Small Talk

SMALL TALK

David Taylor on 30 years of Balans Soho Society

27-Jan-2017 By Sophie Witts

Late-night restaurant and celebrity favourite Balans Soho Society celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Co-founder David Taylor spoke to BigHospitality about updating the now six-strong brand and the changing world of Soho restaurants.

SMALL TALK

Matin Miah on the rise of Jamaican food, expansion and that Caribbean vibe

20-Jan-2017 By Hannah Thompson

As co-founder of “real jerk” Dalston restaurant Rudie’s, Matin Miah knows a thing or two about the rise of Jamaican food. As the brand looks to expand its bar and confirms its second site, we talk “elevated” Caribbean cuisine, cocktails, and plans to...

SMALL TALK

Chef James Durrant on his new restaurant The Game Bird

06-Jan-2017 By Joe Lutrario

The former Gordon Ramsay and Jason Atherton protégé is overseeing the overhaul of grand St James’s hotel The Stafford London as executive chef, and will re-launch its main restaurant as the The Game Bird early next month. He spoke to Restaurant Magazine...

MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean on winning 2016

23-Dec-2016 By Hannah Thompson

The MasterChef: The Professionals 2016 winner, Gary Maclean, was crowned victorious last night. We spoke to the Glasgow-based chef-lecturer (and husband, and father-of-six) the morning after to talk winning, culinary colleges, and learning what the TV...

SMALL TALK

Jonathan Stapleton on turning The Royal Crescent in to a five AA red star hotel

16-Dec-2016 By Sophie Witts

The historic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath was awarded five AA red stars in September just four years after it was bought by Topland Group. General manager Jonathan Stapleton spoke to BigHospitality about turning the hotel around and how the...

Inamo's Noel Hunwick on how restaurant technology is evolving

02-Dec-2016 By Sophie Witts

Technology-driven restaurant Inamo is opening its third London site in Camden this week. BigHospitality caught up with co-founder Noel Hunwick to to talk about the group's expansion plans and how technology can enhance the restaurant experience.

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DECK Social's Deborah Efemini on providing community-led hospitality

25-Nov-2016 By Emma Eversham

Deborah Efemini turns disused spaces into community-led hospitality hubs through her work with DECK Social. She talks about her latest venture Parkside Social in Lewisham and why pop-up social projects can be worthwhile for new hospitality talent as well...

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Holly Eggleton on working with family and making front-of-house fun

18-Nov-2016 By Michelle Perrett

Holly Eggleton runs the Pony & Trap in Chew Magna with her brother Josh Eggleton where she is responsible for front and back-of-house operations. She is also involved with the Salt and Malt café; the company's outside catering business and new...

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Rudding Park’s Peter Banks on thriving in today’s tough times

10-Nov-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Peter Banks is managing director at independent hotel Rudding Park, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. He talks Brexit, the independent regional market, F&B, Airbnb, Millennials, and changing times

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Mexican chef Martha Ortiz on her new London restaurant

03-Nov-2016 By Stefan Chomka

The chef-patron at Dulce Patria in Mexico City – ranked number 48 on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list – will open her as yet unnamed restaurant at InterContinental London Park Lane next March. BigHospitality's sister publication Restaurant...

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Ashdown Park Hotel GM Ben Booker on maintaining successful independence in hotels

28-Oct-2016 By Emma Eversham

As Ben Booker approaches his 10th year as general manager at Elite Hotels Group's Ashdown Park Hotel in East Sussex, he shares his tips on running a successful independent hotel

Perilla's founders on opening their first permanent restaurant

21-Oct-2016 By Sophie Witts

Following a series of sell-out London residencies, chef Ben Marks (ex-Noma and The Square) and front-of-house Matt Emmerson (Polpo) are opening their first permanent restaurant Perilla in Newington Green next month - with the help of some very influential backers.

Chef Luke Tipping on the revamped Simpsons

07-Oct-2016 By Joe Lutrario

Birmingham stalwart Simpsons last month hosted its inaugural Eureka evening, which sees its chef director Luke Tipping encourage his whole team to develop new dishes to be served at a special Monday night service.

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Dave White of Dead Parrot bar on competition and bartending success

30-Sep-2016 By Emma Eversham

Dave White, manager of the Dead Parrot bar in Horsham, West Sussex, beat over 120 contestants to win the Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender competition in July for the second year running. He gives his top tips for bartending success ahead of London Cocktail...

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Social Pantry founder Alex Head on growing an ethical food business

16-Sep-2016 By Emma Eversham

Alex Head formed London-based catering company Social Pantry six years ago. The business has expanded considerably since, adding Social Pantry Café in 2013 and a host of new clients, but even with growth, her strong principles remain an essential part...