’Tis the season for festive chaos, bad decisions, and crumbs everywhere.Foka Wolf and Tat Vision are back—those self-appointed ministers of mayhem—returning with their annual Christmas charity cabaret built around Britain’s greatest invention: the humble crisp. Yes, really.To mark the occasion, we sat down with them to create a crisp-fuelled, slightly unhinged take on our *favourite things in Birmingham* series. What followed was exactly what you’d expect: sharp wit, daft ideas, cultural love letters, and a sense that things could derail at any second (they do).This year’s glorious carnage is all in aid of the brilliant **St Basil’s**, supporting young people at risk of homelessness. So there’s heart beneath the madness—and plenty of laughter on top of it.If you like your Christmas spirit loud, your comedy a little feral, and your crisps taken far too seriously, this one’s for you. Watch it all. Trust us.Crisp Mass takes place on Thursday, 11th December, 7pm Norton's Digbeth. Buy Tickets Here- https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Birmingham/Nortons-Digbeth/Crisp-MASS/41415769/
Hospitality is unlike any other industry.
It gives people purpose, creativity, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging you rarely find anywhere else. Lifelong friendships are formed in kitchens and behind bars. For many, it’s a home.
But it can also take more than it gives.
In this powerful episode of Breaking Bread Birmingham, we sit down with Matt Loughrey, a former career hotelier, now Partnerships Manager at The Burnt Chef Project, to have an open, necessary conversation about mental health in hospitality, and how we can protect the people who make this industry so special.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles in hospitality.
Matt shares why hospitality attracts such passionate, creative, and diverse people and why that same intensity can sometimes lead to burnout, silence, and crisis. Long hours, pressure-packed services, and a culture of “pushing through” have become normalised, even though they shouldn’t be.
What makes this episode powerful is its hope.
You’ll hear:
Why hospitality is still one of the most rewarding industries to work in
The hidden mental health challenges many workers quietly carry
How The Burnt Chef Project is changing kitchen culture for the better
What The Burnt Chef Project actually does to support chefs, front-of-house teams, and hospitality leaders
How workplaces can change without losing the magic that makes hospitality what it is
What leaders, colleagues, and individuals can do to look after each other
The Burnt Chef Project exists because hospitality matters. Because the people in it matter. And because this industry can be better without losing its soul.
This episode isn’t about walking away from hospitality; it’s about making it sustainable, kinder, and safer for everyone who pours themselves into it.
If you work in hospitality, love the industry, or simply want to understand the people behind the plate, this is an episode you need to hear.
Because great hospitality starts with healthy people.
And nobody should suffer in silence.
🎧 Listen now. Talk more. Support each other.
Follow Matt
https://www.instagram.com/thechubbybrummie/
Follow The Burnt Chef Project
https://www.theburntchefproject.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theburntchefproject/
Support Us/Buy Merch- https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk/shop/
Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
Opening Drone Footage From Rob At Alto Drones- https://www.instagram.com/alto.drones/
Music From Tom Ford- https://www.instagram.com/thetennischampion/
Birmingham finally has its first whisky, and it wasn’t built by a corporation, but by two proud Brummie siblings hustling out of a back garden with nothing but grit, graft and a refusal to play by the rules. In this episode, we sit down with Joanie and Tony — the duo behind the city’s first legal whisky. From growing up in a big Irish-Brummie family to grinding through street food markets, surviving the pandemic, and fighting eleven licence applications, their journey is a masterclass in independent spirit.
Small batch isn’t a marketing term here; it’s the way they breathe. Heritage grains. English barley. Local oak from Staffordshire and Tamworth. Tony, a chef of decades, treats the still like a stove: “You put good in, you get good out.” Every cut, every ferment, every decision is theirs. No shortcuts. No consultants. No pretending. This is whisky made by actual Brummies—not a brand cooked up in a boardroom miles away. We talk heritage grains, local oak, proper hospitality, and why Birmingham’s identity deserves better than chain pubs and copy-paste drink menus. This is a story about family, rebellion, and building something real for the city they love.
