The Burnt Chef Journal

Championing Change: The Burnt Chef Project's Impact on Hospitality with Libby Paynton and James Burton

Joining our hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen on this episode of Hospitality Highlights we have:

⭐ Libby Paynton - Marketing & Sustainability Manager of United Fresh

⭐ James Burton - Senior Sous of Pig and Butcher in Islington.

We will be diving into an insightful discussion on The Burnt Chef Project's mission, services, and impact on the hospitality industry.

🗣️ Our guests will share personal experiences, highlighting how being part of The Burnt Chef Project has benefited both James and Libby in their personal lives and careers.

🗣️ We’ll explore the services offered by The Burnt Chef Project that James has utilized, why he needed them, and his prior knowledge of the project.

🗣️ As an ambassador, Libby will share how she discovered The Burnt Chef Project, what motivated her to become an ambassador, and what the role entails.

🗣️ Kris Hall will discuss the creation of the ambassador scheme, its growth, and its current size compared to the initial vision five years ago.

Transforming Lives Through Culinary Excellence: Adam Simmonds and the launch of Home Kitchen

This week we're delving into the remarkable journey of Adam Simmonds, a renowned chef who has weathered the storms of addiction, burnout, and personal challenges. Through raw and open conversation, Adam shares his experiences of hitting rock bottom, finding clarity in international adventures, and ultimately, reclaiming his passion and purpose in the hospitality industry.

Adam also shares the news of his latest venture, the opening of Home Kitchen - a fine dining restaurant in London's Primrose Hill that will be staffed by previously homeless individuals. He shares the inspiring vision behind this initiative, which aims to provide life-changing opportunities through culinary training, employment, and support.

We hope you'll be inspired by Adam's passion for creating a more inclusive and supportive hospitality industry, and the transformative impact Home Kitchen hopes to have on the lives of those it employs.

Listen in as we explore this innovative project and the potential it holds to redefine the dining experience while uplifting the local community.

Daniel Lee & Samira Effa | Performing Under Pressure

✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨

 

Our hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen are joined by:

 

⭐ Daniel Lee - Daniel’s heritage of English, Irish, and Cantonese combined with his passion and love for travel has enabled him to gain experience and techniques from all different cultures and cuisine to create a unique approach to his dishes - taking inspiration not just from the foods he has discovered on his travels, but the history and reasons behind why the dishes were created.

 

Daniel believes food is a universal language which everyone can relate to. Along with fine dining and tasting menus he wants to create an accessible food culture for all.

 

 

⭐ Samira Effa - Huddersfield-born Samira started her career at a local restaurant whilst still at school, where she developed her love of rich flavours thanks to her Iranian mother and Nigerian father. Since then, she has gained a wealth of experience all over the country in various MICHELIN star restaurants including 21212 in Edinburgh, Alimentum in Cambridge and Bohemia in Jersey. Samira has also worked as a Senior Production Chef for TRUEfoods, which helps to develop premium products for the restaurant industry.

 

Recognised for her culinary talents, Samira was asked to compete in the 2019, 2020 and 2024 series of Great British Menu, where she showcased great Yorkshire produce, her love of diverse cooking techniques and favourite flavours which come from her mixed parentage.

 

 

 

Listen in as we are discuss performing under pressure both

competitively but also within a working environment. 💭

Redefining Hospitality: A Conversation with Chef Ayesha Kalaji on Mental Health and Sustainable Change

In this episode, our host and The Burnt Chef Project founder, Kris Hall, sits down with Chef Ayesha Kalaji, a classically French-trained chef specialising in modern Middle Eastern cuisine.

Ayesha shares her personal journey from academia to the culinary world, and her passionate advocacy for mental health awareness and positive change within the hospitality industry.

The discussion covers topics such as the prevalence of toxic behavior in kitchens, the importance of work-life balance, and Ayesha's own experience with Borderline Personality Disorder. Ayesha emphasizes the need for hospitality leaders to prioritise the well-being of their teams and foster a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable industry.

 

Find out more about Ayesha here.

Louisa Ellis & Daniel Bennett | What is imposter syndrome and how to overcome it?

Having started her journey working at the one Michelin star ‘Adams’ Restaurant in Birmingham. Louisa then made the career-defining decision to apply for MasterChef - The Professionals in 2017, making it to the finals! Three years later in 2020, she was invited back to compete once again in MasterChef – The Rematch! This time taking home the trophy, with Michelin star chef Marcus Wareing hailing her main course as ‘the dish of the day’.

The achievements and accolades kept on coming and in 2022 she also took home the highly coveted title of ‘Chef of the Year’ for the Midlands!

