This Christmas special explores what it really takes to get through the festive season while working in hospitality. The Talking Hospitality hosts come together for an open, honest conversation about pressure, resilience, wellbeing and community at one of the most demanding times of the year.

The episode blends humour and reflection with serious discussion around mental health, sobriety, burnout and support. It features contributions from the Hospitality Choir in support of Hospitality Action, alongside practical guidance and resources shared by Kelly’s Cause for anyone struggling during the festive period.

Rather than pretending Christmas is easy, this episode acknowledges the reality of long hours, emotional labour and exhaustion — while offering reassurance, perspective and practical support. It’s a reminder that you’re not weak for finding this time hard, and you’re not alone in getting through it.

Show Notes:

1. The realities of working through Christmas in hospitality
2. Why festive pressure hits hospitality teams differently
3. Mental health, anxiety and recognising when support is needed
4. Sobriety, self-care and celebrating in different ways
5. The Hospitality Choir’s Christmas single supporting Hospitality Action
6. Support available through Kelly’s Cause during the festive period
7. Practical mental health resources available 24/7 over Christmas
8. Leadership, responsibility and looking ahead to the new year

Featured contributors & organisations:

1. The Talking Hospitality hosts
2. Hospitality Choir – Always Open at Christmas
3. Hospitality Action
4. Kelly’s Cause
5. Samaritans, Shout & NHS mental health services

Big Thank You to our sponsors:

Hospitality Jobs UK

Graphic Kitchen

Piss'd Game

Links referenced in this episode:

1. https://thehospitalitychoir.org/
2. kellyscause.com
3. Tech on Toast Podcast
4. We Recover Loudly

What does leadership look like when you’re raising children on your own, running a business, and carrying responsibilities that don’t switch off at 5pm?

In this episode, Dawn Lawrence, Founder and CEO of Hospitality Jobs UK, shares a deeply honest account of building a career while navigating single parenthood, financial pressure, judgment, and self-doubt.

Dawn reflects on leaving school at 16, finding confidence through hospitality, rising into senior corporate roles, and ultimately setting up her own recruitment business as a single mum. She speaks openly about the moments of struggle, the fear of being judged, and the turning point that came from asking for help. Throughout the conversation, one message runs consistently through it all: success isn’t about perfection — it’s about resilience, priorities, and the quality of time we give to the people who matter most.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t always loud or polished. Sometimes it’s about keeping going, making hard choices, and doing the best you can with what you have.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dawn Lawrence’s journey from leaving school at 16 to founding Hospitality Jobs UK
• The realities of single parenthood while leading teams and businesses
• Why asking for help is not weakness, but leadership
• The pressure single parents feel at work — and why so many hide it
• Quality vs quantity when it comes to time with children
• Flexible working, trust, and transparency in modern workplaces
• How adversity shaped Dawn’s leadership style

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership and parenting are not separate skills
2. The ability to prioritise, adapt, and stay resilient shows up in both roles — often at the same time.
3. Quality time matters more than hours logged
4. Children remember presence, not perfection. Small, meaningful moments leave lasting impact.
5. Asking for help changes everything
6. Dawn’s biggest turning point came when she stopped carrying everything alone.
7. Many single parents hide their reality at work
8. Fear of judgment still shapes behaviour, especially for women in leadership roles.
9. Flexible working unlocks talent, not excuses
10. When people are trusted, they perform better — and stay longer.
11. Resilience is built through lived experience
12. Some of the strongest leaders are shaped quietly, through necessity rather than choice.

Guest:

Dawn Lawrence — Founder & CEO, Hospitality Jobs UK

Hosts:

Timothy R Andrews & Joe McDonnell

Branding in hospitality isn’t a logo exercise — it’s the feeling people carry with them when they walk out the door. In this episode, Sachin Parmar and Sanj Naha from Graphic Kitchen join us to unpack what great branding really looks like in restaurants, hotels and bars. We explore everything from menu design and technology to TripAdvisor strategy, toilets (yes, really), and why consistency is the quiet power behind long-term success.

You’ll hear how consumer expectations have shifted, why the “experience” starts long before a guest arrives, and how reviews influence footfall more than most operators realise. Sachin and Sanj share hard-won advice on building a brand with purpose, leveraging tech to get bums on seats, and using online reputation to drive revenue, team morale, and guest loyalty.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep guests coming back, or how to cut through the noise in a crowded market, this episode will give you the clarity — and the challenge — to rethink your brand from the foundations up.

Takeaways:

• Branding isn’t just about flashy logos; it’s about creating a feeling that resonates with customers.
• To keep guests coming back, restaurants must focus on delivering a consistent experience that meets high expectations.
• Tripadvisor still plays a crucial role in restaurant visibility, influencing where customers choose to eat.
• Understanding your restaurant's brand means ensuring every aspect, from decor to service, aligns with your core values.
• The key to effective branding is creating memorable moments that resonate with guests and reflect your restaurant's personality.
• Investing in branding is essential; don’t skimp on the elements that will ensure long-term success and customer loyalty.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Graphic Kitchen
• Gousto
• HelloFresh
• TripAdvisor
• Drake and Morgan
• Taj Mahal

Mentioned in this episode:

HJUK

Hospitality Jobs UK has built one of the most trusted spaces for hospitality talent to find their next step, and for employers to reach people who genuinely understand the craft. Their support helps us keep important conversations moving forward across the industry. We’re proud to have them with us.