Hospitality Meets... with Phil Street
Hospitality Meets is a podcast about people. Every week, Phil Street sits down with some of the most fascinating individuals in hospitality and beyond - from chefs, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs to leaders, innovators, and changemakers. But this isn't a podcast about job titles. It's about the journeys behind them. The setbacks that almost ended careers. The opportunities that changed lives. The lessons learned through success, failure, risk, resilience, and everything in between. Through honest conversations, laughter, and the occasional unexpected life lesson, Hospitality Meets explores what it really takes to build a career, lead people, create memorable experiences, and find meaning in the work we do.
Episodes
#271 - Hospitality Meets Walk For Well being - The story of the walk that kept growing
Walk for Well being began during one of the toughest periods hospitality has ever faced.Craig Prentice had an idea.Sean Wheeler said yes.Then the two of them attempted to map out a 20km walk along London’s South Bank……and somehow ended up in somebody’s garden.A reassuringly professional beginning.Seven years later, Walk for Wellbeing has grown from a small gathering into a nationwide hospitality e
#270 - Hospitality Meets Neel Radia - The story of the Disney dream, the panto and the cake
At 16, Neel Radia had no idea what he wanted to do with his life.Then somebody in a careers office suggested hospitality.What followed was a dream job at Walt Disney World, eighteen months backpacking around Australia, a temporary return to the family food business that somehow became 15 years, nearly two decades supporting the National Association of Care Catering, national television appearances
#269 - Hospitality Meets Bradley Dorrington - The Story of Dirty Kebabs and Haunted Hotels
What pairs beautifully with a £250 bottle of Californian wine?Apparently, a proper dirty kebab at two o’clock in the morning.For Bradley Dorrington, co-owner of The Wine Cellar in Bury St Edmunds, that particular combination perfectly captures hospitality: great drinks, questionable late night food and hours spent putting the world to rights with somebody else from the industry.Bradley opened The
#268 - Hospitality Meets Christian Wiens - The story of Mercury being in retrograde
Christian Wiens spent his teenage years working in restaurants where, on particularly frantic days, they occasionally dealt with the constantly ringing phone by simply ripping it out of the wall.Years later, after a career building and growing technology businesses, that particular hospitality headache came back into view.The result is Loman.AI - voice AI built to answer restaurant calls, take ord
#267 - Hospitality Meets Hannah Swarbrick-Done in The Story of Two Left Flip Flops and the AI Non-Exec
Hannah Swarbrick-Done followed a boy to Thailand with dreams of an idyllic island life.The relationship lasted approximately one weekend.Hannah stayed for two years.What followed included living in a house made from bottles, running one of the world’s largest pub crawls, guiding travellers around Thailand and becoming sufficiently relaxed about footwear that she once wore two left flip-flops witho
#266 - Hospitality Meets Eirini Tamousi - The Story of the Restaurant That Opened Without Food
What happens when a morning person who dreams of opening a coffee shop joins forces with a night person who wants a cocktail bar?Naturally, they rope in their chef mother, add a fiancé with experience in marketing and finance, and open a Greek Mediterranean restaurant together.This is the story of Eirini Tamousi and Nectar: a family business that took four years, several false starts, disappearing
#265 - Hospitality Meets Chris Davies - The Story of the Office that Smells Like Itself
The story of the office that smells like itselfWhat do university ASBOs, Stash Monkey, Sarah Beeny, private equity cold calls and an office with its own recognisable smell have in common?They all feature in the unconventional journey of Chris Davies, CEO of flexible office brand Uncommon.Recorded inside Uncommon’s Fulham podcast studio, after Chris and Phil had already used up most of the good mat
#264 - Hospitality Meets Chat GPT - The Story of The Library That Talks Back
I'll be honest... this one is a little different.For the first time in Hospitality Meets history, I sat down with a guest who didn't need a microphone, didn't ask for a coffee before we started, and definitely didn't have any travel expenses.Instead, I had a conversation with ChatGPT.What began as a bit of curiosity quickly turned into something much more interesting. Somewhere between jokes about
