Welcome to Dig In, Wenodo’s podcast going behind the scenes of modern hospitality.
For Episode 3, host David Durban sits down with Nicholas Balfe - chef patron of Holm in Somerset and the chef behind acclaimed London restaurants Salon and Levan - to explore the journey from city restaurants to building a destination dining experience in the countryside.
From the challenges of leaving London and starting again, to creating a hospitality business that goes far beyond the restaurant itself, Nicholas reflects openly on leadership, resilience and why guest experience has become the driving force behind everything he does.
Filmed at the beautiful Holm in South Petherton, this conversation explores what it really takes to build a hospitality business in today's climate, why culture matters as much as cooking, and how meaningful experiences are becoming the future of the industry.
This is a conversation about reinvention, resilience and creating hospitality that people want to return to.
🍽️ In This Episode, We Dig Into:
- Moving from London to Somerset and the realities of starting over
- Why opening Holm was a much steeper learning curve than expected
- Building a restaurant around people, place and community
- How guest experience has become just as important as the food
- Creating a team culture that delivers genuine hospitality
- Diversifying the business with rooms, events and experiences
- The importance of resilience in modern hospitality
- Why human connection will always be hospitality's greatest strength
⚡ Quick Fire Highlights:
- Most underrated chef: Will Gleave (Sargasso, Margate)
- Most underrated ingredient: Potatoes
- Three traits every chef needs: Humility, compassion and creativity
- Current restaurant admiration: Forza
- One change he'd make to help hospitality: A reduction in VAT for the sector
🎧 Why Listen?
Nicholas offers an honest look at what it means to adapt as both a chef and business owner. From relocating his family and reshaping his business model to building a restaurant rooted in community and experience, this episode is full of thoughtful insight for anyone passionate about hospitality, leadership and creating something built to last.
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