Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast - Episode 30

Episode Title: Guest Gabrielle Goode, Freelance Hospitality Marketing Specialist with Cassie Davison

Guest: Gabrielle Goode, Freelance Hospitality Marketing Specialist
Host: Cassie Davison
Contact Details:LinkedIn - Gabrielle Goode

In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie Davison welcomes Gabrielle Goode, a freelance marketing specialist who has worked with some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry, including The Ivy Collection, Caprice Holdings, and Langan's Brasserie. Gabrielle shares her journey from growing up in a hospitality family, falling in love with the industry, and transitioning from operations to marketing. They discuss the importance of storytelling, the impact of data-driven marketing, and the evolving challenges of attracting and retaining customers in a fast-changing industry.

• Born into a family with a history of pub ownership in London.

• Early experiences in hospitality fueled her passion for the industry.

• Worked in cocktail bars in Nottingham during university, surrounded by industry professionals who continue to shape hospitality today.

• Inspired by luxurious dining experiences at top London restaurants like Petrus and Alain Ducasse.

• The emotional connection to hospitality and how it creates lasting memories.

• The role of fine details in elevating guest experience, from service to ambiance.

• Started in PR but realized her passion was in hospitality marketing.

• Worked with Cirrus Inns, developing award-winning marketing campaigns.

• Moved on to The Ivy Collection, where she spearheaded press-worthy campaigns and high-impact site launches.

• The importance of knowing your customer base and brand identity.

• How data, AI, and CRM systems play a crucial role in personalized marketing.

• The difference between mass marketing and targeted luxury marketing strategies.

• Navigating fast-changing customer expectations and trends.

• The balance between digital marketing and real-life brand experiences.

• Avoiding the "race to the bottom" in pricing strategies and instead creating value-driven customer loyalty.

• Gabrielle’s transition into freelance hospitality marketing.

• Working with diverse clients, from high-end rooftop bars in Dublin to the superyacht industry.

• The challenges and rewards of running a marketing consultancy, including self-promotion and business strategy.

• “The best restaurants don’t just serve food—they create experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.” – Gabrielle Goode

• “Marketing is more than just social media; it’s about storytelling, brand positioning, and truly understanding your audience.” – Gabrielle Goode

• “The customer hasn’t disappeared—they’re just more selective. It’s our job to make sure the experience is worth their investment.” – Cassie Davison

• Connect with Gabrielle Goode on LinkedIn:LinkedIn Profile

• Gabrielle’s Website:The Hospitality Marketer

• Host: Cassie Davison:www.cassiedavison.co.uk

Don’t miss an episode of Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast! Subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with hospitality professionals looking for fresh insights on marketing, customer engagement, and brand storytelling.

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Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast -

Guest: Ines Llerena del Blanco, Pricing Strategist at Pearson Ham Group

Host: Cassie Davison

In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie Davison sits down with Ines Llerena del Blanco, a pricing strategist with 25 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Ines shares her journey from working in restaurant operations to becoming a pricing consultant, helping businesses develop effective pricing strategies. She discusses the role of data in pricing decisions, the importance of customer insights, and how pricing impacts profitability in hospitality.

• Inspired by childhood experiences at family friends' restaurants.

• Studied Hotel & Restaurant Management in the US after receiving a scholarship.

• Gained hands-on experience working in various hospitality roles, including Compass Group, Club Med, and Intercontinental Hotels.

• Transitioned from operations into pricing consultancy after obtaining a Master’s degree from Cornell University.

• Why Pricing Matters: Margins in hospitality are razor-thin, and pricing is crucial for profitability and sustainability.

• Key Factors in Pricing Strategy: Understanding brand identity, customer expectations, and market conditions.

• The Role of Data: Using transactional data to determine demand trends, optimal pricing, and customer purchasing behavior.

• Technology's Influence: AI and data analytics are now accessible even to smaller businesses, helping them make informed pricing decisions.

• Hospitality businesses must define their brand and understand their customer base to set effective prices.

• Pricing strategies should align with customer expectations and perceived value.

• Businesses can leverage AI and big data to refine their pricing models.

• Pricing adjustments should be clearly communicated to both customers and staff.

• Staff training is critical in handling customer feedback on pricing.

• Poor communication can negatively impact customer perception and trust.

• The industry has evolved, but long hours and operational demands remain significant challenges.

• Women in leadership roles in hospitality are still underrepresented due to work-life balance challenges.

• The industry fosters resilience, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Hospitality careers are diverse, from front-line operations to data analytics, consulting, and strategy.

• There are growing opportunities in pricing strategy, revenue management, and customer experience optimization.

