The Burnt Chef Journal

✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨

In this episode, our host and The Burnt Chef Project founder, Kris Hall, sits down with Chef Ayesha Kalaji, a classically French-trained chef specialising in modern Middle Eastern cuisine.

Find out more about Ayesha here.

Having started her journey working at the one Michelin star ‘Adams’ Restaurant in Birmingham. Louisa then made the career-defining decision to apply for MasterChef - The Professionals in 2017, making it to the finals! Three years later in 2020, she was invited back to compete once again in MasterChef – The Rematch! This time taking home the trophy, with Michelin star chef Marcus Wareing hailing her main course as ‘the dish of the day’.

The achievements and accolades kept on coming and in 2022 she also took home the highly coveted title of ‘Chef of the Year’ for the Midlands!

In January this year, Louisa made an appearance on Great British Menu where she made it through to the judge's chamber. This is an achievement Louisa has always dreamt about doing as a chef as she has looked up to the chefs on the competition show for most of her career.

Riding high on these successes, Louisa leapt into the extraordinary world of private fine dining.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, Louisa is a huge supporter of charity fundraising. She has just competed in her first-ever charity boxing match in March and has raised just under £4000 for Macmillan Cancer support in honour of the loss of her close friend Ally. Louisa’s goal is to keep inspiring the next generation and she plans to do that by creating a springboard for younger chefs.

Our second guest, Daniel Bennett is the General Manager at Heft Inn + Restaurant, and won Young Chef Young Waiter of the Year - 3rd Place Waiter UK 2022.

Daniel previously held roles at; KOL, St.JOHN, Carters of Moseley, Simpson’s and The Forest Side.

Hospitality and Natural Wine Enthusiast, and recognised in the third edition of the Harpers Wine & Spirit Magazine 30 Under 30 list which was announced last month and an Acorn Award Winner 2024.

Recorded live on 14th June 2024.

In this episode, Alan Tompkins, The Burnt Chef Project's first ambassador down under, and now currently Chief Ambassador for Melbourne Australia, sits down with founder Kris Hall to discuss his path from a challenging kitchen career to becoming a key advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry.

Alan opens up about his own struggles with mental health and PTSD, the reasons behind his career shift, and how The Burnt Chef Project has enabled him to remain connected to the community he loves.

This episode offers a personal look into the experiences that fuel Alan's passion for supporting others in the industry.

Thank you Alan for your taking the time to record this episode, and we look forward to hosting you on your visit to the UK in 2025!

Joining our hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen we have:

⭐ Scot Turner, Founder of Auden Hospitality

In March 2022, Scot created Auden Hospitality with a mission to help hoteliers think differently about their F&B operations to create outlets their guests will love.

All while doing this with a people-centric approach, Scot worked with The Burnt Chef Project as an Ambassador to improve the conditions of the amazing people that work in the industry.

Fast forward to 2024, Auden Hospitality is an award-winning agency building a reputation within the industry.

They will bring real-life knowledge and experience to your operation.

⭐ Sophie Taverner, Head Chef of Lost in the Lanes

Head chef Sophie joined Lost in the Lanes in 2022, and recently launched evenings, elevating Lost from a much loved cafe to an exciting addition to Brighton’s thriving restaurant scene. Despite a lifelong pursuit of good food and cooking, Sophie worked as a human rights lawyer for several years before returning to her first love.

In 2016 she tested the waters with a successful supper club and never looked back.

Sophie's previous experience includes Ibiza Food Studio under former Noma chef Boris Bueno, La Finca and Taller sa Pena. On returning to the UK, Sophie worked at Lyles, The Garden Museum Cafe and branched out in bespoke dining and events, before taking the head chef position at Lost in the Lanes.

Recorded live on 7th June 2024.

In this episode of "Hospitality Highlights" recorded live on LinkedIn for Alcohol Awareness Week, we delve into the often-overlooked realities of alcohol harm experienced by hospitality workers.

From bartenders to servers, these frontline employees share their personal stories and insights on how alcohol impacts their lives and work environments.

Join us as we explore the challenges they face, the coping mechanisms they develop, and the support systems that are crucial for their well-being.

A huge thank you to Chef Christian Sharp and founder of La Maison Wellness, Camille Vidal, for sharing their personal journey with alcohol and the profound impact it has had on their life and career.

Tune in to another episode of ✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨, as our hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen are joined by:

⭐ Simon Numphud FIH, Managing Director of AA Media

⭐ Rebecca Marshman, Group Head Pastry Chef of BaxterStorey

Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with Kate Nicholls OBE, the CEO of UKHospitality. Kate shares her insights on leading the hospitality industry through challenging times, the innovative strategies that have shaped her leadership, and her vision for the future of UKHospitality. From navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the evolving needs of customers and businesses, Kate's expertise provides valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the hospitality sector.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the industry's most influential leaders.

Our Hospitality Highlights hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen are joined by:

⭐ Laurie A. Watkins, CEO & Founder, The Cook’s Collective

⭐ Pawel Kukulka, Director at People Person Recruitment

Tune in as we discuss how we can empower those who work in hospitality to be the ones to drive change and why it's important to celebrate the progressive and trailblazing workplaces, whose team's wellbeing is at the forefront of what they do. 💭

Are consumers wanting new experiences for their money?

Our host, Cara Houchen, is joined by guest speakers:

⭐ Adam Degg, Head Chef & Host of Fifty Two at Rudding Park

⭐ James Knight-Paccheco, Co-Founder of Group JKP

Join in the discussion around the rate of closures within the UK, and whether there is an appetite for new openings. 💭