#263 - Hospitality Meets Rory Slater - The Story of the Angry Gardener
The Story of... The Angry GardenerWhat do luxury hotels, practical jokes, Palm Beach, New York, Beijing, Japan, Hong Kong, a very angry gardener and a 30cm ruler have in common?Yep, this week's guest Rory Slater, Managing Director for COMO Hotels in London.And trust me...Some of these stories are almost too good to be true.Rory's journey started with a love of food, inspired by his mum's Cordon Bl
#262 - Hospitality Meets Robert Richardson - The Story We Tell Ourselves
Six years ago, Robert Richardson joined me on Hospitality Meets for the very first time.Back then, he was a hotel General Manager with a passion for people, wondering what the next chapter might look like.Neither of us could have predicted what came next.Fast forward six years, and Robert returns to the show as CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, leading a global professional body with more than
#261 - Hospitality Meets Duncan Garrood - Putting Life in Your Years
What do a biochemist, a Chinese mansion house, Heathrow Airport, 250 burger restaurants, a pub turnaround, student accommodation, retirement living, and more than a few bottles of Mao Tai have in common?This week's guest... Duncan Garrood.And trust me...You're going to want to hear this one.Duncan's career began in a laboratory as a scientist with a PhD in Biochemistry.It then took him through Uni
#260 - Hospitality Meets John Badley - Make the Mistake
What do a kitchen porter, a Swedish adventure, a hotel fire, a freezing swimming pool, and the CEO of one of Britain's most iconic hotel groups have in common?This week's guest is John Badley, CEO of Andrew Brownsword Hotels.Today, John oversees a collection of some of the UK's most beautiful and historic hotels.But his story starts somewhere much humbler.A teenage job sweeping a car park for £10,
#259 - Hospitality Meets Caroline Ottoy - Dough Balls & Big Dreams
What do dough balls, coffee, Covid crisis meetings, global expansion, and one very determined mum have in common?This week's guest is Caroline Ottoy, Managing Director of WatchHouse.Today, WatchHouse is one of the most exciting hospitality brands on the planet, with 29 locations across the UK, USA and Dubai, and ambitious plans to reach 100 sites globally over the next few years.But Caroline's jou
#258 - Hospitality Meets Barrie Robinson - The Glass Collector Who Got Lucky
What do holiday parks, imposter syndrome, accidental career sabotage, and one of the UK's most respected hospitality leaders have in common?This week's guest is Barrie Robinson, National Operations Director at Parkdean Resorts and Chair of the newly launched North Star Competitive Career Accelerator.Barrie's journey into hospitality wasn't exactly traditional.After lasting just six weeks at univer
#257 - Hospitality Meets Jonny Bramwell - Laughs & Balance
This week I sat down with Jonny Bramwell, Regional Head of Operations for Rosa’s Thai — a man responsible for 22 restaurants, thousands of miles of motorway, and quite possibly the most unexpectedly philosophical conversation we’ve had on Hospitality Meets in a while.What starts as a chat about pubs, restaurants and leadership quickly becomes a brilliant conversation about burnout, ambition, balan
#256 - Hospitality Meets Adam Hamadache - Data, Dogs & Direct Bookings
This week I sat down with Adam Hamadache, founder of Formula and host of the Hotel Growth Podcast, a man who has spent the last 15 years helping hotels figure out how to grow in an industry that never seems to sit still for more than five minutes.What followed was part hospitality strategy masterclass, part therapy session for modern business owners, and part beautifully chaotic conversation about
#255 - Hospitality Meets Gareth Rees - Mindset, Misfit & Misunderstood
This week, I sat down with Gareth Rees, and this is one of those conversations that feels properly important.Not just for hospitality… but for how we think about people, performance, and what “doing a good job” actually meansGareth now runs ADHospitalityD, with a mission to educate the industry on neurodiversity, breaking down misconceptions, supporting individuals, and helping businesses create e
#254 - Hospitality Meets Phil Andreopoulos - Planes, Pods & People
This week on Hospitality Meets, Phil sits down with another Phil, that being Phil Andreopoulos, CEO of YOTEL, for a conversation that starts with washing pots in restaurants… and somehow ends with power naps, gorilla trekking, hotel disruption and leadership philosophy.Inspired by a first class airline cabin and created by the founder of YO! Sushi, YOTEL has always challenged the “that’s just how
#253 - Hospitality Meets Guy Freedman - Fun, Fudge & Floodwater
