🎙️ Kith & Kin Podcast: Stories from the Hospitality Industry

Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: David Hage, Co-Founder of the Secret Pub Company

In this episode, Cassie is joined by David Hage, one half of the dynamic duo behind the award-winning Secret Pub Company. David shares his 30-year journey through the hospitality industry, from his early days in health clubs and working for giants like David Lloyd and Nando's to co-founding a successful group of four premium gastro pubs across Nottinghamshire.

David’s story highlights the balance between big business discipline and independent creativity, revealing the hard work, tough decisions, and passion it takes to succeed in the ever-challenging hospitality industry.

🏆 From winning Licensee of the Year 2019 to navigating the turbulence of COVID-19, David discusses the highs and lows of running pubs, the importance of a great team, and his exciting plans for the future, including accommodation and diverse events.

• The Early Days: How David transitioned from health clubs into hospitality.
• The Secret Pub Company: Why it’s called “secret” and how it all began.
• Award-Winning Success: Winning Licensee of the Year 2019 and the grueling process behind it.
• Surviving COVID-19: The challenges of running pubs through the pandemic and beyond.
• The Reality of Hospitality: Rising costs, staff retention, and the continued pressures on pubs.
• Future Vision: Plans for events, weddings, and introducing B&B-style accommodation.

Visit David and the team at their four award-winning Nottinghamshire pubs:

1. The Railway – Loudham
2. The Radcliffe – Radcliffe-on-Trent
3. The Plough – Normanton on the Wolds
4. The Lambley – Lambley

🔎 Find out more: Search for the Secret Pub Company on Google or visit their locations for a fantastic experience.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hage-fbii-64b8552a/
• Website: https://railwaylowdham.co.uk/

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Immerse yourself in David’s inspiring journey and discover what it really takes to create successful, customer-focused pubs.

📢 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network.

More from the Kith & Kin Podcast:
📍 Real stories from hospitality professionals
🎯 Insights, challenges, and opportunities in the industry
💡 Tips to thrive in hospitality

🎥 Visit Cassie’s YouTube Channel for more 👉 [Insert Link]

📝 Want to grow your hospitality business?
Check out Cassie’s Hospitality Made Easy Masterclass for strategies to connect with purpose, engage your team, and increase your profits.

Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Jono Mayes, National Bartender Advocacy & Engagement Manager, Campari Group UK

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie reconnects with Jono Mayes after 15 years to hear his incredible journey through the hospitality industry. From early days in country pubs and cocktail bars to launching nightclubs and consulting internationally, Jono shares how his passion for drinks and hospitality shaped his career. Now with Campari Group UK, Jono leads bartender education and advocacy, helping shape the next generation of the industry.

Key Highlights

1. Jono’s Journey into Hospitality:

   • Starting out in Leicester’s country pubs and cocktail bars.
   • The pivotal moment: stepping behind the bar with zero experience to learn the craft.
   • Opening a nightclub in Leicester during the 2008 financial crisis and what it taught him.

2. Building Experience & Skills:

   • Time spent consulting across the UK and internationally, including in East Africa.
   • Joining BrewDog and launching Lone Wolf Spirits.
   • How Jono’s role at Campari Group UK blends education, advocacy, and creativity.

3. The Changing Face of the Drinks Industry:

   • The rise of discerning consumers seeking quality and unique experiences.
   • The cultural shift towards celebrating spirits and cocktails in the UK.
   • The power of hospitality experiences: “It’s not just about the drink, it’s about the moment.”

4. The Challenges & Rewards:

   • The stark differences in hospitality attitudes between the UK and Europe.
   • The ongoing challenge of showcasing hospitality as a fulfilling career path in the UK.
   • Lessons learned, including reflections on a missed opportunity at Restaurant Sat Bains.

5. Advice for Finding Great Bars:

   • Ask the bartenders – they always know where to go!
   • Championing hidden gems in regional cities and celebrating their unique offerings.

Memorable Quote
"What percentage of the price of a drink is just the liquid in the glass? It’s the whole experience that makes it special." – Jono Mayes

Connect with Jono Mayes:

• Instagram: @JonoMayes
• Campari Academy UK:

About the Host
Cassie Davison is a hospitality industry expert and the creator of Kith & Kin Hospitality. With over 30 years of experience, she brings authentic stories, strategies, and insights to those who live and breathe hospitality.

Listen & Subscribe:

• Follow Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast for more inspiring stories from real industry professionals.

Let me know if you’d like tweaks or further refinements!

Here’s the updated About the Host section:

About the Host
Cassie Davison has over 30 years of experience setting up and running award-winning hospitality venues. Now, as a dedicated coach for independent hospitality business owners, she uses her expertise to help others navigate the challenges of the industry, develop clear strategies, and unlock growth opportunities. Through Kith & Kin Hospitality, Cassie champions collaboration, connection, and the stories that make the hospitality industry so special.

Guest: Frances Gillespie – Founder of Frances Gillespie HR Consultancy

Overview:
In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, I chat with Frances Gillespie, a seasoned hospitality HR consultant with a passion for helping businesses build engaged, thriving teams. Frances shares her journey from working on the pub floor to heading HR for major pub groups, and how her love for people led her to create her own HR consultancy.

From managing complex employment law changes to empowering managers with tools for compassionate leadership, Frances highlights why HR is essential for building a positive culture, boosting retention, and driving hospitality businesses forward.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Frances’ inspiring story: from starting in a golf club bar to leading HR for renowned pub companies.
• Why HR is not just about compliance but key to creating engaged, high-performing teams.
• The importance of “nipping it in the bud” and having tough but compassionate conversations.
• How to move away from annual appraisals and build meaningful 1-to-1 check-ins that drive engagement.
• Why HR training for managers is critical to avoiding costly mistakes.
• A practical look at current employment law challenges in hospitality (like tipping regulations and sexual harassment policy changes).

🗣 Key Quote:
"HR done well is about valuing your people, setting boundaries, and helping them thrive – because when your team feels valued, your business sings."

🎧 Where to listen:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Your favorite podcast platform

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CassieDavison-KithKin

🔗 Connect with Frances:

• LinkedIn: Frances Gillespie
• Website: www.francesgillespiehrconsultancy.com

About the Host:
Cassie Davison brings over 30 years of award-winning experience in hospitality, including running AA Rosette restaurants, winning Entrepreneur of the Year, and being featured in the Which Good Food Guide and Visit England’s Best Pub. Through Kith & Kin, Cassie champions growth, community, and purpose in hospitality – helping businesses and leaders be the best they can be.