Birmingham makes its own whisky now — and these two made it happen. Tune in
Follow Spirit Of Birmingham
https://spiritofbirmingham.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/spiritofbirmingham/
Support Us/Buy Merch- https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk/shop/
Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
In this episode of Breaking Bread Birmingham, we sit down with Pip, creator of Pip’s Hot Sauce and the powerhouse behind some of Birmingham’s most loved artisan markets. What starts as a deep dive into a cult-favourite condiment brand quickly widens into a story about community, resilience, and building platforms that lift others up.
Pip’s journey began with a scribbled, hungover recipe at The Plough. This fiery sauce quickly became a local obsession and eventually evolved into a full product range loved across the city. But the sauces were just the beginning. Drawing on her own experience as a maker, Pip went on to create trader-first markets across King’s Heath, Jewellery Quarter, Bearwood, and beyond—spaces where independent, talented creators could grow, collaborate, and actually thrive, not just turn up and pay a pitch fee.
With trademark honesty and humour, Pip talks business without the Instagram gloss: the burnout, the endless logistics, the emotional labour of social media (“I fucking hate it”), and the art of learning to delegate. Alongside the chaos sits purpose, whether that’s supporting newcomers, keeping markets inclusive, or launching projects like Spudulika, a community-driven jacket potato truck offering work experience and a route into hospitality.
Packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes reality checks, and a big dose of Birmingham pride, this episode celebrates what happens when passion meets graft—and how one person’s recipe can spark an entire movement.
If you care about food, independents, or building community from the ground up, this one’s unmissable.
Find out more about the brilliant Artisan Market- https://www.birminghamartisanmarkets.com/
Pip- https://pipshotsauce.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/pipshotsauce/
Support Us/Buy Merch- https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk/shop/
Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://twitter.com/PodcastBread
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
Glynn Purnell — the “Yummy Brummie” himself- sits down for one of his most honest interviews to date.
In this episode of Breaking Bread Birmingham, Glynn opens up about the rise of Birmingham’s food scene, how his childhood shaped his cooking, and the huge emotional toll of closing his Michelin-star restaurant after nearly 20 years. He also talks openly about media pressure, his struggles behind the scenes, and why he’s more determined than ever to stay rooted in the city that made him.
We also dive into:
If you love food, Birmingham, or stories of ambition and adversity, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
👇 Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 Intro
08:30 Birmingham's Best restaurants
15:14 "Chef's Nicknames"
17:40 "Football, Politics, and Blues Drama"
23:21 Saturday Traditions
27:19 "First Wok Cooking Mishap"
35:45 "Gary Rhodes: Reviving British Cuisine"
39:59 "Immersing and Adapting in Birmingham"
46:28 "Flexible Dining Experience Explained"
51:44 Resilience Despite Press Challenges
52:58 "Resolving Issues Through Accommodation"
01:03:02 "Asda Pan Cooking Story"
01:07:52 "BBC Sport Leak Discussion"
01:13:04 "Chaos in Fine Dining"
01:19:17 "Great British Menu Triumph"
01:23:40 Pork Belly and Polenta Feast
01:28:06 "Chasing Stars at 21"
Follow Glynn- https://www.instagram.com/chefglynnpurnell/
Check Out Trillium- https://www.instagram.com/trilliumrestaurant/
https://www.trilliumrestaurant.co.uk/
Support Us/Buy Merch- https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk/shop/
Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://twitter.com/PodcastBread
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
🍴 Welcome to Colmore Food Festival 2025! 🎉
We hit the heart of Birmingham’s biggest (and best!) FREE food festival to soak up the vibes, eat some incredible food, and chat with the people who make it all happen. From Michelin-starred chefs to first-time traders, this episode captures the flavour, energy, and community spirit of Colmore like never before.
