In this Christmas special episode of Supersonic Podcast, Mark McCulloch hosts a festive discussion with industry experts Laura Harper-Hinton from Caravan, Martin Wolstencroft from ARC Inspirations, James Nye from Anglian Country Inns, and Mark Stratton from Fleet Street. The group shares their insights on the challenges and successes in the hospitality sector for 2024, including new openings, the impact of inflation, and the government's budget. While enjoying some drinks and tapas, they delve i...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 57 min•Season 10Ep. 165
In this episode, Mark McC hosts James Brown, outgoing CEO of BrewDog Bars, co-founder of Tip Jar, and incoming CEO of Prezzo. The discussion covers James' journey with BrewDog, from joining as Operations Director to becoming CEO, including growth milestones, international expansions, PR challenges, and unique marketing campaigns. James shares insights into BrewDog's design philosophy, team building, and the development of Tip Jar. The episode ends with James reflecting on his next chapter at Pre...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Season 10Ep. 164
Show notes In this episode, Mark McC sits down with George Rice, founder of Serious Pig, at Waterloo BrewDog. They explore Serious Pig’s journey from pub snacks to a prominent brand featured in major retailers and airlines. The conversation delves into George’s experiences during COVID, including strategic shifts, product launches, and community marketing efforts. A spotlight is placed on emerging snacking trends like pickles and innovative snack pairings. George also shares insights into logist...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 10Ep. 163
In this episode, Mark McC sits down with Richard Harpham, CEO of XP Factory and former Pret strategist. They chat about Richard's career trajectory, including his strategic roles at Pret and Constellation Wines, and his current ventures, Boom Battle Bars and Escape Hunt. The discussion covers the growth and challenges of XP Factory during COVID, the importance of strategic thinking in business scale, and creating value for customers and shareholders. Beyond strategy, Richard discusses the indust...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 10Ep. 162
In this episode, Mark McC chats with Simon Mitchell, CEO of KERB and Seven Dials Market, about his path from DJing at 16 to leading a key organisation in London's food scene. They explore KERB's evolution, including its catering business, food hall ventures, and social impact projects, along with its future expansion plans. They discuss London's vibrant food market, favourite spots like Hawke's Bar and Marksman Pub, and unique experiences at Seven Dials Food Market. The episode wraps up with ins...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 10Ep. 160
In this episode, Mark McC hosts Shamil Thakrar, co-founder of Dishoom and Permit Room, to delve into the vibrant journey of Permit Room and its homage to Bombay's drinking culture. Shamil discusses the expansion into cities like Oxford, Brighton, and Cambridge, alongside Dishoom's new menu launch and a strategic focus on community-driven marketing, cultural inclusion, and charitable responses to hate speech. The episode explores innovative decor, a committed cocktail menu, and operational challe...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 10Ep. 161
In this episode, Mark McC chats with Ann Elliott, Hospitality Marketing Guru and NED. The conversation covers Ann's insights into customer experience and hospitality operations, and a dive into the evolving role of marketing. They also discuss Ann's career journey, her advocacy for young people and women in business, as well as her role as a chair and board advisor. Ann shares her thoughts on the importance of market research, the state of marketing today, and her passion for mentoring the next ...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 10Ep. 159
In this episode, Mark McC visits Brewdog in Waterloo to have an in-depth conversation with Michel Roux, legendary chef, restaurateur, author, and broadcaster. They discuss Michel's storied career, including his time at Le Gavroche, why he decided to close it, and what's next for him. The episode covers various aspects of the hospitality industry, including how to attract the next generation of talent and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They also touch on Michel's foray...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 10Ep. 158
In this episode, Mark McC welcomes Tom Sheppard, Chef Patron of the Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs. They delve into Tom's journey in fine dining, from early career milestones to his renowned restaurant's philosophy. Topics include the culinary industry's evolving landscape, Michelin inspections, TV appearances, and the influence of prominent chefs. Additionally, Tom shares insights on managing his restaurant, balancing family life, promoting British produce, and his long-term aspirations o...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 10Ep. 157
In this episode, Mark McC visits Soho Radio Podcast Studio to chat with Ollie Smith, renowned wine expert known for his roles on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. They cover an array of topics including the intricacies of orange and canned wine, the rise of non-alcoholic options, and the best ways hospitality operators can connect with customers. Ollie shares personal stories from his work on beloved shows like Pingu, his deep connection to Scotland, and nostalgic drinks like Lilt. Listeners will also hea...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 10Ep. 156
Welcome to the Supersonic Podcast Series 10! Today, Mark introduces the headline sponsor, NFS hospitality, and outlines the stellar guest lineup for a supercharged series, including Olly Smith, Tom Shepherd, Michel Roux, Richard Harpham, and more! Tune in weekly from October 2nd for expert tips, industry news, and inspiring stories. This podcast is sponsored by NFS Hospitality. About NFS Hospitality: With over 20 years of experience solving problems for restaurateurs, NFS Hospitality truly under...
