The Ceres Podcast

We welcome the return of Charlie Collins, who previously appeared in episode 62 and brings an insightful exploration of the resilience and strategic adaptation required in the challenging landscape of the hospitality industry. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the dynamics of business turnaround. Charlie Collins, celebrated as the last person to win the "Young Fish Frier" award...

In this engaging episode, we reconnect with John Molnar, the force behind The Cod's Scallops. With outlets spread across Nottingham and an outpost in Harborne, Birmingham, John shares his journey since our last conversation in  episode 45 in February 2020 , just after The Cod's Scallops was crowned Fish & Chip Shop of the Year. John reflects on the significant impact of the award and discusses the...

In the compelling 145th episode of the Ceres Podcast, we dive deep into the life and insights of Paulo de Tarso, a name that has become a hallmark of excellence in hospitality. From washing pots in New York to orchestrating the floor of some of the UK's most prestigious restaurants, Paulo's journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to e...

In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios discusses the news with Jim Cowie from the Seafood Matters Podcast. They discuss the following topics: ​Unfounded Fears: The Truth Behind Russia's Fishing Ban and the UK's Fish & Chips Norovirus Outbreak Leads to Oyster Sale Ban in France Scottish Hospitality Urgent Call for Rate Relief Support E. coli Outbreak Tied to Mrs Kirkham's Lancashire Cheese D...

In the latest episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios had the privilege of sitting down with Nick Hogan, the managing director of George's Tradition, a name synonymous with quality fish and chips in East Midlands. With a career deeply rooted in operations, Nick has been the unseen force ensuring the smooth running of George's Tradition's operations.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book...

Join us in Episode 142 of the Ceres Podcast with Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality . Their discussion zeroes in on three pivotal policy proposals: capping business rate increases, revising employer National Insurance Contributions, and advocating for a reduced VAT rate for hospitality.  Kate offers a deep dive into the nuances of each ask, critically examining their potential impact...

Join us in Episode 141 of the Ceres Podcast with Austen Morley, founder of  Morley's Coffee . Discover how a vintage 1972 Citroen Hy van marked the start of Austen's journey from Australia's coffee scene to a coffee revolution in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.  Host Stelios delves into the challenges and triumphs of entering the coffee market, Austen's future ambitions, and the balance between home and...

In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios talks to the current NFFF Fish & Chip Takeaway of the year winner.  Whitehead's Fish & Chips is run by the Whitehead family and the friendly Whitehead's Team, who aim to serve Britain's best freshly-cooked fish & chips.  Together, they discuss Geoff's history in Fish & Chips, his management style, how he invests in his teams and the business, and Geoff...

In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios discusses the hospitality news with David Nicolaou from Auckley Friary. They discuss the following topics: Significant Fine for London Bar After Hazardous Incident UKHospitality's Blueprint for the 2024 General Election HMRC Sharpens Focus on the Hot Food Sector Chick-fil-A's Sunday Closure Policy: A Crossroad of Faith, Business Ethics, and Government...

In this episode, Stelios discusses the hospitality news with previous Young Fish Frier Winner Zohaib Hussain from Zero Plus Fish Bar in Cardiff. They discuss the following topics: The KFC Controversy: Navigating Health Policies and Business Interests UK's New Food Recycling Laws: What Businesses Need to Know ​ Deliveroo Bolsters Its Arsenal with Non-Food Deliveries ​ Climate Crisis and Crime: A Pe...

In this episode, Thomas Doran turns the tables on Stelios and asks him questions about his career, life and pet peeves. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  📮Join the  Ceres email list to keep updated  and get monthly offers. 📧 To send your feedback or suggest a guest, email The Ceres Podcast at stelios@worldofceres.com

In this episode, Stelios discusses the hospitality news with previous Seafish Fish & Chip Shop of the Year Winner Mark Petrou from Petrou Brothers in Chatteris. They discuss the following topics: ​Navigating the Fine Line Between Workplace Banter and Bullying ​ The KFC Controversy: Navigating Health Policies and Business Interests Scottish ​Pubs Shutting Down Twice as Fast as in England ​Australia...