In January this year, Louisa made an appearance on Great British Menu where she made it through to the judge's chamber. This is an achievement Louisa has always dreamt about doing as a chef as she has looked up to the chefs on the competition show for most of her career.

Riding high on these successes, Louisa leapt into the extraordinary world of private fine dining.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, Louisa is a huge supporter of charity fundraising. She has just competed in her first-ever charity boxing match in March and has raised just under £4000 for Macmillan Cancer support in honour of the loss of her close friend Ally. Louisa’s goal is to keep inspiring the next generation and she plans to do that by creating a springboard for younger chefs.

 

Our second guest, Daniel Bennett is the General Manager at Heft Inn + Restaurant, and won Young Chef Young Waiter of the Year - 3rd Place Waiter UK 2022.

Daniel previously held roles at; KOL, St.JOHN, Carters of Moseley, Simpson’s and The Forest Side.

Hospitality and Natural Wine Enthusiast, and recognised in the third edition of the Harpers Wine & Spirit Magazine 30 Under 30 list which was announced last month and an Acorn Award Winner 2024.

 

Recorded live on 14th June 2024.

From the Kitchen to Advocacy: Alan Tompkins' Journey with The Burnt Chef Project

In this episode, Alan Tompkins, The Burnt Chef Project's first ambassador down under, and now currently Chief Ambassador for Melbourne Australia, sits down with founder Kris Hall to discuss his path from a challenging kitchen career to becoming a key advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry.

Alan opens up about his own struggles with mental health and PTSD, the reasons behind his career shift, and how The Burnt Chef Project has enabled him to remain connected to the community he loves.

This episode offers a personal look into the experiences that fuel Alan's passion for supporting others in the industry.

 

Thank you Alan for your taking the time to record this episode, and we look forward to hosting you on your visit to the UK in 2025!

Scot Turner | How can hospitality take advantage of career changes and encourage more people to join the industry?

Joining our hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen we have:

⭐ Scot Turner, Founder of Auden Hospitality

In March 2022, Scot created Auden Hospitality with a mission to help hoteliers think differently about their F&B operations to create outlets their guests will love.

All while doing this with a people-centric approach, Scot worked with The Burnt Chef Project as an Ambassador to improve the conditions of the amazing people that work in the industry.

Fast forward to 2024, Auden Hospitality is an award-winning agency building a reputation within the industry.

They will bring real-life knowledge and experience to your operation.

 

⭐ Sophie Taverner, Head Chef of Lost in the Lanes

Head chef Sophie joined Lost in the Lanes in 2022, and recently launched evenings, elevating Lost from a much loved cafe to an exciting addition to Brighton’s thriving restaurant scene. Despite a lifelong pursuit of good food and cooking, Sophie worked as a human rights lawyer for several years before returning to her first love.

In 2016 she tested the waters with a successful supper club and never looked back.

Sophie's previous experience includes Ibiza Food Studio under former Noma chef Boris Bueno, La Finca and Taller sa Pena. On returning to the UK, Sophie worked at Lyles, The Garden Museum Cafe and branched out in bespoke dining and events, before taking the head chef position at Lost in the Lanes.

 

Recorded live on 7th June 2024.

Christian Sharp & Camille Vidal | Pouring Truth: Hospitality Workers on Alcohol Harm

In this episode of "Hospitality Highlights" recorded live on LinkedIn for Alcohol Awareness Week, we delve into the often-overlooked realities of alcohol harm experienced by hospitality workers.

From bartenders to servers, these frontline employees share their personal stories and insights on how alcohol impacts their lives and work environments.

Join us as we explore the challenges they face, the coping mechanisms they develop, and the support systems that are crucial for their well-being.

A huge thank you to Chef Christian Sharp and founder of La Maison Wellness, Camille Vidal, for sharing their personal journey with alcohol and the profound impact it has had on their life and career.

Simon Numphud & Rebecca Marshman | How do we build the future managers of hospitality?

Tune in to another episode of ✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨, as our hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen are joined by:

⭐ Simon Numphud FIH, Managing Director of AA Media

⭐ Rebecca Marshman, Group Head Pastry Chef of BaxterStorey

Hospitality Leadership and Innovation: A Conversation with Kate Nicholls OBE

Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with Kate Nicholls OBE, the CEO of UKHospitality. Kate shares her insights on leading the hospitality industry through challenging times, the innovative strategies that have shaped her leadership, and her vision for the future of UKHospitality. From navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the evolving needs of customers and businesses, Kate's expertise provides valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the hospitality sector.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the industry's most influential leaders.