This week, I sat down with the brilliant Guy Freedman, Hotel Director at The Pig & The Pig in the Wall, and honestly, this one felt like a giant exhale.A conversation about leadership, yes.Culture, absolutely.But also… naked guests, rogue deer, flood rescues in a Land Rover, student days in a fudge kitchen, and why maybe fun has been unfairly underestimated as a serious business strategy.Guy’s
#252 - Hospitality Meets Basel Jabri - Saying Yes, Then Figuring it Out
This week, I sat down with the brilliant Basel Jabri, and this one’s got everything.Global upbringing, accidental career pivots, iconic hotel brands, and a journey that goes from literally steering boats in Dubai… to leading people & culture across a luxury London hotel group.And the best bit?It all started with a dream that didn’t happen.In this episode, Basel and I get into…Growing up intern
#251 - Hospitality Meets Newton Fernandes - Built Across Borders
This week, I sat down with the brilliant Newton Fernandes - and this is one of those conversations that reminds you just how non-linear careers in hospitality can be.From starting out as a journalist, to working in airline reservations, to quite literally being invited across the road into a hotel career… Newton’s journey spans continents, cultures, and some seriously big roles.We’re talking globa
#250 - Hospitality Meets Dawn Lister - Sales, Service & Stubornness
This week, I sat down with the brilliant Dawn Lister - and honestly, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get someone from the world of sales on the show.And what an introduction to it this was.From wanting to be an air stewardess at 10 years old, to building a 20+ year career in hotel sales, Dawn’s journey is packed with graft, growth, resilience… and a lot of persistence (some might call i
#249 - Hospitality Meets Paul Hunter - No Plan Survives Real Life
This week, I sat down with the brilliant Paul Hunter, and after nearly a year of trying to make it happen, we finally got the conversation in the can.And it was worth the wait.From early days in hospitality (and admittedly being a “bit of a mischievous lad”) to launching hotels across London, navigating redundancy during COVID with twin new borns, and now stepping into a brand new luxury estate ro
#248 - Hospitality Meets Gemma Glasson - Structure, Sunshine & a Flaming Bull
This week I sat down with the brilliant Gemma Glasson, Managing Director of Wahaca and one of those leaders whose journey reminds you that careers rarely move in straight lines… and thank God for that.From starting out in the world of KPMG and Ernst & Young, to stepping into hospitality with a desire to have more impact, more energy, and a bit more colour in her working life, Gemma’s story is
#247 - Hospitality Meets Chris Eigelaar - Golf, Graft & Great Leadership
What do you get when an introvert ends up running one of the most iconic hospitality resorts in the country?A very good reminder that the loudest person in the room isn’t always the best leaderThis week, after what feels like about 17 years of trying to line up diaries, I finally sat down with the legend that is Chris Eigelaar, Managing Director of The Belfry Hotel & Resort.Now, if you know Th
#246 - Hospitality Meets Conrad Brunton - Cockroaches in the Bloodstream
Show your support for Hospitality Sector Letter to the ChancellorWhat happens when two people who love a bit of unstructured behaviour get together for a structured conversation?The answer?Lots of unstructured conversationThis week I sat down with Conrad Brunton, founder of Tonic Talent, passionate hospitality advocate, charity champion, networking powerhouse… and a man who clearly believes that i
#245 - Hospitality Meets Ella De Beer - Electric Mayonnaise & Chicken on a Stick
This week I sat down with the brilliant Ella de Beer co-founder of Electric Mayonnaise and one of those hospitality people whose career reminds you just how brilliantly unpredictable this industry can be.From waitressing at 14 in South Africa (while telling everyone she was 16… obviously), to opening restaurants, running pubs, building multi-site businesses, leading people functions at brands lik
#244 - Hospitality Meets Roddy Watt - Still Building
Still BuildingBorn in a hotel, thrown out of universityBuilt the UK’s biggest hospitality recruitment business, Lost control of it, Lost his driving licence, Broke his back.You'd think this was a lesson in how not to do it?But far from it!This week on Hospitality Meets, I sit down with Roddy Watt, recruitment pioneer, hotel strategist, owner of one almighty black book and living proof that setback
#243 - Hospitality Meets Douglas Balish - Forged in the Kitchen