Sep 24, 2024•8 min
In this episode of the Supersonic Marketing Podcast, Mark McC talks with Martin Williams, CEO of Rare Restaurants, which includes Gaucho and M Restaurants. They talk about Martin's journey in hospitality, leadership insights, and the transformation of Gaucho. The discussion covers important topics such as strong team engagement, innovative marketing strategies, and challenges in the hospitality sector. Additionally, Martin shares his favourite travel destinations, standout dining experiences, an...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 9Ep. 155
In this episode, Mark McC interviews two-Michelin-starred chef Akhtar Islam from Opheem. They discuss Akhtar's career, dedication to continuous improvement, and the evolving landscape of Indian cuisine and social media in the culinary world. Insights are shared on the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, the importance of authenticity, and Akhtar's future plans for his restaurant. Their conversation covers personal and professional growth, meaningful connections, and the communal nature...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 9Ep. 154
In this episode, Mark McC welcomes Shereen Ritchie, CEO of Buns From Home. Reflecting on her dynamic career across notable venues like Leon, TGI Fridays, and the London Underground, Shereen shares her journey on mentorship, gender equality, and innovation within the hospitality industry. Highlights include her memorable viral moment at the Women's Propel Conference and future aspirations for Buns From Home. Join Mark and Shereen as they explore the challenges and joys of the food and hospitality...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 9Ep. 153
In this episode, Mark McC sits down at Brewdog Waterloo with Robin Rowland OBE, partner at TriSpan. They discuss Robin's significant impact on Yo Sushi as CEO, where he grew the brand through innovative strategies, Robin's investment insights at TriSpan, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and successful investments in hospitality. Robin also reflects on his 40-year journey in the industry, the challenges in UK hospitality, and the economic factors affecting it, highlighting ...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 9Ep. 152
In this episode, Mark McC invites Matt Ovington, Director of Research at Salience Plus, to talk about the power of research in hospitality marketing. They explore cost-effective techniques, understanding customer behaviour, and leveraging System 1 and System 2 thinking to boost business performance. The discussion also covers qualitative and quantitative research, category entry points, and deriving actionable insights. Additionally, Matt shares his thoughts on brand taglines, his favourite hosp...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 9Ep. 151
In this episode, Mark McSee chats with Patrick McGuigan, a renowned cheese journalist, teacher, and judge. They delve into Patrick's journey from food writer to cheese expert, his role in judging world-class cheeses, and the nuances of different cheese types globally. Patrick also shares insights on cheese's growing popularity in restaurants and the misconceptions surrounding it. The episode concludes with a tasting session of 'Little Hereford' cheese, highlighting its unique flavors and Patrick...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 9Ep. 150
In this special episode, Mark McC sits down with Nick Popovici, CEO and co-founder of Vita Mojo to explore the journey and innovations behind Vita Mojo's restaurant management platform. They talk about Nick's transition from finance to restaurant management, the creation of Vita Mojo inspired by personal dietary changes, and their evolution from a single QSR chain to a major tech provider. The conversation also covers Vita Mojo's core values and mission to transform hospitality businesses throug...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Season 9Ep. 149
In this episode, Mark McC sits down with Daryl Connell and Lizzie Ryan from Imbiba to explore their private equity firm's unique approach to investing in the hospitality sector. They talk about support strategies for brands, key trends in health and wellness, casual dining, and technology. The discussion also highlights recent investments, such as One Rebel and Farmer J, and examines the opportunities for integrating AI in restaurants, the success of UK brands internationally, and the importance...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 9Ep. 148
In this episode, Mark McC catches up with Kris Hall, founder of The Burnt Chef Project, to discuss mental health within the hospitality industry. They explore Kris's personal journey, the start of the project through a photography campaign, and its growth into a global initiative offering support and training. The conversation looks at mental health awareness and support in the high pressure environment of hospitality, as well as Kris's experience and passion for creating sustainable change. The...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 9Ep. 147
In this episode, Mark McC visits Soho to meet with David McDowell, former COO and President of Brewdog and current CEO of Stonegate, the UK's largest pub group. The conversation covers David's journey since joining Stonegate, the challenges he's faced, and the strategic changes he's implemented. They also discuss the importance of pub culture, shifting consumer behaviours, and maintaining value through thoughtful pricing strategies. The episode highlights how David's leadership aims to fuse trad...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 9Ep. 146
In this episode, we sit down with rock legend Roger Daltrey and his son Jamie Daltrey, the founders of Lakedown Brewing Co. Roger and Jamie discuss their journey of building the brewery on their estate, which also includes trout farming and carp farming. We talk about the highs, the lows, and the importance they place on sustainability and community involvement. They detail their involvement with the Teenage Cancer Trust, and the challenges faced by smaller charities like theirs in raising funds...
