Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast: Stories from the Hospitality Industry, Cassie sits down with J Mark Dodds, a seasoned publican, advocate, and founder of the Fair Pint Campaign. Mark shares his fascinating journey in hospitality, from running the award-winning The Sun and Doves in Camberwell to leading a movement for fairer practices in the tied pub sector.

Mark discusses the challenges of operating under a tied lease, the systemic issues in the pub industry, and his vision for a fairer future through the People’s Pub Partnership—a socially conscious initiative aiming to revitalise pubs as community hubs.

Key Topics Covered:

• Mark’s journey into hospitality, starting in rural Northumberland.
• His experience managing The Sun and Doves, including the financial challenges of a tied lease.
• The Fair Pint Campaign and its role in lobbying for the 2016 Pub Code.
• The ongoing struggles tied tenants face despite legislative changes.
• The vision and goals of the People’s Pub Partnership.
• How pubs can be restored as vital community assets with investment, sustainability, and local focus.

Highlights:

• [00:31] Mark introduces himself and his background in hospitality.
• [03:46] The story of The Sun and Doves: successes and challenges.
• [08:18] The founding of the Fair Pint Campaign and its impact.
• [20:16] The limitations of the Pub Code and what still needs to change.
• [33:33] Mark’s vision for the People’s Pub Partnership: a pub company for the future.

Connect with J Mark Dodds:

• LinkedIn: J Mark Dodds
• Website: www.peoplespubpartnership.co.uk

Join the Conversation:
Mark invites you to join the movement to transform the pub sector. Whether you’re a publican, investor, or community supporter, there’s a place for you in the People’s Pub Partnership.

Subscribe & Share:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast and share it with your network! Let’s keep the conversation about the future of hospitality going.

In this episode of Kith & Kin: Stories from the Hospitality Industry, Cassie is joined by Sam Harrison, an inspiring restaurateur with six thriving hospitality venues in West London. Sam shares his remarkable journey from working as a waiter for Rick Stein in Cornwall to managing prestigious restaurants, and eventually opening his own.

Together, Cassie and Sam reflect on:

• The early days of Sam’s career, including his time with Rick Stein and his foray into the corporate world.
• The challenges and lessons learned from launching and managing restaurants like Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick.
• The changing landscape of the restaurant scene over the past 20 years—from the days of newspaper reviews to the rise of social media.
• Adapting to modern demands, including the creative use of spaces and evolving with customer needs.
• Sam’s candid experience with burnout, stepping back, and rebuilding with a focus on balance and passion.

Sam’s insights, energy, and creativity shine as he shares the highs and lows of a life in hospitality. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the industry or anyone passionate about food, restaurants, and creating community spaces.

Resources & Links:

• Explore Sam’s venues: SamsRiverside.co.uk
• Follow Sam on Instagram: @SamsRiverside
• Get in touch: reservations@samsriverside.co.uk

Highlights:

• [02:30] Sam’s early career: From a catering assistant to his time at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant.
• [07:00] Launching Sam’s Brasserie and Harrison’s—what it takes to start a successful restaurant.
• [13:00] The evolving hospitality industry and the pressures of running multiple venues.
• [22:00] Learning from burnout: How Sam approached building his new ventures.

Host: Cassie Davison Guest: Rob, Former Publican & Founder of Lift BrandWorks Episode Summary: Join Cassie and Rob as they discuss the highs and lows of the pub industry, Rob's journey from managing pubs to launching his design business, and the impact of COVID-19 on publicans. Rob shares his personal experiences of resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing industry, highlighting the emotional and financial struggles pubs faced during lockdown and the unexpected new challenges that arose in its aftermath.

• Introduction to Rob's Story: Rob, a fourth-generation publican, shares memories from his family pub, experiences in hospitality, and what led him to pursue his own pub in Brighton, known for its award-winning roasts and vibrant atmosphere.

• The Impact of COVID-19: Rob recalls the sudden, surreal shock of closing his pub due to the pandemic. Facing a cellar full of beer, stocked fridges, and the uncertainty of how to move forward, he reflects on the difficult decisions and adaptations that followed.

• Challenges Beyond Lockdown: After reopening, Rob faced new obstacles, from supply chain disruptions to surging energy costs. He shares how these challenges pushed him to reevaluate his career in hospitality and consider new paths.

• Transition to a Design Business: During lockdown, Rob trained as a business coach and revisited his background in design, eventually founding Lyft Brand Works. His firm now supports pubs and hospitality businesses with affordable, industry-savvy design solutions.

• Finding Purpose & Balance: With a young family, Rob discusses the decision to leave full-time pub management, focusing instead on balancing family life with his passion for the industry.

• Future Aspirations in Hospitality: While Rob’s focus has shifted, he expresses his deep love for pubs and hopes to one day return to the industry. He shares thoughts on the importance of creating a sustainable hospitality career and supporting mental health and employee welfare.

• "Lockdown was the worst and best time of my life, all rolled into one."
• "The skills you learn in hospitality are second to none—you’re a chef, accountant, artist, and more."
• "If we want longevity in this industry, we need to support people’s mental health and make hospitality a career worth choosing."

Where to Find Rob:

• LinkedIn: ⁠Rob’s LinkedIn⁠
• Website: ⁠Lift BrandWorks