From Baptism of Fire to Michelin LeadershipThis week on Hospitality Meets, Phil sits down with Douglas Balish - Executive Chef and Director at Grove of Narberth, Hotel Chef of the Year, and a man shaped by some of the toughest kitchens in the business.From washing dishes in Ayrshire…To getting “pans thrown at his head”To learning to run in kitchens where nobody walked…To leading his own Michelin s
#242 - Hospitality Meets Caitlin Owens - Regenerative Hospitality
Building a Regenerative Farm StayThis week on Hospitality Meets, Phil sits down with Caitlin Owens, Managing Director and co-owner of Fowlescombe Farm, a luxury farm stay in Devon built on regenerative farming principles.What started as a family meat farm became a pubWhat started as a consulting career became a hospitality adventure.What started as “how hard can it be?” became… chlorine spraying o
#241 - Hospitality Meets Will Fraser - Why Understanding Drives Performance
Why Understanding Drives PerformanceThis week on Hospitality Meets, Phil is joined by Will Fraser, co-founder of Pineapple, founder of 100 & First, and former professional rugby player.What begins as a conversation about people data quickly becomes something deeper, a clear eyed look at why teams struggle, why talent alone isn’t enough, and why most performance problems come down to misunderst
#240 - Hospitality Meets Klaudia Mitura - Prepare To Be Happy
Prepare. To. Be. Happy.Returning to Hospitality Meets, Klaudia Mitura - work psychologist, L&D leader at the Science Museum Group, host of The Happiness Challenge podcast, author of The Alphabet of Happiness, and an actual Certified Chief Happiness Officer (yes, really) delivers one of the most uplifting, honest, and quietly powerful conversations we’ve ever recorded.This episode is not about
#239 - Hospitality Meets Dulcie Swanston - It's Not Bloody Rocket Science
This week on Hospitality Meets, Phil sits down with Dulcie Swanston, bestselling author, executive coach, leadership trainer, neuroscience and psychology “magpie,” and one of the clearest thinkers you’ll ever meet in hospitality.Dulcie’s career spans 23 years at Bass PLC / Mitchells & Butlers, senior HR leadership, graduate programme design, global executive coaching, and now running multiple
#238 - Hospitality Meets Matt McCabe - The Mayonnaise Principle
This week on Hospitality Meets, Phil sits down with Matt McCabe, Founder of Subu Connect - a platform created to bridge the gap between food and beverage suppliers and global buyers across airlines, foodservice and hospitality.Matt’s story is one of curiosity, courage, accidental brilliance, and a lot of beautifully human learning along the way. From a 19-year-old Irish hotel management student ta
#237 - Hospitality Meets Chetan Bhanot- Hotels, Humour & Human Moments
This week, Phil sits down with Chetan Bhanot, Group General Manager of The Mandeville Hotel in Marylebone and Pendley Manor in Hertfordshire - two stunning properties he leads with equal parts humility, humour and impressive calm.Chetan’s story spans 32 years in hospitality, from hotel school in India, to Hilton and InterContinental, to JW Marriott Mumbai’s first-ever opening, to London’s NH Hotel
#236 - Hospitality Meets Simon Casson - The Boy They Called a Failure
To watch this episode, head to https://youtu.be/tMghGC2VZMoThis week, we’re in one of the stunning bedrooms at Corinthia London, talking to a man whose story genuinely feels like a film.Simon Casson, now CEO of Corinthia Hotels and former President EMEA at Four Seasons, was once told at 15 that he was a failure, that his education was over, and that he should “learn to fix cars or join the army”He
#235 - Hospitality Meets James McComas - Naked Guests, Flooded Bars & Leadership
Every now and then, an episode arrives that contains everything we love about hospitality:chaos, heart, humour, problem solving… and at least two stories involving naked guests.This week Phil chats with James McComas FIH, General Manager of Eastwell Manor, part of the Champneys Group. At 6'5", James is one of the tallest men Phil knows — which, as it turns out, comes with unexpected job perks But
#234 - Hospitality Meets Tom James - Ego at the Door, People at the Centre
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix hustle, humility, a bit of chaos, and a moment of pure stage-fright… this episode has you covered.This week, I sat down with Tom James, Managing Director of Bill’s Restaurants, and a man whose career has taken him from glass collector to running iconic hospitality brands with a detour involving an incident with Jamie Oliver. Is that really his nam
#233 - Hospitality Meets Gemma McFall - The Brain Behind Your Pain