Jun 18, 2024•56 min•Season 9Ep. 145
Explore the fascinating world of culinary arts and entrepreneurship with one of the UK’s finest chefs, Ashley Palmer Watts. Ashley shares his extensive experience in the restaurant scene, notably his time with Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck. He offers an insider's view into the intricate process of creating innovative dishes and the importance of meticulous ingredient sourcing. We hear about Ashley’s foray into the coffee industry through the establishment of the Artisan Coffee Co., emphasisi...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 8Ep. 144
David Campbell is a luminary in the hospitality industry with experience leading iconic brands like Pizza Express and The Ivy to his current ventures in the bakery scene with Ole & Steen. David shares insightful stories from navigating corporate challenges, mastering branding, and spearheading innovative marketing strategies. Together with Mark McC David discusses the transformative impact of AI and technology on the hospitality sector, his unique approach to business leadership, and his pre...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 8Ep. 143
What makes a pub stand out from the rest and what is the secret behind a good pint of Guinness? Devonshire co-founder and Guinness aficionado Oisín Rogers answers these questions and more in this week’s episode. Mark McC delves into Oisín’s extensive career in hospitality, exploring his unique path from bypassing university to dominating the pub scene with innovative concepts and a steadfast commitment to quality. Oisín shares his 10-year journey of conceptualising the Devonshire, emphasising th...
May 15, 2024•41 min•Season 8Ep. 142
In this episode, Mark McC delves into a candid conversation with Liam O'Keefe, brand director at Bleecker Burger, offering an in-depth exploration of their shared experiences in the realm of branding and hospitality. They discuss the landmark achievements of Bleecker Burger, emphasising the significance of becoming a London Living Wage company and obtaining the Best Companies one-star award. They highlight the importance of customer experience, operational challenges, and the delicate balance of...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 8Ep. 141
CEO of Crerar Hotels, the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year 2023/24, Chris Wayne-Wills joins Mark McC on this week’s episode to discuss his career, his experience in the hospitality industry and the unique culture and approach of Crerar Hotels. Chris emphasises the importance of personalised guest experiences and attention to detail and highlights the company's focus on quality, local experiences, and the development of their properties to offer the best possible service to guests. Chris also tou...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 8Ep. 140
Gemma Barter, the Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Honest Burgers discusses the importance of approaching digital marketing from a customer's perspective and emphasises the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced digital landscape. She highlights the success of a campaign at Honest Burgers that focused on introducing a new menu item through an omni-channel approach, showcasing the power of cohesive marketing strategies. She shares valuable insights into the world of digi...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 8Ep. 139
It’s bubble tea but for grown ups. In this episode, Mark McC has a chat with Paul Tanner, the Managing Director of CUPP, a bubble tea brand. Paul shares his journey from being a barista to becoming an MD. He discusses some learnings from his career, emphasising the importance of training and development for the team. Paul and Mark chat about the unique offerings of CUPP, such as their brown sugar range as well as their sustainable practices to reduce plastic usage. They talk about the various ho...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 8Ep. 138
From operation to marketing, employee to freelancer Alan Armstrong has a variety of experience in the hospitality sector, giving him a very holistic perspective on things. He discusses his experience working with celebrities and managing venues at a young age and what he learned from this experience. Alan talks about his freelance journey, offering advice on building a strong network and developing a diverse skill set to succeed in the marketing field. He also delves into the importance of custo...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Season 8Ep. 137
