The Burnt Chef Journal

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.

Laurie A. Watkins & Pawel Kukulka | How we can empower those who work in hospitality to be the ones to drive change?

Our Hospitality Highlights hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen are joined by:

⭐ Laurie A. Watkins, CEO & Founder, The Cook’s Collective

⭐ Pawel Kukulka, Director at People Person Recruitment

 

Tune in as we discuss how we can empower those who work in hospitality to be the ones to drive change and why it's important to celebrate the progressive and trailblazing workplaces, whose team's wellbeing is at the forefront of what they do. 💭

Adam Degg & James Knight-Paccheco | Is there an appetite for new hospitality openings in the UK?

Are consumers wanting new experiences for their money?

Our host, Cara Houchen, is joined by guest speakers:

⭐ Adam Degg, Head Chef & Host of Fifty Two at Rudding Park

⭐ James Knight-Paccheco, Co-Founder of Group JKP

 

Join in the discussion around the rate of closures within the UK, and whether there is an appetite for new openings. 💭

Coping with Trauma: Lauren and Jo's Journey

In this deeply moving episode, Lauren and Jo open up about their personal experiences with trauma and how it led them to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Lauren shares her story of facing overwhelming events that left her feeling isolated, driving her to seek solace in alcohol. Jo recounts her own battle with unresolved trauma and the role alcohol played in her life as a way to manage her intense emotions and stress.

Through their heartfelt conversations, Lauren and Jo shed light on the often-hidden struggle of using alcohol to self-medicate in response to trauma. They discuss the challenges they encountered, the turning points in their journeys, and the steps they took towards healing and finding healthier coping strategies. Their experiences aim to burn the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, offering hope and understanding to listeners who may be facing similar battles.

Join us for an inspiring and honest discussion that emphasizes the importance of seeking professional support and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

 

Lauren is the Commercial Director for Loopcycle, and Chairwoman for CIBSE TM65 for Commercial Catering Equipment.

Jo is a presenter and MHFAid Instructor for the mental health charity State of Mind Sport.

 

This episode is full of raw emotion - if you'd like to spark a conversation about how you're feeling: 

📱 Text BURNTCHEF to 85258 (UK) 24/7
📞 Call 0800 085 1376 (UK) 24/7
📞 Call +44 (0)20 7938 0963 (Global) 24/7
📧 Email burntchef@cicwellbeing.com (Global)

 

Kelly Higginson & Paulo De Tarso | What support does the hospitality industry get in western speaking countries from their government?

✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨

On 10th May, Kris Hall and Cara Houchen were joined by guest speakers for another live episode of Hospitality Highlights!

Our guest speakers were:

⭐ Kelly Higginson, CEO of Restaurants Canada

⭐ Paulo De Tarso, Restaurateur and TedTalk Speaker

 

Listen in as we discuss the support the hospitality industry gets in western speaking countries from their government, and what can each country can learn from each other. 💭

Marguerite Keogh & Andy Tait | Hospitality apprenticeships, levy funding, and the challenges businesses face accessing these.

✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨

On 3rd May, Kris Hall and Cara Houchen were joined by guest speakers for another live episode of Hospitality Highlights!

 

Our guest speakers were:

⭐ Andy Tait (CMgr FCMI, MBA), Director of Quality of Performance Learning Group

⭐ Marguerite Keogh, Head Chef at Five Fields

 

Listen in as we talk apprenticeships, levy funding, and the challenges businesses face accessing apprenticeships. 💭