🎤 Join us as we:
🔥 Chat with Kelsey from Colmore BID, the powerhouse behind the event, running on no sleep and pure passion
👨🍳 Catch up with Chef Adam Stokes (Michelin-starred Adams) on why he chose Birmingham and what’s in that insane lemon meringue
🍽️ Hang with Chef Lewis Walker and the UCB team feeding the city
🍔 Discover hidden gems, see familiar foodie faces, and taste dishes from Pasture, Ashes, Smith’s, Regina’s, and more
🎸 Soak in the atmosphere as Black Sabbath Day pumps extra energy into the streets
💬 Expect good vibes, big flavours, and a celebration of Birmingham’s booming food scene. Whether you’re a local, a foodie, or love a good street party — this is for you.
📍 Filmed on location at Colmore Food Festival 2025
🎧 Full conversations, real stories, and plates worth travelling for.
👉 Hit play. Get hungry. Fall in love with Birmingham all over again.
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Birmingham’s Biggest Food Fest
01:10 – Kelsey: Running the Festival on No Sleep
04:50 – Chef Adam Stokes (Adams): Why I Chose Birmingham + Festival Menu
09:15 – The Atmosphere: Food, Music & Black Sabbath Energy
10:40 – Chef Lewis Walker & UCB Team: Future Chefs in Action
14:30 – Local Favourites: Who’s Serving & What We’re Eating
17:05 – Pop-Up Power: Pasture, Regina’s, Smith’s, and More
21:20 – Community Vibes: What Makes Colmore Special
24:15 – Final Thoughts: A Festival That Feeds the SoulFind Out More About Colmore Food Festival-
https://colmorebusinessdistrict.com/
Follow Our Guests
Amy- https://www.instagram.com/bababouttown/
Omar- https://www.instagram.com/omega.eats/
Colmore Bid- https://www.instagram.com/colmorebusinessdistrict/
Adams- https://www.instagram.com/restaurantadams/
chef Lewis Walker- https://www.instagram.com/chefwalkerucb/
Brendan- https://www.instagram.com/funnyfatbrummmie/
Music From Tom Ford- https://www.instagram.com/thetennischampion/
Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://twitter.com/PodcastBread
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
For full show notes and to buy the hat or T-shirts we wear in this episode, visit our Website
We had the pleasure of recording at the awesome Colmore Food Festival 2025. Join us as we go behind the scenes and soak up the atmosphere of one of the best events of the year. Full episode out Friday 1st August
Welcome to this very special episode recorded live at the buzzing Birmingham Artisan Market in the stunning Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Some days just hit different. Sunshine bleeding through the trees, beats drifting from the bandstand. Streetfood filling the air with the smell of fire, fat, and spice.
We're at Artisan Market, inside the Botanical Gardens — a place that felt like it shouldn't exist, but somehow does.
Makers, hustlers, food slingers. Stories behind every stall, every dish. We showed up with mics, not to interview, but to listen. To talk. To eat. To try, in our own scrappy way, to bottle a little of the chaos and charm that made the day unforgettable.
This is Birmingham, on a good day. Raw, loud, beautiful.
The next Artisan market at Botanical Gardens is Saturday, 2nd August. Book tickets- https://birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/bbg-event/artisan-market-2-8-25/
Find out more about the brilliant Artisan Market- https://www.birminghamartisanmarkets.com/
Follow Our Guests-
Pip- https://pipshotsauce.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/pipshotsauce/
Laura (Bite Your Brum)-
https://www.instagram.com/biteyourbrum/
Chris (The Fat Foodie)-
https://www.instagram.com/thefatfoodieuk/
Spirit Of Birmingham-
https://spiritofbirmingham.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/spiritofbirmingham/
Kneals Chocolate-
https://www.instagram.com/knealschocolates/
Zoe (Punks & Chancers)-
https://punksandchancers.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/punksandchancers/
Music From Tom Ford- https://www.instagram.com/thetennischampion/Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://twitter.com/PodcastBread
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
For full show notes and to buy the hat or T-shirts we wear in this episode visit our Website
Get ready for a festive feast of laughs and foodie insights! In this holiday special, Liam and Carl are joined by special guests Laura (Bite Your Brum) and Chris (The Fat Foodie) to dive into the highs, lows, and hidden gems of Birmingham’s food scene in 2024.
