Talking Hospitality is an independent UK hospitality podcast for experienced leaders and professionals who want informed conversation, practical insight and useful answers to the issues shaping the industry.
Led by Timothy R Andrews, the podcast brings together people who know hospitality from the inside, including operators, founders, people leaders, chefs, educators and specialists from across hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars and foodservice.
Episodes explore leadership, people and culture, recruitment and retention, learning and development, mental health and wellbeing, operations, technology, sustainability and the commercial realities of running hospitality businesses and teams. We do not stop at explaining what is wrong. Every conversation considers what employers, leaders and individuals can actually do next.
Whether you run a business, lead a team or contribute to hospitality in another way, Talking Hospitality offers thoughtful challenge, lived experience and practical ideas you can use.
Follow the podcast and join the wider Talking Hospitality community at https://www.talkinghospitality.com.
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Données mises à jour le 22/10/2026
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Is Hospitality Really Getting Better at Looking After Its People?
Épisode 78
mercredi 21 octobre 2026 • Durée 26:50
Is wellbeing in hospitality genuinely improving, or are too many people still reaching crisis point because the pressures of the job remain too high?
Timothy R Andrews is joined by Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, to look at what the rising demand for the charity’s support tells us about working in hospitality today.
They discuss financial hardship, mental health, staffing pressures, managers becoming “accidental counsellors”, Employee Assistance Programmes and why looking after people is both a duty of care and a retention issue. Mark also explains what happens when someone contacts Hospitality Action, from emergency grants and housing support to benefits advice, counselling and practical help at some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The conversation asks a difficult question: hospitality talks much more openly about wellbeing than it once did, but have working practices changed enough to match the conversation?
What we cover
Why more hospitality people are asking Hospitality Action for help
Whether rising demand reflects worsening conditions, greater awareness or both
What Hospitality Action means by being hospitality’s “safety net”
Why managers can become accidental counsellors without the training to deal with complex situations
How understaffing and increased workloads can affect employee wellbeing
What an Employee Assistance Programme can provide
Emergency grants, housing support, bereavement assistance and welfare benefits advice
Why looking after people matters for retention as well as wellbeing
Whether hospitality has genuinely improved its working culture
This episode is sponsored by Tork , a leading global professional hygiene brand. Tork helps hospitality businesses create easy-to-maintain, comfortable washrooms that work better for businesses and guests. When guests have a positive washroom experience they're more likely to stay longer, spend more and leave with a better impression of your venue.
If you work in hospitality and need support, Hospitality Action’s 24/7 helpline is 0808 802 0282.
Keep exploring Talking Hospitality
Discover more conversations, practical ideas and industry perspectives from Talking Hospitality.
What does "Transparency" mean in Hospitality?
Épisode 77
mercredi 23 septembre 2026 • Durée 35:19
How transparent should hospitality leaders really be with their teams?
It is easy to say that businesses should communicate openly. It is rather harder when the decision involves pay, difficult trading conditions, organisational change or something people simply do not want to hear.
In this episode, Timothy R Andrews is joined by Adena Cahill, Molly Davis, Joe McDonnell and Dan Hawkie to explore what transparency actually looks like in a hospitality business, and why simply sending an email, posting a policy or putting something on the staff app does not necessarily mean you have communicated it.
The conversation looks at the relationship between trust, communication and leadership, why people increasingly want to understand the reasoning behind decisions, and how leaders can involve their teams without pretending that every decision can be made by committee. As the panel discusses, people may not always agree with the outcome, but understanding how and why a decision was made can make a considerable difference.
Money inevitably enters the conversation too. Tips and tronc provide a particularly clear example of why transparency matters, especially when decisions directly affect what people take home. The panel discusses tipping policies, the importance of explaining how decisions are reached and why being open about a policy does not automatically make the policy itself fair.
There are practical lessons throughout, from adapting communication for different people and languages to making better use of briefings, checking whether information has actually been understood and knowing when a digital message still needs a human conversation.
Ultimately, transparency is not about telling everybody everything. It is about explaining what matters, being clear about the decisions you make and creating enough trust for people to ask questions when they do not understand.
This episode is produced in partnership with TiPJAR, whose work around pay, tips and tronc makes transparency particularly relevant to the conversation.