This week, we’re talking about something every hospitality person knows all too well: pain.Back pain. Neck pain. Shoulder pain. “I’ve been on my feet for 14 hours” pain. But what if… most of it isn’t actually coming from your body?Enter Gemma McFall (Gemma McFall – Pain Reprocessing Therapist)— Chronic Pain Recovery Coach, former hotel HR leader, Disney alum, and the only person whose first hospi
#232 - Hospitality Meets Jacu Strauss - Creating Stories in Space
This week, I sat down with Jacu Strauss, Architect, Designer and Creative Director of Lore Group - the team behind iconic hotels like Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam, Riggs Washington DC, Lyle, and 100 Shoreditch.Jacu’s journey is extraordinaryFrom growing up in the Kalahari Desert, dreaming up imaginary worlds, teaching himself to draw and paint, and spending Christmases in his grandfat
#231 - Hospitality Meets Dan Barnes - Cutlery Polishing & Culture Building
This week, I sat down with Dan Barnes, Managing Director of Flourish Hospitality, a learning and development consultancy built on one simple idea: that every moment in hospitality is a chance to help someone grow.Dan’s story is one of those brilliant hospitality journeys that started with polishing cutlery and pretending to be a grown-up in a suit and somehow led to building learning cultures acro
#230 - Hospitality Meets Jo Morgan - Making Someone's Day
This week, I sat down in The Den at The Other House, South Kensington, with the wonderful Jo Morgan, owner of Meliora Consultancy Services, coach, advisor to Tech on Toast and all round powerhouse of positivity.Jo’s journey is one of those you could never script. From becoming the youngest female GM in her company at 27, to running seven floating hotels for TUI Cruises, to heading up operations fo
#229 - Hospitality Meets Jakob Gowin - Leading at the Whitehouse (No, not that one)
This week, I sat down in person (yes, we went old school) with the brilliant Jakob Gowin, General Manager of the Meliá White House in London - and what a conversation this turned out to be.From washing dishes at 13 to running a 581 bedroom hotel and 112 long-stay apartments (with residents who’ve lived there for 30+ years!), Jakob’s journey is packed with graft, heart, humility, and more than a fe
#228 - Hospitality Meets Edward Gallier - Cateys, Chaos & Culture
This week on Hospitality Meets, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the brilliant Edward Gallier (Edd), Head of Learning & Development at Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland and freshly minted Catey Award winner 2025Edd’s career has been built on passion, purpose, and the odd bit of chaos (because what’s hospitality without it?). From wild award show mishaps to deep reflections on le
#227 - Hospitality Meets Philip Steiner - Every Committee Needs a Phil
Episode SummaryThis week on Hospitality Meets, I’m joined by the brilliant Philip Steiner, Chief Operating Officer at Cycas Hospitality a man who’s spent his whole career planning for spontaneity (yes, it’s a thing).From cleaning rooms to the C-suite, Philip’s journey is a joyful mix of graft, grit, and glorious chaos, proving that great leadership often comes down to knowing when not to turn up.O
#226 - Hospitality Meets Phil Shelley - Hospitality in the NHS
This week on Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the brilliant Phil Shelley — Senior Operational Manager at NHS England and Chair of the NHS Food Review. Phil is an exceptional hospitality leader and human being and was crowned Outstanding Achievement Award winner at the 2025 Foodservice Cateys, only last Friday.Phil’s career is a masterclass in purpose driven leadership. From his early days in ho
Bonus Episode 33 - Hospitality Meets Maya Gilbert - The Great British Walk Off
Episode SummaryIn this very special episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the incredible Maya Gilbert, hospitality lifer, dog lover, and now… coastal legend!Maya recently completed a jaw dropping walk around the entire English coastline, that’s over 2,700 miles, to raise funds and awareness for Hospitality Action. With a £10 a day budget, a dodgy tent, and a heart full of purpose, she set
#225 - Hospitality Meets Abigail Tan - Kindness, Chaos & a Lot of Toilet Paper
Episode Summary:In this heartwarming and hilariously honest episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the brilliant Abigail Tan, CEO of St Giles Hotels — a woman who’s equal parts rock star, rebel, and real-deal leader.From dreams of fronting a band to running an international hotel group, Abigail’s journey is a masterclass in following your heart (and occasionally your vacuum cleaner).Expect
#224 - Hospitality Meets Billy Skelli-Cohen - Bold Mistakes, Bold Ideas