🍴 From standout dishes to must-visit spots like Rabbit, Albatross, Meat Shack, and Tiger Bites Pig, we dish out the details on the year’s top openings and closings. With plenty of cheeky banter and hilarious Christmas greetings, this episode is packed with humour, heartfelt reflections, and insider foodie tips.
🎧 Whether you’re a Birmingham local or a food lover from afar, this episode will leave you hungry for more! Hit play now for a delicious mix of wit, wisdom, and culinary celebration.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favourite food memories of 2024 in the comments!
00:00 Festive Greetings and Introductions
00:27 Meet the Guests
00:54 Award Talk and Banter
01:10 Christmas Special Setup
02:31 Food and Drink Orders
05:30 TikTok and Social Media Adventures
06:20 Old Man Pubs and Nostalgia
11:55 Openings and Closings in Birmingham
29:42 Top Three Memorable Moments
32:14 Exploring Southern Street Food
33:07 Zumhof: A Unique Experience
35:01 The Wilderness and Other Culinary Adventures
36:32 Memorable Dishes and Dining Experiences
42:19 Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
50:41 Upcoming Food Events and Venues
54:25 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Sponsors
Huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode JQ BID. The Jewellery Quarter is where grit meets glamour, history mingles with the hustle, and a rich tapestry of heritage pulses with modern energy.
Home to over 700 jewellers and indie retailers, it’s a neighbourhood where craft and creativity shine as brightly as the gold in its workshops. But it’s not just about the sparkle — this vibrant corner of Birmingham boasts a thriving food and drink scene and a story steeped in centuries of incredible history.
At the centre of it all is the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID), the unsung hero keeping this remarkable area ticking. From projects that champion local businesses to efforts that protect its historic soul, JQBID works tirelessly to ensure the Quarter remains one of the UK’s most unique and unforgettable destinations for those who visit, work, or call it home.
Website- https://jewelleryquarter.net/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jq_bid/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/JewelleryQtr/
Twitter/X- https://www.x.com/JQBID
Opening Drone Footage From Rob At Alto Drones- https://www.instagram.com/alto.drones/
Music From Tom Ford- https://www.instagram.com/thetennischampion/
Follow Laura & Chris Bite Your Brum Insta- https://www.instagram.com/biteyourbrum/ Twitter- https://www.x.com/BiteYourBrum/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@biteyourbrum Follow Laura's Professional Page- https://www.instagram.com/bitecomms/ The Fat Foodie Insta- https://www.instagram.com/thefatfoodieuk/ TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@thefatfoodieuk Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://twitter.com/PodcastBread
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
For full show notes visit our Website https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk
A tasty bitesize teaser of our Christmas special which comes out Monday 16th
Join us at UCB restaurant as we delve into the unique training environment for aspiring chefs at University College Birmingham. Our guest, a seasoned chef and head of the culinary arts department, talks about the transition from bustling dinners to a quiet, reflective time suited for maintenance and preparations. Discover how the college's realistic working environments, including training kitchens and a public-facing restaurant, prepare students for the unpredictability of a career in hospitality. Learn about the chef's vibrant journey from Reading to Birmingham, his experiences in the industry, and the importance of both formal training and hands-on learning. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone considering a career in culinary arts, highlighting the significance of industry standards and the essential qualities of future hospitality leaders.