In this episode, Stelios discusses the hospitality news with previous Young Fish Frier Winner Charlie Collins from Frydales in Leicester. They discuss the following topics: The Challenging Potato Harvest Across the UK and Europe 2023 ​ UK Government Reconsiders Tax-Free Shopping to Boost Tourism ​ Next-Level Delivery: KFC Teams Up with Uber Direct UK Government Raises Salary Threshold for Foreign...

In this episode, Stelios talks to Hugh Lipscombe, founder and chairman of the Chesterford Group. The Lipscombe family have been in fish & chips for 100 years, and Hugh founded Fish n' Chick'n in the 1970s. We discuss the founding and the challenges over the years, Hugh's professional pet hates, and the future of the Chesterford Group. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book  and boost yo...

PART TWO In this two-part special, Stelios talks to Alastair Horabin, the director of Seniors Group on the Fylde Coast. Alastair doesn't hold back in this episode, and in business, he doesn't mess about. Nine outlets and more to come, a central preparation factory that supplies his outlets. They talk about so much that it had to be split in two. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book an...

PART ONE In this two-part special, Stelios talks to Alastair Horabin, the director of Seniors Group on the Fylde Coast. Alastair doesn't hold back in this episode, and in business, he doesn't mess about. Nine outlets and more to come, a central preparation factory that supplies his outlets. They talk about so much that it had to be split in two. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book an...

In this episode, Stelios talks to Josette Foster, a regional director for the national federation of fish friers.    As well as her role within the federation, she owns the multi-award-winning shop - Fish & chips at Weston Grove, which she started with her late husband, Richard.   This episode has one topic: Fish & Chip Awards and Fish & Chip Awards only.   If you would like to go to the Fish & Ch...

In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios talks to Andrew Crook, the president of The National Federation of Fish Friers and owner of Skippers Fish Bar in Euxton.   They talk about the industry's current challenges, fish prices, commodity prices, double invoicing and VAT fraud.   Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today -> https://bit.ly/fisht1ps    📮Joi...

In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios talks to Paul Goodgame, the managing director of The Chesterford Group.    They talk about Paul's career progression and how he worked at TCG for 29 years and became operations director in 2010 and managing director in 2020.    Paul discusses the challenges of covid19, inflation, aggregators, recruitment, and the elephant-in-the-room topic of VAT fraud...

Dan is the founder of SixEight Marketing Agency, a South East Asian food nerd and a brand strategist who gets food brands more customers by telling a great story.   Dan cuts through all the marketing jargon to put independents on the same path to success as the big corporates, if not better.    He works with obsessive food brands to grow their loyal tribe, helping brands like Dishoom and Flat Iron...

Paul Gunning is the head chef and owner of Purslane in the stunning area of Stockbridge on St. Stephen Street.    This fantastic restaurant is the epitome of rustic, casual fine dining. Paul is a brilliant podcast guest; we got into the nitty-gritty of what he likes about the restaurant business.   To find out more about Paul or Purslane: 💡 Visit  Purslane Restaurant Website  💡 📮Join the  Ceres...

In this episode, Stelios talks to Stefano Nella from Nella Cutlery Services.    Nella Cutlery Services have been sharpening knives for over 120 years; I love that Nella has been in business for this long, but they have evolved and stayed true to what they do.   Nella Cutlery Services have been at the forefront of sustainability for a long time, even when it wasn't fashionable. Nella Cutlery also g...

Matthew Konen has been in the fish & chip industry since 2018; I wanted to get Matthew on the podcast because I knew that he had a lot of challenges turning Athena B around and still does.   As we all know, there are loads of general challenges with hospitality at the moment, so it was interesting to hear how they are going about these issues.   I love how optimistic Matthew is, it does not dimini...

Stelios talks to the brilliant Amanda Stansfield from Granny Gothard's ; they discuss building a great business with local and quality values and international ambitions. Oh, and let us not forget the ice cream.  To find out more about  Granny Gothard's, visit their website .  To follow Amanda visit her profile on LinkedIn . To enjoy some amazing ice cream get yours from Waitrose or Ocado .

Stelios talks to William Crooks from Dennis Crooks Fish Merchants in Whitby in this episode.  They discuss the history of Dennis Crooks but also the current happenings in the British fish industry.  Visit Dennis Crooks Fish Merchants to find out more.