Adena Cahill, Molly Davis from the British Institute of Innkeeping, Joe McDonnell and Dan Hawkie, Chief Commercial Officer at TiPJAR.
In The Age Of Tech, Can Hospitality Stay Human?
Épisode 76
mercredi 9 septembre 2026 • Durée 20:10
Can hospitality embrace AI, automation and new technology without losing the human connection at the heart of the industry?
Timothy R Andrews, Tracey Rashid and Joe McDonnell explore workplace culture, hospitality leadership, technology adoption, employee experience and what the future could look like for hospitality businesses and their people.
In a slightly different Talking Hospitality episode, producer Paul Cook turns the questions on the hosts.
They discuss what makes a strong hospitality culture, how good leaders deal with friction between departments, why communication matters, and why people respond so differently to technological change.
The conversation then turns to AI and automation. As technology removes human interaction from more areas of everyday life, could hospitality become even more valuable precisely because it provides experiences built around people?
They also challenge the traditional idea that the customer must always come first. If you create the right environment for your team, does a better guest experience naturally follow?
Topics discussed include:
• Hospitality workplace culture
• Leadership and communication
• Interdepartmental friction
• AI in hospitality
• Hospitality technology
• Employee retention and experience
• Guest experience
• Automation and human service
• The future of hospitality
Talking Hospitality is an independent UK hospitality podcast focused on practical conversations, industry learning and solutions that help move hospitality forward.
Hosted by Timothy R Andrews with Tracey Rashid and Joe McDonnell.
Visit talkinghospitality.com for more episodes, articles and industry conversations.
Can Businesses Really Be A Force For Good?
Épisode 75
jeudi 30 avril 2026 • Durée 29:57
What if hospitality businesses could do more than just make profit?
In this season finale of Talking Hospitality, we’re joined by Michael Tingsager, founder of Hospitality Mavericks, to explore a bigger question facing the industry — can businesses genuinely be a force for good, or is that just talk?
Drawing on real examples and his “seven tenets” framework, Michael breaks down how the most progressive hospitality brands are building strong cultures, making better decisions, and creating long-term impact — not just short-term success.
This conversation goes beyond trends. It challenges how you think about leadership, culture, and responsibility in hospitality today.
Because if we’re honest… the industry doesn’t just need better operators. It needs better thinking.
And that starts here.
🔥 Key Takeaways
Profit and purpose aren’t opposites — they rely on each other
Culture isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s the engine of performance
You can’t copy great businesses — you have to build your own model
Clarity of purpose is the foundation of every successful organisation
How do you actually write your first book — and more importantly, finish it?
In this episode of Talking Hospitality, we explore what it really takes to move from idea to a completed book. This isn’t about waiting for inspiration or having the perfect concept. It’s about structure, discipline and doing the work.
Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell are joined by Monica Or, who shares her experience of writing alongside her work in hospitality consultancy. The conversation breaks down how to start writing, how to organise your thinking, and why so many people never get past the first few pages.
What becomes clear is that writing a book isn’t that different from building a business. It requires clarity, consistency and the ability to keep going when motivation drops.
If you’ve ever thought about writing a book — or starting something you keep putting off — this episode offers a practical and honest perspective on what it actually takes.
In This Episode
How to write your first book
How to start writing when you don’t know where to begin
Turning ideas into structure and chapters
Why most people never finish writing a book
The role of discipline and consistency
Overcoming overthinking and self-doubt
Applying business thinking to creative work
📌 Key Takeaways
Writing a book starts with structure, not inspiration
Most people struggle to finish because they overthink the process
Discipline and consistency matter more than talent
Breaking ideas into smaller parts makes writing manageable
The same mindset used in business applies to writing
Progress comes from doing the work, not waiting for the right moment
This episode of Talking Hospitality explores one of the most important topics in the industry today: how we treat people at work.
Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell are joined by John Herity, Operations Manager at the Caledonian Club, to discuss leadership, mentoring and creating environments where people can genuinely succeed.
John shares his journey through hospitality, from early roles in London to working in some of the most prestigious environments, before returning to the Caledonian Club — a place known for its long-serving team and strong culture.
The conversation focuses on how the industry has changed, particularly in how younger generations view work. John explains why treating young people with respect, giving them responsibility and allowing them to make mistakes is essential if businesses want to retain and develop talent.