00:00 Welcome to UCB Restaurant
00:15 The Quiet Before the Storm
01:08 Training the Next Generation
01:49 Public Facing Restaurant
02:43 Real-World Learning
04:27 Dealing with Difficult Customers
10:49 The Chef's Journey
14:49 Birmingham's Food Scene
21:02 Formal Training vs. Self-Taught
25:08 Student Success Stories
26:45 Front of House Experience
27:35 Celebrating Bakers
28:37 Hospitality Job Market
29:51 Journey into Teaching
34:37 Advice for Aspiring Chefs
36:08 Common Sense in the Kitchen
41:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections
42:24 Rapid Fire Questions
Find Out More About UCB- https://www.ucb.ac.uk/
Sponsors
Stock Local Craft Rum Burning Barn In Your Venue- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/pages/trade-1
Buy Burning Barn Rum- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/collections/3-rums
Follow Burning Barn On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/burningbarnrum/
Food Delivery Businesses Sign Up & Save Money With Easy Food Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/restaurant-opportunity
Download Easy Food App Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food West Mids- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.westmidlands/
Opening Drone Footage From Rob At Alto Drones- https://www.instagram.com/alto.drones/
Music From Tom Ford- https://www.instagram.com/thetennischampion/
Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://twitter.com/PodcastBread
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
For full show notes visit our Website https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk
This is a tasty bitesize teaser of our full chat with Birmingham food legend Chef Lewis Walker Head of the College of Food at University College Birmingham
Calling all whisky lovers! In this episode, we sit down with Amy, a corporate pro turned whisky mastermind, who’s now a driving force in Birmingham’s whisky scene. Discover how she turned her passion for whisky into an iconic whisky venue and launched the city’s very first whisky festival! From rare whiskies to insider secrets on opening a whisky-focused business, this is a must-watch for true enthusiasts and aspiring whisky entrepreneurs alike. Don’t miss Amy’s journey of bringing her love for whisky to life and reshaping Birmingham’s hospitality game. Hit play and dive into the world of whisky!
00:00 Welcome to Breaking Bread Housings
00:18 Exploring the Jewelry Quarter
02:59 Amy's Journey to Birmingham
05:55 Starting the Food and Drink Events Company
08:40 The Birth of Whiskey Birmingham
09:56 Opening the Bar in the Jewelry Quarter
18:53 Creating a Community Bar
20:57 The Fascination with Whiskey
28:31 The Rise of English Whiskey
35:36 Traveling to Islay: A Unique Experience
36:33 The Charm and Challenges of Islay
37:28 Whisky Production on Islay and Other Islands
40:18 Global Whisky Trends and Innovations
50:29 The History and Heritage of Whisky
56:45 Whisky Tasting and Community
01:05:06 Birmingham's Whisky Scene and Evolution
01:07:14 Fun and Personal Insights
Get Social With Amy/Grain & Glass
Website- https://grainandglass.co/
Insta- https://www.instagram.com/grainandglassjq
https://www.instagram.com/amyseton/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/GrainandGlassJQ/
X- https://twitter.com/grainandglassjq
Sponsors
Stock Local Craft Rum Burning Barn In Your Venue- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/pages/trade-1
Buy Burning Barn Rum- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/collections/3-rums
Follow Burning Barn On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/burningbarnrum/
Food Delivery Businesses Sign Up & Save Money With Easy Food Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/restaurant-opportunity
Download Easy Food App Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food West Mids- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.westmidlands/
Opening Drone Footage From Rob At Alto Drones- https://www.instagram.com/alto.drones/
Music From Tom Ford- https://www.instagram.com/thetennischampion/
Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://twitter.com/PodcastBread
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
For full show notes visit our Website https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk
This is a tasty bitesize teaser for our chat with whiskey expert and whiskey bar and tasting room owner Amy Seton
In this episode, we sit down with renowned Birmingham chef Matt Wilden, who discovered his passion for cooking later in life and transformed it into a successful career. If you're an aspiring chef or thinking it's too late to follow your dream, this conversation will change your perspective. Matt shares his inspiring journey, from mastering wood fire cooking and perfecting pizza to hosting innovative pop-up events and becoming one of Birmingham’s top chefs.