Episode SummaryIn this inspiring episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with Billy Skelli-Cohen, CEO of Beaumier Hotels, a boutique group with 11 stunning properties across France, Switzerland, and Ibiza.Billy’s story is not your standard hospitality tale. In fact, he jokes that he’s “a bit of a fraud” because he’s never actually worked in a hotel. From starting out in retail, to private equity,
#223 - Hospitality Meets Michelle Moreno - Elbowing Leonardo Di Caprio
Episode SummaryIn this sparkling episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the unstoppable Michelle Moreno, founder of QAB Leadership (Is that really it's name Michelle?)From accidentally elbowing Leonardo DiCaprio to fangirling over Sarah Jessica Parker in the dark, Michelle’s journey through hospitality is as wild, funny, and inspiring as it gets.With a career that’s taken her from London’s
#222 - Hospitality Meets Rob Flinter - Sweat, Royals & Rock ’n’ Roll
Episode SummaryIn this laugh out loud episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the brilliant Rob Flinter, Area General Manager for London and Westmont Hospitality Group. Rob’s career has taken him from the frontline of hotels to rubbing shoulders with rockstars, rugby legends, and royalty with plenty of mishaps, laughs, and wisdom along the way.Expect tales of sweaty lift rides with Prince Ph
#221 - Hospitality Meets Gina Knight - Broccoli, Beef & Brilliant Banter
We're back! And we're back for at least another year thanks to the legends at Rotacloud!!!And what a way to welcome us back with none other than the beyond epic, deep thinking and hilarious Gina Knight, Head of People at Flat Iron.Gina brings a big dose of warmth, humour, and honesty as she takes us from reception desk chaos to Ibiza career pact holidays, via Girl Guide hooch smuggling and a heate
Bonus Episode #32- Hospitality Meets Team Zenith - Teamwork, Triangle Formation and Choke Holds
Guests: Emma Sharma, Meghan Ellis Smith, Fernando Odio, Chelsy Rafael, Isabelle White – aka Team ZenithHost: Phil StreetWhat’s Inside:The Edge Hotel School students who beat the Swiss at their own gameFrom cruise ship dreams to CEO goalsThe EM Cup – Europe’s most competitive hospitality battlePublic speaking disasters, bonding breakthroughs, and backstage mind gamesHow Team Zenith went from forgot
#220 - Hospitality Meets Bernadette Gilligan - Crisis, Celebrities & Career Lessons
Episode Summary:In this lively and insightful episode of Hospitality Meets, I sit down with the incredible Bernadette Gilligan, General Manager of Conrad London St. James. From humble beginnings in hospitality to leading one of Hilton’s most prestigious luxury hotels, Bernadette shares her journey with humour, wisdom, and a few unexpected twists along the way.Expect career-defining moments, leader
#219 - Hospitality Meets John Herity - Haggis, Heritage & High Expectations
In this lively and laugh-filled episode of Hospitality Meets, I sat down with John Herity, Club Operations Manager at The Caledonian Club in London. From his accidental start in hospitality to tales of Burns Night feasts and Scottish banter, John's journey is a testament to adaptability, tradition, and keeping your cool in high-pressure situations.Expect stories of butlering for the elite, dodging
#218 - Hospitality Meets Tim Hobern - Raising the Bar
Whilst out and about on my travels, I was introduced to today's guest by previous guest, powerhouse Rachel Thomson (Episode 176).So it was great to sit down with Tim Hobern, the founder of Dovetail Bars, to talk about his wild and unexpected journey from bartender to bar owner to entrepreneur shaping London’s cocktail scene. From opening London’s smallest bar to launching a Leicester Square hotspo
#217 - Hospitality Meets Rizwan Khan - Crisis, Comedy & Career Pivots
This weeks episode of Hospitality Meets is a rollercoaster of inspiration, resilience, and comedy, featuring the incredible journey of Rizwan Khan, General Manager at Junsei. From his accidental dive into hospitality to becoming one of the youngest GMs in Mayfair, Rizwan shares stories of perseverance, leadership, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way.Key Takeaways:Life is a Marathon, N
#216 - Hospitality Meets Emma McClarkin - Pints, Parliament & Positivity
Welcome back to Hospitality Meets, where we dive into the stories behind the people who keep the hospitality world buzzing! 🍻In this episode, Phil sits down with Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (https://beerandpub.com/) and all-around pub enthusiast. We chat about:🍺 Why the pub is the heart of every community (and why you should probably visit yours more).
