January always arrives with that familiar mix: hope, ambition, and the quiet dread of what “big goals” actually mean when you’re still catching up from December. Here’s the honest truth: most goal-setting fails, not because …
December is when hospitality is at full stretch. The pace is relentless, expectations are high, and the margin for error feels thinner by the day. Teams are still turning up, still delivering, still caring — but the energy it takes to do that …
November sits in a strange place. Not festive. Not calm. Dark mornings, dark evenings, colds, financial pressure, and the knowledge that December is coming. This is where standards wobble if leadership goes quiet. What effective leaders focus on …
Why Black Friday is a risk moment Black Friday creeps into hospitality every year. Some businesses generate smart cash flow. Others fill diaries with low-margin bookings and spend January wondering what went wrong. Black Friday exposes how well yo…
Why Bonfire Night is different Bonfire Night looks simple on paper and complicated in real life. Earlier drinking, unpredictable footfall, families out, teenagers roaming, taxis backing up, and teams trying to hold standards while managing crowd be…
Across Britain’s hotels, restaurants and event venues, Black professionals have shaped the food we serve, the stories we tell and the experiences we create. Yet too often, their influence has been overlooked. This month, let’s not only c…
The conversation around hiring British workers in the hospitality sector has been ongoing for over a decade. What started as a campaign to fill vacancies post-Brexit has now evolved into a critical part of reshaping the UK’s hospitality workfo…
Staying at the forefront of the hospitality industry in 2025 means keeping up with emerging trends, digital innovations, and evolving customer expectations. Whether you’re managing a boutique hotel, running an acclaimed restaurant, or leading …
In an industry where trends shift rapidly and guest expectations evolve faster than ever, staying informed is one of the best competitive advantages you can have. Whether you’re leading a hotel team, running a fast-paced restaurant, or develop…
As hospitality leaders, our golden rule remains clear: guest experience first. But in 2025, exceptional hospitality also means navigating rising wages, staffing challenges, AI integration, and economic pressures with confidence and agility. Here ar…
Have you ever truly paused to reflect on who you bring with you to work every day? Not just your uniform, name badge, or your carefully crafted professional persona—but the real you. Your inspirations, irritations, triumphs, and mistakes. They…
Summary:Hot kitchens. Sweaty uniforms. Packed terraces. No one talks about how brutal summer can be when you work in hospitality. Here’s how to stay safe, stay sane, and make it through the season in one piece. It’s summer – which…
Season 5 of Talking Hospitality has officially launched, bringing fresh perspectives, expert insights, and actionable advice for hospitality leaders. This season is already proving to be more than just entertaining discussions—it’s desi…
As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, it's the perfect time to spotlight the remarkable British women who have shaped the hospitality industry. From pioneering hoteliers to culinary innovators, these women have broken barriers, re…
If you’ve been paying attention to the way hospitality is evolving, you’ll have noticed a shift. It’s no longer enough to serve great food or offer a comfortable bed—guests want something more. They’re looking for momen…
Season 5 of Talking Hospitality has officially launched, bringing fresh perspectives, expert insights, and actionable advice for hospitality leaders. This season isn’t just about entertaining discussions—it’s designed to educate an…
In the early 2020s, the hospitality and events sectors faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul Cook, a seasoned events professional, provided insights during that period, emphasising the rapid shift from in-person gathering…
Recently I was in Taiwan. Standing in the streets of Taipei, I saw firsthand how cultures meet and mingle – East and West, tradition and modernity. Amidst the blend of bustling markets and serene temples, I was struck by the quiet reminder of…
As we turn the page to a new year, many of us embrace the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s promising to hit the gym, eat healthier, or achieve ambitious business goals, the start of a new year feels like the perf…
In the height of Christmas and the festive season, it's a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for many in the hospitality industry, Christmas can also amplify financial strain, mental health struggles, and the challenges of an already de…
In Season 1, Episode 3 of the Talking Hospitality podcast, titled The Heart of Hospitality: Kemi Akinola’s Fight Against Food Poverty, we had the privilege of exploring how Kemi and her team at Be Enriched swiftly pivoted to support communitie…
In our second-ever episode of Talking Hospitality, initially known as Timothy Put the Kettel On, we explored hospitality’s challenges and innovations during lockdown, from local sourcing to new tech solutions. Fast-forward to today, and it&rs…
When the war broke out in Ukraine, I had the privileged ability to put Ukrainian refugees into Hospitality work. During this time, I will never forget this, one 4-star hotel employer said to me: "I have vacancies for waiters, but I need th…
The Collaborative Advantage: Treating Competitors as Allies in the Hospitality Industry There is power in collaboration. But often, when it comes to business, there are people I know who tend to overlook the potenti…
