The Drip Tray Diaries

A final episode for season 1 of the Driptray Diaries. Season 2 promises big things with episodes already secured and recorded ffrom Wye valley brewery, Rockfield Distillery, Pub landlords, locals & more.

In this final part of the soapbox episode we have a chaotic hour dissecting each others talks.

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This is the last episode set for season 1 of the Drip Tray Diaries. Elliot is departing to pastures new and we decided for his last episode to do a ted talk style presentation. each of us have around 10 mins to talk about our chosen subject and will talk about it as a group in part2

Elliot’s calling last orders… for real this time.

After two years behind the bar, countless pints poured, and more stories than we can probably repeat, this episode is all about Elliot’s time at The Kings Head and on the podcast.

We sit down and look back at where it all started, the chaos, the laughs, the tough moments, and everything in between. From busy services to quiet pints after close, it’s been one hell of a ride.

This one’s a proper send-off. No script, no filter… just us chatting like we always do.

Five years in at The Kings Head… and it’s safe to say it’s been a bit of a ride.

In this episode, we sit down and properly look back at everything — the challenges we’ve faced, the changes we’ve made, and how the pub has evolved since day one. From the early days getting our feet under the table, to the reality of running a busy countryside pub today.

We also dig into some brilliant old stories from Mum and Dad from their days before we even came to Docklow — the kind of stuff you just wouldn’t believe unless you’ve worked in pubs.

It’s honest, a bit chaotic, and full of the kind of behind-the-scenes moments most people never see.

We sit down with Debbie to talk about complaints, this time in the travel sector. Debbie worked for Mercury Direct for 9 years and had to deal with all sorts of strange complaints. from poorly coloured sand to spicy food there is all sorts in this episode.

Got any funny complaints from your work or industry? send us a message and well read it out in a future episode.

We sit down for a very last minute unplanned episode. baby still overdue by a week (at time of recording) and we talk about Elliot's worst breakfast, our pet peeves, pub golden rules & more price hikes from Guinness.

we finish off with the idea of doing a ted talk episode. So if anyone has got some good ideas send them over!

Join us for Part2 of our episode with Paul. We talk about the other 20 years of Pauls glass trade, the new food hatch at the Kings Head, a new soft serve ice-cream machine and loaded fries.

We agree to disagree on pizza and Paul lets us know his views on the "Worst Government he can remember"

From running nine pubs to building a booming glass business… to losing it all and facing bankruptcy.

Paul shares the full story — the highs, the graft, the growth, and the moment it all came crashing down. But more importantly, he opens up about what bankruptcy actually feels like… and why it’s not always as scary as people think.

We wrap up with some real, honest advice for anyone struggling — whether you’re in hospitality or not — as rising costs and government pressure continue to make it harder than ever to stay afloat.

Part 1

As Ashley and Aino prepare for the arrival of their new baby, there’ll be a slight shake-up to the podcast format.

For a little while, episodes will be more in-house and a little shorter, with the team keeping things ticking over behind the mic. Once things settle down and life finds its new rhythm, we’ll be back out arranging proper interviews and catching up with local guests, businesses, and industry experts.

Thanks for sticking with us — it’s just a short pause before we come back even bigger.

This week on The Drip Tray Diaries, we dive into the behind-the-scenes chaos of kitchen life, including a seriously close call with a near fryer fire.

We also chat about more price rises heading our way, with wage increases and higher National Insurance costs piling even more pressure onto the hospitality industry.

There’s a bit of talk about the upcoming new food concept at The Kings Head Docklow, and of course Gracie calls us out for being “old” because we enjoy doing a jigsaw.

But maybe that’s the real question… in today’s always-online, disconnected society, is switching off and doing something simple exactly what we all need?

a slightly unhinged episode this one with some audio issues after the cut scene in the middle!

In this episode of The Drip Tray Diaries Ashley, Elliot & Gracie are joined by former Kings Head Docklow chef Olly.

Since leaving the pub, Olly has been working in large wedding venues across Essex — which means he’s seen everything from smooth services to full-blown wedding chaos.

We talk about the pressure of cooking for hundreds of guests, bridezillas, bizarre wedding requests, and the strange story involving Cat Impersonators.

We try a listener's strange drink combo!

But it’s not all laughs — we also discuss the realities of working in hospitality and some of the challenges the industry faces.

If you’ve ever worked in a kitchen, pub, or event venue… this one will feel very familiar.

If you missed last weeks go checkout our tales from the taproom of the Ludlow brewery. where we talk craft ales, local events, brewing beer and everything in-between