#215 - Hospitality Meets Lisa Jenkins - Champagne, Success & Shin Splints
Ever wondered how a dishwasher at age 10 ends up running the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts? Well, Lisa Jenkins (CEO of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts) is here to spill the tea (and maybe a few kitchen secrets).We get through a lot and I chat with Lisa about:🍽️ Why hospitality careers are more than just chefs & managers (yes, journalists count too!)✈️ How working too hard at the Singapore
#214 - Hospitality Meets David Cochrane - Fundraising, Fun and the Full Monty
In this entertaining and insightful episode, I joined David Cochrane, the CEO of HIT Scotland (https://hitscotland.co.uk/), who shares his incredible journey through the hospitality industry. From his early days as a chef (with a few kitchen disasters) to leading a transformative organisation, David offers a mix of heartfelt wisdom, career insights, and laugh-out-loud moments. The conversation cov
#213 - Hospitality Meets Jason Simpson - Electric Vehicles, Expensive Toilet Paper, and Epic Morocco Misadventures
What do really expensive toilet paper, waistcoat etiquette, and Ferraris getting smoked by Teslas all have in common? They’re just some of the unexpected gems from this week’s chat with Jason Simpson, CEO of Raw Charging, an all-around electric vehicle (EV) evangelist and holder of an epic journey.I joined Jason at Raw's London offices for a deep dive into the world of EV charging, hospitality, an
Bonus Episode #31 - Hospitality Meets Brant Menswar - Turning Pain Into Purpose
My goodness have I got a chat and half for you for the weeks special.You are about to receive Mind blowing Learning, Authentic emotion, Unbelievable power and Easy to take action.All that and we fix politics as wellBack in November 2023 I had the privilege of appearing on the Thoughts that Rock Podcast, hosted by old friend of the show Jim Knight and today’s guest (And hopefully new friend of the
#212 - Hospitality Meets Will Corby - Brewing Change and World Class Coffee
I love coffee.That is all, bye!In all seriousness, I was beyond thrilled to sit down with Will Corby, the coffee connoisseur extraordinaire and Director of Coffee and Social Impact at Pact Coffee. From thrilling tales of gangland encounters to the intricacies of brewing the perfect cup, this episode is as much a caffeine kick as it is a heartfelt chat. Oh, and did we mention it’s full of laughs to
Bonus Episode #30 - Hospitality Meets Clare Downes - Unleashing Potential through Coaching
Welcome back, Hospitality Meets fans! In this delightful episode, I sat down with the effervescent Clare Downes, a dynamic executive coach and founder of Martlet.Life and who excels in guiding leaders to their full potential. We go on an engaging journey through Clare's fascinating career path—from her entrepreneurial roots on a farm, into the bustling world of food and drink, and finally to becom
#211 - Hospitality Meets Barry Dawson - Bots and Balances, the Future of Hotel Finance
This week I sat down with one of my oldest clients and friends, Barry Dawson, the Senior Vice President of Finance at Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA, to explore the intriguing world of finance in the hospitality industry. Amidst the humour and light-hearted banter, they uncover some serious gems about how technology and automation are revolutionising hospitality and finance.What You'll Hear in This Ep
Bonus Episode #29 - Hospitality Meets Michael Tingsager - Conversational Learnings
So here's another cheeky bonus for you this week.Having connected properly earlier in the year, Michael and I decided it might be interesting to have a chat about what we'd learned from over 500 conversations with hospitality professionals so todays bonus, is that chat in all its glory done in collaboration with the Michael and his awesome show, Hospitality Mavericks.We dive deep into the heart of
#210 - Hospitality Meets Martin Traynor - People, Politics and Palace Protocols
Summary: Join Phil as he welcomes the exceptional Martin Traynor OBE, Chair of the Institute of Hospitality and a prominent figure in hospitality and public service. This episode is rich with light hearted anecdotes and humorous reflections, giving listeners a delightful yet informative glimpse into Martin's illustrious career and unique experiences!Highlights:The Meaning Behind OBE: Martin r
#209 - Hospitality Meets Andrew Fishwick (Again) - Driving Sheep and Business
Hold onto your wine glasses, folks; this episode is a roller coaster of laughs, heart warming tales, and high-flying business ventures! I welcomed back Andrew Fishwick, CEO of Hestia and an irrepressible entrepreneur with a penchant for fun and "pulling wool over everyone’s eyes"—literally (Read on)! 🐑Episode Highlights:🎓 Academic Rivalries: Andrew’s fresh from bagging a master's degree,
#208 - Hospitality Meets Daniel Clifford - Revelations, Renovations & Accolades
Ho Ho Ho! Merry Podmas everyone! 🎅🎁Prepare to unwrap something truly special this Christmas Day as our gift to you is an episode packed with culinary genius and a sprinkle of laughter! Join me as I sat down with the hilariously insightful Daniel Clifford, the proud owner of the two Michelin starred Midsummer House (https://midsummerhouse.co.uk/) and a treasure trove of unforgettable stories!🎙️&nbs