• The industry offers valuable skills that are transferable to other sectors.

• “The only way to provide an amazing experience is by generating profits – training staff, using quality ingredients, and maintaining beautiful venues all require financial investment.” – Ines Llerena

• “So much of pricing is about perception. How you communicate price changes can be just as important as the prices themselves.” – Ines Llerena

• “This industry teaches resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. It prepares you for anything.” – Cassie Davison

• Connect with Ines Llerena del Blanco on LinkedIn: LinkedIn - Ines Llerena del Blanco⁠

• Host: Cassie Davison:www.cassiedavison.co.uk

Don’t miss an episode of Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast!

Subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with fellow hospitality professionals who are looking to refine their pricing strategies and enhance their business profitability.

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Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Richard Dickson, Co-Founder of Play It Green

In this episode, Cassie welcomes Richard Dickson, co-founder of Play It Green, to share his journey of creating a business that drives real, impactful change. Richard discusses how his passion for conscious capitalism, sustainability, and community has evolved through his career, blending his expertise with a mission to help businesses—and hospitality in particular—reduce their environmental footprint and make a difference.

From his experiences in retail and working with global initiatives, Richard explains the importance of behavioral change, cultural shifts, and the role of nature repair as part of a holistic approach to sustainability.

• Richard’s Journey: From questioning everything as a child to co-founding a business rooted in purpose and values.
• Hospitality Connection: How Richard fell in love with hospitality through impactful initiatives like “a quid on a bill.”
• Conscious Capitalism: Building a business where profit drives positive impact—10% of turnover goes directly to charity.
• Overcoming Challenges: Richard opens up about struggles with mental health, an unsupportive boss, and how his autism diagnosis shaped his outlook.
• Play It Green’s Solution: Helping businesses make sustainability easy with step-by-step support, nature repair (trees, mangroves, sea kelp), and transparent reporting.
• Impact for Hospitality: How hospitality businesses can effortlessly integrate sustainability, engage their teams, attract younger customers, and make a real difference.

Richard shares how Play It Green works seamlessly with hospitality businesses:

• Easy to Join: Add £1 to bills to support nature repair and social giving.
• Zero Admin: Fully automated systems integrated with EPOS partners like Zonal.
• Tangible Impact: Transparent, blockchain-verified data showing exactly where and how contributions make a difference.
• Support & Guidance: Resources, templates, and education to help businesses on their sustainability journey.

🎯 The Outcome: Happier teams, engaged customers, and a future-proofed, purpose-driven business.

🗣️ “Sustainability isn’t just about trees and carbon. It’s about culture, behavior, and people.”
🗣️ “When people feel valued and understood in a business, they perform better and stay longer.”

🌍 Website: playitgreen.com
📧 Email: richard@playitgreen.com

Play It Green makes it easy for hospitality businesses to embed sustainability, create impact, and connect with purpose—all while staying profitable.

📢 Want to learn more? Reach out to Richard or visit the Play It Green website for a seamless way to start your sustainability journey.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Be inspired by Richard’s powerful story, his mission to support businesses and communities, and his passion for creating a sustainable future.

📢 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network.

More from Kith & Kin:
💡 Helping hospitality businesses connect with purpose and thrive
🎯 Real stories, real challenges, and real solutions from industry experts
🌟 Discover more at Kith & Kin Hospitality

Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Sam Pentecost, Founder & Owner of The Alpine Pizza Co

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie sits down with Sam Pentecost, founder and owner of The Alpine Pizza Co, one of the leading pizza suppliers on the UK’s festival circuit. Sam’s journey takes us from construction sites to wedding catering and finally to some of the biggest festivals and events in the UK.

Sam shares how he transitioned from working in a demanding, high-pressure construction industry to building a thriving, complex hospitality business driven by his passion for food, people, and problem-solving. From logistics challenges to managing seasonal demand, Sam gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in mobile catering at scale.

Key Highlights

1. Sam’s Journey into Hospitality:

   • From juggling construction jobs and hospitality roles to starting Alpine Pizza Co in a converted horsebox in 2017.
   • How his love for hospitality’s social element pulled him back into the industry.
   • The big decision during COVID to go all-in and turn his side hustle into a full-time business.

2. The Challenges of Large-Scale Mobile Catering:

   • Moving from small weddings to catering at major festivals like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Winter Wonderland.
   • The complexities of logistics, staffing, and stock management in unpredictable environments.
   • Managing dough in extreme weather – from scorching summer festivals to freezing winter events.

3. Making Hospitality Sustainable Year-Round:

   • Tackling the seasonality of events and creating stability for staff.
   • The importance of building a strong, supportive team and transitioning staff to full-time roles.
   • How Alpine Pizza Co balances smaller weddings with high-volume events while targeting corporate catering opportunities.

