Ceres Podcast

Tony Kitous is the owner of Kenza, Levant, Yalla Yalla, Shawa and the Founder and Creative Director of Comptoir Libanais Group. His journey starts in 1988 when he comes to London with around £70 in his pocket, fast forward to today and he is involved with nearly 37 restaurants. Tony's mission has been to introduce people in the UK to Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, he wants it to be up there with Italian and French cookery, and it looks like it is a success so far. Listen to the...

This is our first episode talking to a food producer; I want to do more of these as they are the beginning of the journey for many food businesses. Razan Alsous is the perfect person to start with, Razan came over to the UK in 2012 after fleeing war-torn Syria. She has overcome many challenges to start her own business making 'Halloumi' cheese in the U.K. We discuss the challenges of being a refugee in a new country, with limited funds and limited grasp of the English language but a great...

Zohaib Hussain is a previous winner of the Drywite Young Fish Frier Award, in this episode, we discuss how he got into the fish and chip industry, his involvement in the documentary fly on the wall video “frying tonight”, Drywite Young Fish Frier and current topics. Frying Tonight Video Zohaib's Book Recommendation: Warren Buffet - The Essays of Warren Buffet

Cyrus & Stelios discuss his upbringing in Bombay, his journey into being a chef where it is frowned upon at the time in India. We talk about how his career as a chef brings him to the UK and how he takes a massive interest in training at Cafe Spice Namaste, we discuss cooking oils, meats that have fallen out of favour and how he feels about negative reviews on the likes of trip advisor. Cyrus is a fascinating chap, he had a bucket full of knowledge, and it was a delight talking to him.

Fred Capel is a legend in the fish & chip industry. He is the owner of Chez Fred in Westbourne, Bournemouth. We discuss his journey into the fish & chip industry, up to the present day, and discuss the many lessons he has learnt along the way. Book recommendation: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey

Bobby Joyce is National Sales Manager at the well-respected fish merchants Smales based in Hull. We had a really good conversation about his journey, the fascinating history of Smales Fish Merchants and then the fish industry. Where you can find more about Bobby and Smales. Smales Website Bobby Joyce Linkedin

Loren Hiller is the commercial officer at the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), we discussed so many topics relating to the oceans, sustainability and seafood in general. Where you can find out more about Loren and MSC. MSC Website MSC Facebook MSC Twitter MSC Instagram Loren Hiller Linkedin

Craig Buckley is the owner of The Fish Bar in Crewe. We had a really good chat about his journey into fish and chips and his role at the National Federation of Fish Friers. Really good to get his view on current events. The Fish Bar Website The Fish Bar Facebook Page

Phil Vickery is one of the chefs on ITV This Morning. However, you probably wouldn't know that he has been a Michelin starred chef and worked his way through the ranks. We discuss his journey from chef to television chef and farmer. Today he is the writer of 14 cookbooks, coeliac ambassador, chef on TV, pig farmer, and heads up a range of food products suitable for coeliacs. Phil Vickery Book Recommendation: The Oxford Companion to Food. Where to follow Phil Vickery: Phil’s Personal...

Stelios gives a little update about the podcast. - Ideas about the podcast, hope of the future. - Types of people we want to interview. - Questions & Answers. Podcast Recommendations: - Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner. - The Bottom Line by Evan Davis (BBC). - The Revisionist History by Malcolm Gladwell. Book Recommendations: - Grinding It Out: The Making Of McDonald's by Ray Kroc. - Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Stephen Dubner.

Thomas Colombo is a professional mixologist, he is the founder and owner of Mambo Mobile Bars and travels the country mixing up drinks. We wanted to talk to someone different in the hospitality industry, and I think Thomas is a perfect example with a unique business. Thomas Book Recommendation: The Craft of the Cocktail - Dale Degroff Where to find Thomas online; About Thomas Website Instagram Twitter

Andrew Crook is the President of the National Federation of Fish Friers and co owner of Skippers of Euxton. We discuss many interesting topics inc; - How he got into the trade. - Packaging. - Public Health. - NFFF. - General industry topics. Andrew's Book Recommendation: Tribes: We need you to lead us by Seth Godin - https://amzn.to/2SLtelZ

Mark Petrou is former Seafish Fish and Chip shop of the Year Winner; he is one of the resident trainers at the KFE school of excellence. Aside from winning fish and chip shop of the year, he and his brother have run multiple businesses (usually all at once). We discuss his history and the ups and downs of the business. Mark has also written Fish & Chips - A National Treasure. https://amzn.to/2PbwXa8 Mark's book recommendation. Michael Leboeuf - How to Win Customers and Keep Them for Life...