Paths: The conversation reveals that there's no single right way to build a career in hospitality, as evidenced by the varied journeys of Phil's podcast guests.
5. Phil's Recruitment Career: Phil shares his transition from hospitality to recruitment, driven by his passion for elevating people and enhancing their career experiences.
6. The Human Element in Recruitment: Phil emphasizes the importance of understanding candidates' stories and motivations, which is particularly significant in hospitality recruitment.
7. Passion vs. Monetary Gain: The discussion touches on the evolution of career motivations, highlighting the shift from chasing monetary rewards to seeking passion and fulfillment in one's career.

Ever wondered how storytelling can transform the hospitality industry? Join us in this enlightening episode with Phil Street, where we explore the art of narrative in shaping careers and changing perceptions. Dive into the world of hospitality through the lens of stories that inspire, educate, and entertain.

Conclusion:

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for hospitality leaders and professionals. Phil Street's experiences and the engaging discussion provide a unique perspective on the industry, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, passion, and human connections in shaping a fulfilling career in hospitality. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from one of the industry's most influential voices.

Why Men in Hospitality Don’t Talk About Mental Health — and How We Change That

Men’s mental health in hospitality is still a taboo topic. In this honest episode, industry leaders share why that needs to change — and how we make it happen.

In this hard-hitting episode of Talking Hospitality, we tackle an issue that’s long been overlooked — men’s mental health in our industry. The statistics are stark: male hospitality workers are significantly more at risk of anxiety, burnout, and even suicide. But what’s behind the silence?

To explore this, we’re joined by a powerful panel of voices from across the sector:

• Joe McDonnell – 200 Hospitality
• Craig Prentice – mum. Hospitality Talent
• Paddy Howell – So Let’s Talk
• Frven Lim – WHAD Movement
• Aidan Fraser – Organic Recruitment

We discuss:

• Why men in hospitality still struggle to open up
• The outdated culture of "man up" and masking emotions
• How poor workplace design affects wellbeing
• What vulnerability in leadership really looks like
• Why Gen Z’s expectations are reshaping our industry
• Low-cost, high-impact ideas that employers can act on now
• How better staff spaces, community events and supplier partnerships can genuinely support teams

This episode is full of lived experience, real solutions, and an urgent call for cultural change.

Whether you’re a GM, a chef, a recruiter or a business owner — if you lead people, you need to hear this.

🎧 Tune in and let’s start creating workplaces where men can speak freely, lead authentically, and thrive.

👉 Explore more episodes, blogs and training at www.talkinghospitality.com

Your continued support helps us keep having the conversations that matter.

In this special episode, we’re joined by Dawn Burton — speaker, entrepreneur, founder of Carol Burton Caterers, co-founder of the Caribbean Food Collective, and creator of the UK Caribbean Food Awards.

Dawn shares her story of moving from a hotel career into catering, the challenges of setting up her own business, and why she’s committed to making sure Caribbean food and entrepreneurs get the recognition they deserve. From cooking thousands of meals for children during school holidays to handing out roast dinners to the hidden homeless at Christmas, Dawn’s work goes far beyond business — it’s about community, culture, and giving back.

We also discuss why Caribbean food businesses have been overlooked in the past, how the Collective came together to provide a voice for the sector, and what it means to celebrate the very best at the inaugural Caribbean Food Awards.

It’s an inspiring conversation about resilience, heritage, and making space for communities that have too often been left out of the room.

Takeaways:

• In June 2023, a report revealed ethnic minority individuals in hospitality are three times more likely to be self-employed than white counterparts, highlighting industry disparities.
• Over 79% of Black respondents found mentorship to be the most effective form of career support, emphasizing the importance of guidance in career advancement.
• Dawn Burton, a passionate entrepreneur, created the Caribbean Food Collective to foster community support and representation in the food industry.
• The Caribbean Food Awards were established to celebrate and recognize excellence in Caribbean cuisine and its entrepreneurs, filling a significant void in the awards landscape.
• Dawn shared her journey from working in hotels to founding her caterings business, illustrating the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship in the food sector.
• The podcast underscores the ongoing issues of food insecurity, especially for vulnerable children during holidays, reminding us of the importance of community support and action.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.talkinghospitality.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Be Inclusive Hospitality
• Carriburton Caterers
• Caribbean Food Collective
• UK Caribbean Food Awards
• British Takeaway Campaign
• Just Eat
• Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel

In this powerful season finale, we’re joined by Lorraine Copes, Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality, for a conversation that every hospitality professional needs to hear.