Learn how relentless drive, dedication to learning, and commitment to creativity pushed Matt to the forefront of the culinary scene. Get valuable insights, tips, and advice on navigating a late start in the kitchen and turning your passion into a profession. Whether you're new to the culinary world or looking to advance your skills, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways!
Key takeaways for aspiring chefs
- How to succeed no matter when you start
- The value of constantly learning and innovating
- Overcoming challenges in the culinary industry
Don’t miss out on Matt Wielden’s incredible story! Watch now and get inspired to take your own culinary career to the next level!
00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation
00:12 Discussing TV Shows and Chef Life
03:02 Challenges of Takeaway and Lockdown
04:48 Journey to Becoming a Chef
09:22 Experiences in Various Kitchens
15:07 Starting a Pizza Business
21:30 Menu Evolution and Popular Dishes
24:53 Cooking Techniques and Inspirations
28:57 Sunday Dinners and Future Plans
29:43 The Roast Potato Panic
30:20 Perfecting the Roast Dinner
32:20 The Pressure of Cooking
33:52 Exploring Pop-Ups and Mexican Cuisine
40:41 The Art of Pizza Making
44:51 Advice for Aspiring Chefs
48:39 Fun and Favorites
53:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Matt Wilden Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/matt.wilden/
Sponsors
Stock Local Craft Rum Burning Barn In Your Venue- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/pages/trade-1
Buy Burning Barn Rum- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/collections/3-rums
Follow Burning Barn On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/burningbarnrum/
Food Delivery Businesses Sign Up & Save Money With Easy Food Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/restaurant-opportunity
Download Easy Food App Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food West Mids- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.westmidlands/
Opening Drone Footage From Rob At Alto Drones- https://www.instagram.com/alto.drones/
Music From Tom Ford- https://www.instagram.com/thetennischampion/
Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://twitter.com/PodcastBread
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
For full show notes visit our Website https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk
This is a tasty bitesize teaser for our chat with the awesome & talented Matt Wilden
Get ready for a deep dive into the unstoppable rise of Tom & Scott, the masterminds behind OPM, Birmingham's burger sensation! In this episode of Breaking Bread, we uncover how they went from fashion to food, launching OPM with zero culinary experience. Hear the wild stories of their early street food hustle, the first-ever DDC, and how they took their brand from pop-up to permanent. Plus, we talk about their new venture, Kilder, and what makes their pizza the gnarliest in Brum. Don't miss this inside look at building a food empire!
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:13 Preparing for the Hill Walk
00:43 Nostalgic Moments and Realizations
01:44 Early Life and Career Beginnings
05:06 The Birth of a Food Passion
06:02 First Steps into the Food Business
07:25 Challenges and Early Successes
11:29 Building a Brand and Expanding
13:44 Transition to a Full-Time Venture
15:56 Collaborations and Community
24:27 Opening the Restaurant
40:30 The Quest for Quality Meat
41:10 Expanding to New Farms
42:36 Crafting the Perfect Patty
44:22 The Smash Burger Debate
45:46 Birmingham's Burger Scene
49:07 Experimenting with New Burgers
52:29 Introducing Deep Pan Pizza
57:49 Favorite TV Shows and Movies
01:00:43 Music and Cookbooks
01:05:04 Fast Food Favorites
01:06:27 Top Food Destinations
01:11:23 Concluding Thoughts
Socials
OPM
Website- https://originalpattymen.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/originalpattymen
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/OriginalPattyMen
Kilder
Website- https://www.kilderbar.co.uk/
Insta- https://www.instagram.com/kilder_bar
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/KilderBar
Cornershop Pizza- https://www.instagram.com/cornershop_pizza/
Scott Insta- https://www.instagram.com/scott_opm/
Tom Insta- https://www.instagram.com/tom_opm/
Sponsors
Stock Local Craft Rum Burning Barn In Your Venue- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/pages/trade-1
Buy Burning Barn Rum- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/collections/3-rums
