Host: Cassie Davison
Guest: Lauren McCormick, General Manager, Omi Bar, Leicester

Episode Summary
In this deeply inspiring episode of The Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie sits down with Lauren McCormick, General Manager at Omi Bar, Leicester, and finalist for General Manager of the Year at the Kith & Kin Hospitality Awards.

Lauren’s remarkable story takes her from living on the streets and in supported accommodation to building a thriving career in hospitality. She shares how the industry became her “real-life therapy,” providing purpose, belonging, and the opportunity to make a difference to others’ lives.

Key Highlights

1. From Survival to Success:

   • How Lauren overcame a difficult start, living on the streets and supported accommodation, to begin her hospitality career at 16 as a glass collector.
   • Rising step-by-step through the industry: from bar staff to supervisor and now General Manager of Omi Bar.

2. The Power of Hospitality:

   • How hospitality became an extension of family and a place of belonging during challenging times.
   • Why creating a welcoming, compassionate environment for guests and team members is central to Lauren’s approach.

3. Career Challenges & Lessons Learned:

   • Managing the transition from peer to leader and the pitfalls of hiring friends.
   • The importance of internal team relationships for delivering exceptional customer experiences.

4. Lauren’s Vision for the Future:

   • Her dream of opening a late-night venue and breathing new life into UK nightlife.
   • Plans to relocate to London to further develop her experience and career in the big city.

Memorable Quote
"Hospitality gave me a family when I didn’t have one. It’s not just a job – it’s a place where we can make someone’s day better, no matter what they’re going through." – Lauren McCormick

Connect with Lauren McCormick

• LinkedIn: Lauren McCormick
• Email: laurenmc98@outlook.com

📺 Watch the Full Episode on YouTube 🎥:
Watch here on the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast Channel

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

• Follow Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast for more inspiring stories of resilience, purpose, and passion in the hospitality industry.

🎙️ 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.