“This is not the place for performance. This is people’s lives.” – Lorraine Copes

We explore the hard-hitting findings of the 2023 Inside Hospitality report — the only one of its kind focused specifically on race equity in the UK hospitality sector. Lorraine shares the lived experience behind the data, her motivation for launching Be Inclusive Hospitality, and what it’s really going to take to make lasting change.

From underrepresentation in senior roles to lack of accountability for discriminatory behaviour, Lorraine lays out the barriers — and more importantly, what can be done to break them down. We also discuss the limits of “performative inclusion”, the companies doing the real work, and why employers must stop waiting for permission to act.

Lorraine’s story isn’t just about pointing out problems — it’s about building something better, creating safe spaces, and showing what’s possible when purpose and action align.

If you’ve ever asked yourself how you can be part of the solution, this episode is your starting point.

Takeaways:

• The podcast dives deep into the question of whether hospitality is inherently racist, sparking critical conversations about discrimination in the industry.
• Lorraine Copes, the founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality, shares her inspiring journey and the motivations behind creating her organization.
• The Inside Hospitality report reveals shocking statistics, indicating that 62% of black and Asian participants experience racial bias in the workplace.
• Only half of those who witnessed discrimination felt they could report it, highlighting a systemic issue within reporting mechanisms in hospitality.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps to create inclusive work environments, focusing on education and awareness as vital tools for change.
• Listeners are encouraged to visit Be Inclusive Hospitality's website to access their latest report, which provides valuable insights into diversity and inclusion in hospitality.

Links referenced in this episode:

• bihospitality.co.uk
• timothyrandrews.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Be Inclusive Hospitality
• Gordon Ramsay Group
• Corbyn and King
• Shake Shack

More information on Lorraine Copes & Be Inclusive Hospitality can be found at:

Lorraine Copes

Be Inclusive Hospitality

To Download The 2023 Report

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Timothy put the Kettel on is Co-hosted by:

Timothy R. Andrews

Sarah Kettel

Tracey Rashid

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Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews

Theme Tune: "Mandarin & Chocolate" by Doriane Woo

Feat voiceover artist, Lara Rathod

Sound Effects by: Epidemic Sound

Raffles is heading to London and is making a stir!

Whether you like it shaken or stirred, Timothy R. Andrews and co-host Sarah Kettel look beyond the Singapore Sling with OWO's talented Nathan Craigie, who is heading up their recruitment drive.

Whilst being a world-renowned name has no doubt helped the hotel in it's hiring, so has it's many innovative recruitment strategies, some of which Nathan shares in this episode.

At the heart of it all, however, is that staff are treated well, fairly and have a chance to contribute to their own success as well as that of the hotel.

Nathan reveals how treating employees as important as the guests is key to the success of the hotel and that the importance of team events.

A fascinating conversation about a very traditional name has very modern and forward thinking ideas, showing why it is one of the top names in the Hotel industry.

Unfortunately we would like to apologise for the audio issue affecting our guest and hope it doesn't hamper what is ultimately a very fascinating and insightful episode.

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More information on Nathan Craigie can be found at:

Linkedin

Raffles London at the OWO

Jobs at Raffles

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Timothy put the Kettel on is Co-hosted by:

Timothy R. Andrews

Sarah Kettel

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Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews

Theme Tune: "Mandarin & Chocolate" by Doriane Woo

Feat voiceover artist, Lara Rathod

Sound Effects by: Epidemic Sound

Why is alcohol abuse still the norm in hospitality? Shell Righini joins us to challenge stigma, share her recovery story, and offer hope and solutions.

In this deeply personal and refreshingly honest episode, we speak with Shell Righini, host of We Recover Loudly, a podcast changing the conversation around addiction and sobriety in hospitality.

Shell shares her powerful story of working her way through the industry while navigating alcohol misuse — and how she found the strength to build a sober life without leaving hospitality behind.

Together, we explore the industry's ingrained drinking culture, its impact on mental health, and what real support for addiction could and should look like in our workplaces.

We cover:

• Why “after work drinks” aren’t working for the next generation
• Shell’s personal journey from alcohol dependence to recovery
• Signs managers should watch out for (and what not to ignore)
• The difference between celebration and coping mechanisms
• What Gen Z's sober curiosity means for recruitment and retention
• Practical advice for employers worried about a team member’s drinking
• How to create a culture where it's safe to say “I’m not okay”

This is a raw and hopeful episode that challenges assumptions and offers real-world actions for anyone in hospitality — whether you drink or not.

🎧 Plus: Michelle’s podcast tips, chocolate cravings, and why she believes Lily Allen definitely stole her style.

