Episode Title: A Chef's Journey: Ben Knowles of Ben’s Kitchen

Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Ben Knowles, Chef and Founder of Ben’s Kitchen

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Cassie sits down with Ben Knowles, a chef with over 15 years in the industry and founder of the renowned catering service, Ben’s Kitchen. Ben opens up about his journey from growing up in his family’s pub to discovering his passion for cooking, navigating the highs and lows of running his own catering company, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01] - Welcome & Introduction
  Cassie introduces Ben Knowles and his background as a chef and business owner.

• [01:19] - Early Days in Hospitality
  Ben shares his roots, growing up in his family's pub, and how it set the foundation for his career in hospitality.

• [01:51] - Falling in Love with Cooking
  Memorable stories of foraging mussels on holiday and family meals at the pub, highlighting Ben’s early culinary passion.

• [04:40] - Lessons from Working with Family
  Ben talks about negotiating his pocket money and learning work ethic alongside his parents in their family-run pub.

• [07:37] - The Reality of a Chef’s Life
  Discussing the complexity of managing a kitchen and the dedication required to maintain quality, Ben shares why having a passion for cooking is crucial.

• [13:39] - COVID-19 and Community Support
  During the pandemic, Ben and his team stepped up, providing over 7,000 meals to NHS workers and supporting the local community with essential supplies.

• [16:19] - Overcoming Financial Challenges
  Ben reflects on financial hurdles, including a significant VAT bill, and the importance of staying on top of numbers to keep a business profitable.

• [17:41] - Balancing Business with Family Life
  Ben discusses making difficult choices, including leaving his restaurant to spend more time with his daughter while continuing his catering business.

• [21:17] - Hopes for the Future
  Looking ahead, Ben shares his ultimate dream of owning a standalone restaurant where he can showcase his culinary creativity.

Connect with Ben:
Ben’s Kitchen offers catering for events of all sizes and styles, from weddings to corporate functions. Reach out on:

• Instagram: @benskitchen
• Linkedin: ⁠benskitchen⁠
• Website: Ben's Kitchen Leicester

Thank you, Ben, for sharing your story and passion for the industry. Catch the full episode for an inspiring look into the life of a chef and entrepreneur