#207 - Hospitality Meets Jane Pendlebury - Technology, Trends, and Triumphs
In this cheerful and engaging episode of Hospitality Meets, Phil catches up with the delightful Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA (https://www.hospa.org/). Get ready for a conversation filled with laughter, intriguing experiences, and valuable insights into the world of hospitality.Highlights:1. Career Pathways and Unexpected Turns:Jane takes us through her colourful journey in the hospitality industr
#206 - Hospitality Meets Professor Peter Jones - From Army to Advocacy
🎙️ About This Episode:Get ready to dive into an episode brimming with laughter, heartfelt stories, and eye-opening revelations! I sat down for a candid chat with Professor Peter Jones MBE, a hospitality industry guru with a heart of gold and a knack for comedic storytelling.📰 Here’s What You’ll Discover:The Art of Inclusion: Peter shares how inviting employees to explain tasks to new team mem
#205 - Hospitality Meets Kate Austen - Competitions and Breaking the Culinary Ceiling
Well, have I got an absolute feast for your ears today!I welcomed the incomparable Kate Austen to the show. Kate is a culinary maven whose journey from a kitchen newbie has taken her on to become the youngest ever 2 Michelin Starred Female head chef and the First Female to win the main course at the awesomeness that is, The Great British Menu. Join us as we dive into Kate's hilarious anecdotes, h
#204 - Hospitality Meets Linden Beattie - From RAF Dreams to Hospitality Scenes
Welcome to an hilarious and insightful episode of Hospitality Meets! In this episode I got to sit down with Linden Beattie, the lively General Manager of Downhall Hotel, Spa, and Estate and AA Hotel of the Year 2024🌟🌟🌟Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through Linden's journey from aspiring RAF recruit to hospitality aficionado, peppered with laughs, wisdom, and eye-opening industry insights.
#203 - Hospitality Meets Matthew Jones - Bread, Borough Market, and Personal Transformation
Summary:This week, Phil sits down with master baker and founder of Bread Ahead (https://www.breadahead.com), Matthew Jones for an episode packed with laughter and life lessons. From cheeky kitchen pranks to the transformative power of baking, Matthew’s stories offer a delightful mix of humour and heartfelt insights. Get ready to be entertained by tales of culinary chaos and inspired by Matthew’s j
#202 - Hospitality Meets Roshana Gammampila - Farm-to-Table Tea Dreams and Community Impact
Someone once said to me that coffee tastes better when it's doing some good. Well today, we can apply that same mindset to Tea.Summary: In this engaging and insightful episode of "Hospitality Meets," Phil sits down with the inspiring Roshana Gammampila, who shares her incredible journey from a corporate career in London to managing a tea estate in Sri Lanka. This episode is filled with fasci
#201 - Hospitality Meets James Peck - Army Chef to Award-Winning Restaurateur
We're thrilled to announce the latest episode of Hospitality Meets featuring the truly brilliant James Peck, MD of Ember Restaurant, No13 Cocktail Bar and The Four Pears Pub! 🤩There's a story as to how James and I met which I retell in the podcast but join us for a delightful blend of fun, laughter, and insightful conversations. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss:1⃣ Kit
#200 - Hospitality Meets... with Phil Street - The Best of Episodes 101 - 200
Hospitality Meets - Episode 200Welcome to the 200th episode of "Hospitality Meets"! In this landmark celebration, we delve into some of the best bits from the last 100 episodes including the extravagant tales, pivotal moments, missteps and inspiring journeys shared by our incredible guests. Each story is a testament to the laughter, dedication, creativity, and resilience inherent in the world of h
#199 - Hospitality Meets The Rt Hon The Viscount Thurso - From Hospitality to the House of Lords
In this lively episode, I sat down with the multifaceted The Rt Honourable The Viscount Thurso, also known as quite simply, John (Watch how I blunder that at the beginning). This episode takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride through John's unconventional career, filled with hilarious anecdotes, unique experiences, and invaluable leadership insights. From mastering the art of hospitality to navig
#198 - Hospitality Meets Conor O'Leary - Global Adventures and Ferret Frenzies
In this lively and insightful episode of "Hospitality Meets," I welcomed the ever-engaging Conor O'Leary, the Managing Director at the iconic Gleneagles Hotel. Buckle up for a mix of humour, wild anecdotes, and invaluable career lessons as Conor takes us on his remarkable journey through the world of hospitality!Highlights from the Episode:From Tokyo Dreams to Dubai Realities:Conor shares his care
Bonus Episode #28 - Hospitality Meets Charlie Hodson - Walk for Wellbeing 2024 Special
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of "Hospitality Meets," we join Phil as he walks alongside the legendary Charlie Hodson, an unwavering advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry. Together, they embark on a meaningful walk for well-being in support of Hospitality Action, an organization that played a pivotal role in saving Charlie's life.Key Points:Introduction and Setting:Phil