4. Business Growth & Lessons Learned:

   • Sam’s reflections on the “dark days” of unexpected VAT bills and the game-changing decision to hire a business coach.
   • The importance of problem-solving and delegation in growing a complex business.
   • Why focusing on the events they enjoy and that deliver ROI is now a core strategy for the future.

Memorable Quote
"If money is your only driver, hospitality isn’t for you. You’ve got to love it. If I didn’t enjoy this, I wouldn’t do it – because hospitality is all about people, energy, and problem-solving." – Sam Pentecost

Connect with Sam Pentecost & Alpine Pizza Co

• Instagram: @TheAlpinePizzaCo
• Website: www.thealpinepizzaco.com
• Email: sam@thealpinepizzaco.com

Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Lauren McCormick, General Manager, Omi Bar, Leicester

Episode Summary
In this deeply inspiring episode of The Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie sits down with Lauren McCormick, General Manager at Omi Bar, Leicester, and finalist for General Manager of the Year at the Kith & Kin Hospitality Awards.

Lauren’s remarkable story takes her from living on the streets and in supported accommodation to building a thriving career in hospitality. She shares how the industry became her “real-life therapy,” providing purpose, belonging, and the opportunity to make a difference to others’ lives.

Key Highlights

1. From Survival to Success:

   • How Lauren overcame a difficult start, living on the streets and supported accommodation, to begin her hospitality career at 16 as a glass collector.
   • Rising step-by-step through the industry: from bar staff to supervisor and now General Manager of Omi Bar.

2. The Power of Hospitality:

   • How hospitality became an extension of family and a place of belonging during challenging times.
   • Why creating a welcoming, compassionate environment for guests and team members is central to Lauren’s approach.

3. Career Challenges & Lessons Learned:

   • Managing the transition from peer to leader and the pitfalls of hiring friends.
   • The importance of internal team relationships for delivering exceptional customer experiences.

4. Lauren’s Vision for the Future:

   • Her dream of opening a late-night venue and breathing new life into UK nightlife.
   • Plans to relocate to London to further develop her experience and career in the big city.

Memorable Quote
"Hospitality gave me a family when I didn’t have one. It’s not just a job – it’s a place where we can make someone’s day better, no matter what they’re going through." – Lauren McCormick

Connect with Lauren McCormick

• LinkedIn: Lauren McCormick
• Email: laurenmc98@outlook.com

📺 Watch the Full Episode on YouTube 🎥:
Watch here on the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast Channel

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

• Follow Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast for more inspiring stories of resilience, purpose, and passion in the hospitality industry.

🎙️ Kith & Kin Podcast: Stories from the Hospitality Industry

Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: David Hage, Co-Founder of the Secret Pub Company

In this episode, Cassie is joined by David Hage, one half of the dynamic duo behind the award-winning Secret Pub Company. David shares his 30-year journey through the hospitality industry, from his early days in health clubs and working for giants like David Lloyd and Nando's to co-founding a successful group of four premium gastro pubs across Nottinghamshire.

David’s story highlights the balance between big business discipline and independent creativity, revealing the hard work, tough decisions, and passion it takes to succeed in the ever-challenging hospitality industry.

🏆 From winning Licensee of the Year 2019 to navigating the turbulence of COVID-19, David discusses the highs and lows of running pubs, the importance of a great team, and his exciting plans for the future, including accommodation and diverse events.

• The Early Days: How David transitioned from health clubs into hospitality.
• The Secret Pub Company: Why it’s called “secret” and how it all began.
• Award-Winning Success: Winning Licensee of the Year 2019 and the grueling process behind it.
• Surviving COVID-19: The challenges of running pubs through the pandemic and beyond.
• The Reality of Hospitality: Rising costs, staff retention, and the continued pressures on pubs.
• Future Vision: Plans for events, weddings, and introducing B&B-style accommodation.

Visit David and the team at their four award-winning Nottinghamshire pubs:

1. The Railway – Loudham
2. The Radcliffe – Radcliffe-on-Trent
3. The Plough – Normanton on the Wolds
4. The Lambley – Lambley

🔎 Find out more: Search for the Secret Pub Company on Google or visit their locations for a fantastic experience.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hage-fbii-64b8552a/
• Website: https://railwaylowdham.co.uk/

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Immerse yourself in David’s inspiring journey and discover what it really takes to create successful, customer-focused pubs.

📢 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network.