There is also a deeper discussion around mentoring, leadership and the role managers play in shaping careers. Rather than simply giving answers, John shares why guiding people to find their own solutions leads to stronger confidence and long-term growth.
This episode is a practical reflection on leadership in hospitality — and a reminder that great businesses are built on how people are treated every day.
Show Notes
In this episode we discuss:
John Herity’s career journey in hospitality
Life inside a private members’ club
How hospitality has changed over the years
Attracting and retaining younger talent
Why respect and autonomy matter at work
Learning through mistakes and real experience
The difference between good and bad managers
Mentoring and developing future leaders
Creating a genuine “home from home” culture
Why small behaviours (like saying hello) matter
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Young people want respect and autonomy
Can Hospitality Recruitment Survive Another Crisis?
Épisode 72
jeudi 9 avril 2026 • Durée 19:50
In this episode of Talking Hospitality, Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell sit down with Gary King, owner of Collins King & Associates, to explore what hospitality recruitment looks like after decades of disruption, change and survival. Gary shares his journey from chef to recruiter, his early work with football clubs including Tottenham and Arsenal, and how those experiences shaped his ability to recognise talent and understand hospitality from the inside.
The conversation moves through the realities of building and sustaining a recruitment business through multiple downturns, including the financial crash, Brexit, the pandemic and the challenges currently facing hospitality operators. Gary reflects on resilience, optimism and why hard work, relationships and real industry knowledge still matter.
Timothy, Joe and Gary also unpack how recruitment has changed over the years, from print advertising and fax machines to LinkedIn and AI. While technology has transformed the speed and tools of recruitment, the discussion makes a strong case that human judgement, cultural understanding and long-term relationships still sit at the heart of finding the right people.
This is a practical and reflective episode about careers, change, optimism and the enduring value of hospitality people who really know the industry.
Key takeaways
Hospitality recruitment is built on relationships
Technology helps, but strong networks and real industry knowledge still drive the best hiring decisions.
Resilience matters more than ever
Gary’s story shows that recruitment and hospitality both go through hard cycles, but determined people find ways through them.
AI will change recruitment, not replace it completely
Tools evolve, but judgement, nuance and understanding people remain human strengths.
Specialist recruiters still have a place
At senior and difficult-to-fill levels, expertise, trust and deep market knowledge still carry real value.
Culture fit needs careful handling
How Do You Make Learning Accessible?
Épisode 71
jeudi 2 avril 2026 • Durée 23:45
This episode of Talking Hospitality explores a fundamental question: how do people actually learn at work?
Regular host Timothy R Andrews takes a back seat on this one, with Tracey Rashid and Joe McDonnell taking the lead.
They are joined by Steve Dineen, CEO of Fuse Universal, to challenge traditional approaches to training and development — particularly in fast-paced industries like hospitality.
Steve shares how his early experience as a technical trainer led him to question why so much workplace learning fails to engage people. He explains why long-form, compliance-led training often misses the mark, and why modern learning needs to reflect how people behave outside of work.
The conversation introduces the concept of “learning at the point of need” — accessing knowledge in the moment it’s required — and explores how platforms like YouTube and ChatGPT have reshaped expectations around learning.
Steve also highlights the importance of capturing knowledge from the best people within an organisation and making it accessible to everyone. Combined with strong leadership and the right culture, this approach can improve onboarding, build confidence and ultimately support retention.
This episode offers a practical perspective on how hospitality businesses can rethink learning to better support their teams and performance.
📌 Show Notes
In this episode we discuss:
Why traditional workplace training often fails
The concept of “point of need” learning
Bite-sized vs long-form learning
Learning behaviours influenced by YouTube and ChatGPT
Capturing knowledge from top performers
Improving onboarding and reducing time to competence
The link between learning, confidence and retention
The role of leadership in driving engagement
AI and inclusivity in learning design
💡 Key Takeaways
What Does HR Really Do?
Épisode 70
jeudi 19 mars 2026 • Durée 12:54
This bonus episode of Talking Hospitality, recorded live at Confex 2026, explores one of the most misunderstood roles in the industry: human resources.
Timothy R Andrews speaks with Jonathan Napier, HR Director at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and a volunteer advocate for HR in Hospitality, a non-profit network dedicated to championing people professionals across the sector.