👉 Explore more episodes, blogs and hospitality training at www.talkinghospitality.com

📲 Follow Shell on Instagram @WeRecoverLoudly or visit www.werecoverloudly.com

This episode is brought to you with the support of our amazing brand partners:

In this very special 30th episode we look at:

• What Michelle's incredible journey has been
• How to recognise if you might have a problem
• What to do if someone at work is potentially suffering from addiction
• and, how to lead by example

And if that's not good enough we also put Michelle through Put The Cuppa Down Quick Fire round!

Guest Tracey Rashid co-hosts with Timothy R. Andrews for this episode.

We Recover Loudly (website)

We Recover Loudly podcast (Apple)

We Recover Loudly podcast (Spotify)

Linkedin

If you need help please also check out:

The Drinks Trust

The Burnt Chef Project

Choose Sunrise

Hospitality Action

To hear the episode from Lynn Maltmann about going alcohol free

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Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews

Theme Tune: "Mandarin & Chocolate" by Doriane Woo

Feat voiceover artist, Lara Rathod

Sound Effects by: Epidemic Sound

This episode focuses on recruitment, perception and the future of hospitality, through the lens of apprenticeships and long-term career pathways.

Timothy R Andrews and Sarah Kettel are joined by Adele Oxberry, Founder and CEO of Umbrella Training, who shares her journey from housekeeping to running a specialist hospitality training business.

Adele reflects on growing up in hospitality, starting work at 14, and progressing through housekeeping, front office and leadership roles before moving into education and training. She explains how apprenticeships have evolved, why their reputation still lags behind reality, and how they can directly address labour shortages, skills gaps and retention issues across the sector.

The conversation explores perception problems in hospitality, the impact of the pandemic on young people’s confidence and communication, and why schools, employers and government all have a role to play in reshaping how hospitality careers are viewed. Adele also breaks down how apprenticeship funding works, including levy accounts, shared funding and why so much available training budget still goes unused.

This is a practical and optimistic episode about rebuilding confidence, investing in people, and using apprenticeships as a genuine route into sustainable hospitality careers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Adele Oxberry’s journey from housekeeping to CEO
• Why hospitality struggles with perception and recruitment
• The impact of the pandemic on young people entering work
• Gen Z career expectations and fast-track progression
• How apprenticeships support recruitment and retention
• Apprenticeship levy funding and unspent training budgets
• How large employers can support SMEs through levy sharing
• Apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 7 in hospitality
• Why hospitality needs a stronger voice at government level
• Changing the narrative around hospitality careers

Hosts:

• Timothy R Andrews
• Sarah Kettel

Guest:

• Adele Oxberry – Founder & CEO, Umbrella Training

Takeaways

1. Hospitality’s biggest challenge is perception
2. Young people don’t see the career progression that already exists.
3. Apprenticeships directly improve retention and morale
4. Employers report higher engagement and stronger loyalty.
5. Funding is available but widely misunderstood
6. Large amounts of levy funding sit unused every year.
7. Apprenticeships are not just for entry-level roles
8. Hospitality standards now run up to Level 7.
9. The pandemic has delayed confidence, not ambition
10. Young people need support, structure and reassurance.
11. Hospitality needs a seat at the table
12. The sector requires stronger representation at government level.

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Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews

Theme Tune: "Mandarin & Chocolate" by Doriane Woo

Feat voiceover artist, Lara Rathod

Sound Effects by: Epidemic Sound

"Jacob Allen Evil Laugh" by Deven Garber, Freesound.org

This uplifting episode sees recruitment guru for Everyman Cinemas, Mike Newman join us for this extremely informative podcast.

Many people don't think of Cinema as being part of Hospitality but Everyman Cinema turns this on it's head.

Mike shares some of the struggles but reveals how he & Everyman have faced those struggles head on & how they continue to build solutions proactively.

Mike reveals how employees and the community are key to the success of the business and that the work to improve their employee offer is ongoing.

A fascinating insight into a world where film & Hospitality combine.

We also find out more about the man behind the incredible Linkedin posts and what "C" word he doesn't want to use but very quickly does!

Unfortunately there were a number of technical issues meaning that Sarah had to lead most of the show and we hope that some of the audio issues affecting our guest does not hamper the show.

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More information on Mike Newman can be found at:

Linkedin

Everyman Cinema Careers

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For more information on EAP, please check out our previous episode with Hospitality Action

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For Equality & Diversity online training, visit:

Equality & Diversity Training

Free Trial

or visit Hospitality Training Courses for the full catalogue

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Timothy put the Kettel on is Co-hosted by:

Timothy R. Andrews

Sarah Kettel

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Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews

Theme Tune: "Mandarin & Chocolate" by Doriane Woo

Feat voiceover artist, Lara Rathod

Sound Effects by: Epidemic Sound