The Lobby Talk

Behind every cocktail is a story, a smile, and a moment that guests will never forget. Join Colin Fields and discover the secrets of legendary hospitality.

Step behind the bar with Colin Fields, the legendary head bartender of the Hemingway Bar at The Ritz Paris, twice named Best Bartender in the World. From his early days as a car park attendant in England to creating iconic cocktails like the Limoncello Spritz, Colin shares the art, science, and soul of hospitality.

In this episode, we explore:

How personality, passion, and presence create unforgettable guest experiences.

The story behind the Limoncello Spritz and other signature cocktails.

Secrets of luxury bartending, from speed, service, and efficiency to crafting moments that guests remember forever.

Why simplicity in cocktails often delivers the most profound guest experiences.

Tales of celebrity encounters, iconic bars, and lessons from a lifetime in hospitality.

Whether you’re a bartender, hotelier, or hospitality enthusiast, this conversation is full of actionable insights, inspiration, and insider stories that show how cocktails can be an art form and a tool to connect people.

🔗 Connect with Colin Fields:

Hemingway Bar – The Ritz Paris

LinkedIn

🎬 Colin’s Recommended Shows & Movies:

The Rink (1916, Charlie Chaplin) – bartending flair over a century ago.

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Ever wondered what the future of hospitality and restaurants looks like from an industry visionary?

In this episode, I sit down with Bernard Boutboul, founder of Gira and a trailblazer in restaurant consulting. From running iconic food concepts to advising hotels on guest experience, Bernard shares insider stories and bold insights that are shaping the hospitality landscape today.

We explore:

The three dimensions of a memorable dining experience and why service will never be replaced by robots.

How hotels can rethink food and beverage to engage both guests and locals.

The challenges of staff shortages and innovative ways to inspire teams in a high-turnover industry.

Generational shifts in customer expectations — from Gen Z to seasoned travelers.

Lessons from iconic chefs, legendary brands, and real-life restaurant bloopers.

Whether you’re a restaurateur, hotelier, or simply curious about what makes a dining experience unforgettable, this conversation is full of actionable insights, humor, and inspiration.

🔗 Connect with Bernard Boutboul & Gira:

Gira

LinkedIn

🎬 Bernard’s Recommended Shows & Movies:

Le sens de la fête by Eric Toledano & Olivier Nakache

Délicieux by Eric Besnard

Tune in to discover how Bernard sees the intersection of food, service, and hospitality shaping the next generation of experiences.

Her very first table? Leonardo DiCaprio. From that moment, Michelle Moreno’s journey in hospitality was unstoppable.

On this episode of The Lobby Talk, I sit down with hospitality leader, consultant, and international restaurant creator Michelle Moreno. From dreaming of the West End stage to opening over 60 restaurants and bars worldwide, Michelle has transformed her love for people and performance into a career shaping global hospitality.

We explore:

How resilience and “sliding-doors” moments define a career.

Adventures from Mykonos to Mauritius — the highs, the challenges, the lessons.

Why investing in people is the ultimate key to success in hospitality.

A sneak peek at her exciting new project, A Day in the Life of Me.

Whether you’re a hospitality professional or curious about the human side of the industry, this conversation is equal parts insightful, inspiring, and downright fun.

🔗 Connect with Michelle Moreno:

LinkedIn: Michelle Moreno

QAB Leadership

🎬 Shows she recommends:

Landman by Taylor Sheridan & Christian Wallac

The Wire by David Simon

#TheLobbyTalk #HospitalityLeadership #LuxuryHospitality #FoodAndBeverage #GlobalCareers #LeadershipLessons #Resilience #HospitalityIndustry

Every great conversation starts somewhere. The Lobby Talk is where real stories and honest, unfiltered conversations come to life — the kind we usually keep behind closed doors. In this first episode, I’ll share the vision for the podcast and where we’re headed. It’s just the beginning, and I’m excited to have you along. Thank you for being here!