Jonathan shares what HR actually does inside hospitality businesses — and why the function is far more than hiring, payroll or policies. At its heart, HR is about supporting people, developing talent and ensuring teams have the guidance and structure they need to succeed.
The conversation also explores the work of HR in Hospitality, a volunteer-led organisation that has spent three decades bringing HR professionals together through events, education and networking. Jonathan explains why advocacy for HR as a career matters, why operational experience is invaluable for future HR leaders, and how hospitality offers career progression without the traditional academic route.
The episode also tackles one of the most talked-about topics in business today: AI. Jonathan shares why technology won’t replace HR, but why professionals who understand AI will have a powerful advantage in the future.
At its core, this episode is about people — and the individuals working behind the scenes to support the teams that keep hospitality running.
Show Notes
In this episode we discuss:
What HR actually does in hospitality businesses
Why HR is often misunderstood within organisations
The role of HR in Hospitality, a volunteer advocacy network
Supporting HR professionals through education, networking and industry events
Why operational experience makes better HR leaders
Hospitality as a career without traditional academic barriers
The future of HR in a world influenced by AI
Why technology should support HR — not replace it
Why Is Hospitality Fighting Itself?
Saison 5 · Épisode 69
mardi 10 mars 2026 • Durée 11:30
This bonus episode of Talking Hospitality is recorded live at Confex in London and shines a light on an unusual but powerful initiative bringing the industry together.
Timothy R Andrews sits down with Paul Gilley, founder of the London Hospitality Festival, to discuss Hospitality Fight Night — an event that takes hospitality professionals with no boxing experience and puts them through a 12-week training journey before stepping into the ring in front of hundreds of industry peers.
But this event isn’t really about boxing.
It’s about resilience, wellbeing, confidence and community. Participants train together, build friendships and challenge themselves in ways many never expected. The evening itself becomes a celebration of the industry, with leaders and colleagues gathering to support the fighters and raise funds for Hospitality Action, the charity that supports hospitality workers in times of crisis.
Paul also shares the wider story behind the London Hospitality Festival — an event that has grown over nearly two decades to bring thousands of hospitality professionals together through sport, connection and shared purpose.
This episode is a reminder that hospitality is at its best when people come together, support one another and invest in the wellbeing of the industry.
Show Notes:
In this episode we discuss:
The idea behind Hospitality Fight Night
Why hospitality professionals are stepping into the boxing ring
The 12-week training journey participants go through
Confidence, fitness and personal development through sport
The role of community and camaraderie in hospitality
Raising funds for Hospitality Action
The story behind the London Hospitality Festival
Why wellbeing and looking after people matters more than ever in hospitality
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At its core, the role is to guide, support and protect employees while helping organisations operate effectively.
2. HR has evolved significantly
What once focused mainly on payroll and administration has become a strategic function that supports culture, development and business performance.
3. HR in Hospitality advocates for the profession
The volunteer-led organisation brings HR professionals together through learning events, industry collaboration and recognition programmes.
4. Operational experience strengthens HR leaders
Jonathan argues that HR professionals who have worked in frontline hospitality roles often communicate more effectively with operational teams.
5. Hospitality offers real career progression
Unlike many industries, hospitality allows people to build senior careers without traditional academic pathways.
6. AI will change HR — but not replace it
Technology will streamline administrative tasks, allowing HR professionals to spend more time supporting people.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
MMG Events
Jumeirah Cotton Tower
HR in Hospitality
Graphic Kitchen
HJ UK Hospitality Jobs UK
NMG Events
Key Takeaways:
1. Hospitality Fight Night is about the journey, not the boxing
Participants train for twelve weeks, building confidence, resilience and friendships along the way.
2. Community is one of hospitality’s greatest strengths
Events like this remind people that the sector works best when it comes together.
3. Personal growth can come from unexpected places
Many participants start with no boxing experience but finish with new skills and confidence.
4. Charity remains at the heart of the industry
Funds raised from the event support Hospitality Action, helping hospitality workers when they need it most.
5. Sport has long been a connector in hospitality
The event builds on the legacy of the London Hospitality Festival, which brings thousands of professionals together each year.
6. Wellbeing is now central to leadership in hospitality
Paul reflects on how the industry has shifted towards caring more about people, culture and mental health.
Paul Gilley explains Hospitality Fight Night, where hospitality professionals train for 12 weeks to step into the ring and raise money for Hospitality Action.