Follow Burning Barn On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/burningbarnrum/
Food Delivery Businesses Sign Up & Save Money With Easy Food Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/restaurant-opportunity
Download Easy Food App Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food West Mids- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.westmidlands/
Opening Drone Footage From Rob At Alto Drones- https://www.instagram.com/alto.drones/
Music From Tom Ford- https://www.instagram.com/thetennischampion/
Follow Us
/https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadpodcastbirmingham/
https://twitter.com/PodcastBread
https://facebook.com/breakingbreadpodcastuk
For full show notes visit our Website https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk
A bitesize appetiser for our awesome chat with Tom & Scott, the people behind award-winning burger sensation Original Patty Men
In this episode, we break bread with Lydia. Lydia shares a candid recount of the challenges faced while opening her three successful businesses, Warwick St Kitchen in Leamington, Saint Kitchen in Brums JQ and her new bakery in Warwick. From cost overruns due to inflation and crises, to issues with cash flow and supply chain disruptions. Despite the turmoil, Lydia’s relentless determination and resilience have led her to be the success she is today. Our chat also goes over the importance of creating a great company culture, hiring for passion over credentials, and being an honest, supportive leader. Emphasising the rewarding but tough nature of hospitality, Lydia shares plenty of business advice and tips for aspiring hospitality business owners as well as more experienced ones. Lydia also tells us about her detailed course on opening a coffee shop. Tune in for practical tips, personal anecdotes, and invaluable business advice from a passionate hospitality expert. Get ready to be inspired for your own venture!
00:00 Introduction: From Failed Musician to Rock Band Days
01:06 Career Guidance and Work Experience
02:00 Pandemic Challenges and Business Survival
03:32 Expanding the Business Amidst Adversity
07:07 Building a Strong Team and Company Culture
10:54 Navigating the Hospitality Industry
18:19 Overcoming Major Setbacks
24:21 Launching an Online Course for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
34:14 Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace
35:06 The Challenges of Hospitality Management
37:21 Balancing Support and Business Needs
38:23 Embracing Imperfection as a Manager
38:47 The Importance of Honesty and Integrity
39:43 Coaching and Developing Management Skills
42:26 Handling Mistakes and Building Trust
44:13 Difficult Decisions in Leadership
47:03 The Reality of Running a Business
50:22 Book Recommendations and Personal Growth
56:28 Quickfire Questions and Personal Favorites
Lydia Socials
How To Open A Coffee Shop Course- https://lydia-papaphilippopoulos-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-open-a-coffee-shop *Don’t forget the exclusive listener Code- BB15 for 15% off
Lydia Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/lpapznape/
Warwick St- https://www.warwickstreetkitchen.com/cafe-leamington-spa
Saint Kitchen- https://www.saintkitchen.com/
Sponsors
Stock Local Craft Rum Burning Barn In Your Venue- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/pages/trade-1
Buy Burning Barn Rum- https://www.burningbarnrum.com/collections/3-rums
Follow Burning Barn On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/burningbarnrum/
Food Delivery Businesses Sign Up & Save Money With Easy Food Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/restaurant-opportunity
Download Easy Food App Here- https://easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food On Insta- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.co.uk/
Follow Easy Food West Mids- https://www.instagram.com/easyfood.westmidlands/
Opening Drone Footage From Rob At Alto Drones- https://www.instagram.com/alto.drones/
Music From Tom Ford- https://www.instagram.com/thetennischampion/
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For full show notes visit our Website https://breakingbreadbirmingham.co.uk
This is a trailer for tomorrow's episode with the successful business owner and creator of the fantastic new course How To Open A Coffee Shop, Lydia Papaphilippopoulos Snape. Tune in for practical tips, personal anecdotes, and invaluable business advice from this passionate hospitality expert. Get ready to be inspired for your own venture!