More from the Kith & Kin Podcast:
📍 Real stories from hospitality professionals
🎯 Insights, challenges, and opportunities in the industry
💡 Tips to thrive in hospitality

🎥 Visit Cassie’s YouTube Channel for more 👉 [Insert Link]

📝 Want to grow your hospitality business?
Check out Cassie’s Hospitality Made Easy Masterclass for strategies to connect with purpose, engage your team, and increase your profits.

Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Jono Mayes, National Bartender Advocacy & Engagement Manager, Campari Group UK

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie reconnects with Jono Mayes after 15 years to hear his incredible journey through the hospitality industry. From early days in country pubs and cocktail bars to launching nightclubs and consulting internationally, Jono shares how his passion for drinks and hospitality shaped his career. Now with Campari Group UK, Jono leads bartender education and advocacy, helping shape the next generation of the industry.

Key Highlights

1. Jono’s Journey into Hospitality:

   • Starting out in Leicester’s country pubs and cocktail bars.
   • The pivotal moment: stepping behind the bar with zero experience to learn the craft.
   • Opening a nightclub in Leicester during the 2008 financial crisis and what it taught him.

2. Building Experience & Skills:

   • Time spent consulting across the UK and internationally, including in East Africa.
   • Joining BrewDog and launching Lone Wolf Spirits.
   • How Jono’s role at Campari Group UK blends education, advocacy, and creativity.

3. The Changing Face of the Drinks Industry:

   • The rise of discerning consumers seeking quality and unique experiences.
   • The cultural shift towards celebrating spirits and cocktails in the UK.
   • The power of hospitality experiences: “It’s not just about the drink, it’s about the moment.”

4. The Challenges & Rewards:

   • The stark differences in hospitality attitudes between the UK and Europe.
   • The ongoing challenge of showcasing hospitality as a fulfilling career path in the UK.
   • Lessons learned, including reflections on a missed opportunity at Restaurant Sat Bains.

5. Advice for Finding Great Bars:

   • Ask the bartenders – they always know where to go!
   • Championing hidden gems in regional cities and celebrating their unique offerings.

Memorable Quote
"What percentage of the price of a drink is just the liquid in the glass? It’s the whole experience that makes it special." – Jono Mayes

Connect with Jono Mayes:

• Instagram: @JonoMayes
• Campari Academy UK:

About the Host
Cassie Davison is a hospitality industry expert and the creator of Kith & Kin Hospitality. With over 30 years of experience, she brings authentic stories, strategies, and insights to those who live and breathe hospitality.

Listen & Subscribe:

• Follow Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast for more inspiring stories from real industry professionals.

Let me know if you’d like tweaks or further refinements!

Here’s the updated About the Host section:

About the Host
Cassie Davison has over 30 years of experience setting up and running award-winning hospitality venues. Now, as a dedicated coach for independent hospitality business owners, she uses her expertise to help others navigate the challenges of the industry, develop clear strategies, and unlock growth opportunities. Through Kith & Kin Hospitality, Cassie champions collaboration, connection, and the stories that make the hospitality industry so special.

Guest: Frances Gillespie – Founder of Frances Gillespie HR Consultancy

Overview:
In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, I chat with Frances Gillespie, a seasoned hospitality HR consultant with a passion for helping businesses build engaged, thriving teams. Frances shares her journey from working on the pub floor to heading HR for major pub groups, and how her love for people led her to create her own HR consultancy.

From managing complex employment law changes to empowering managers with tools for compassionate leadership, Frances highlights why HR is essential for building a positive culture, boosting retention, and driving hospitality businesses forward.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Frances’ inspiring story: from starting in a golf club bar to leading HR for renowned pub companies.
• Why HR is not just about compliance but key to creating engaged, high-performing teams.
• The importance of “nipping it in the bud” and having tough but compassionate conversations.
• How to move away from annual appraisals and build meaningful 1-to-1 check-ins that drive engagement.
• Why HR training for managers is critical to avoiding costly mistakes.
• A practical look at current employment law challenges in hospitality (like tipping regulations and sexual harassment policy changes).

🗣 Key Quote:
"HR done well is about valuing your people, setting boundaries, and helping them thrive – because when your team feels valued, your business sings."

🎧 Where to listen:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Your favorite podcast platform

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CassieDavison-KithKin

🔗 Connect with Frances:

• LinkedIn: Frances Gillespie
• Website: www.francesgillespiehrconsultancy.com

About the Host:
Cassie Davison brings over 30 years of award-winning experience in hospitality, including running AA Rosette restaurants, winning Entrepreneur of the Year, and being featured in the Which Good Food Guide and Visit England’s Best Pub. Through Kith & Kin, Cassie champions growth, community, and purpose in hospitality – helping businesses and leaders be the best they can be.