HUNGRY.

Michel Roux Jr, a two-Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, shares his insights on London's hidden culinary gems. He highlights Clapham's Plusard, known for its unpretentious charm and delightful wine list. Michel reflects on his recent visits to standout Michelin-starred spots, discussing what the guide values most: great ingredients and consistency. He explores the tension between simplicity and complexity in fine dining, and the unique aura that a chef's soul brings to a restaurant experience.

Jun Tanaka, a British-Japanese Michelin-starred chef and owner of The Ninth, shares his insights on restaurant culture and team leadership. He emphasizes that a favorite restaurant should resonate emotionally, prioritizing guest relationships over mere culinary excellence. Jun discusses memorable experiences from elite kitchens, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and fostering a unified team culture. He also reveals his philosophy of calm correction in the kitchen and his commitment to continuous learning, setting The Ninth apart in London's dining scene.

Rory Sutherland, a behavioural economist and advertising executive, passionately argues against taxing pubs, dubbing them essential community assets akin to leisure centres. He suggests that removing VAT could enhance their role as multifunctional spaces, drawing in customers with everyday items and modern amenities. The conversation dives into the importance of customer experience and measuring entertainment value, as Rory introduces the innovative concept of 'cost per entertainment hour' to spotlight pubs' unique offerings compared to other leisure options.

Sir John Hegarty, the legendary UK advertising creative and co-founder of BBH, shares his insights on the art of storytelling in advertising. He discusses the importance of presentation under Saatchi, the power of clear brand identities, and converting print ideas into engaging narratives. John reflects on the essence of creativity as a personal expression while emphasizing the need for brands to adapt in a fast-changing world. He also warns about the pitfalls of conventional brainstorming and predicts a future where AI democratizes creativity.

In this discussion, Franco Fubini, the founder of Natoora and a fresh produce expert, dives into the compelling history of supermarkets. He reveals how Piggly Wiggly revolutionized grocery shopping by introducing self-service. Franco explores how postwar changes shaped consumer habits, emphasizing time-saving convenience and the shift towards ultra-processed foods. He also discusses Walmart's rapid growth and the business incentives driving mass retailing while linking these trends to our evolutionary preferences for calorie-dense foods. A fascinating look at how our shopping habits evolved!

Join renowned chef and food writer Jeremy Lee, celebrated as the face of Quo Vadis in Soho, as he takes you on a delightful journey through modern British cooking. He reflects on the influence of culinary icons like Elizabeth David and Alastair Little, sharing how they transformed postwar dining into a global phenomenon. With warmth and humor, Jeremy discusses the importance of hospitality, creativity, and the stories behind memorable meals, emphasizing that the best dining experiences are rooted in generosity and joy.

Rory Sutherland, a savvy behavioral economist and advertising guru, joins the visionary founder of The Devonshire pub in Piccadilly. They dive into how the pub’s retro reopening sparked a surprising customer surge. The founder reveals 38 innovative features like on-site butchery and Ember Grill ovens designed to set them apart. Sutherland emphasizes that quirky elements boost perceived value and shares insights on the balance between creativity and operational challenges. Together, they showcase why unique differentiators matter in today’s competitive landscape.

Discover the fascinating world of functional mushrooms with DIRTEA's founders. They dive into ancient wisdom and modern health trends, exploring how mycelium networks inspire innovative leadership. The conversation spans from reclaiming community rituals post-2019 to the brain benefits of Lion's Mane. Personal burnout stories reveal the drive behind their mission to replace outdated habits. They discuss building a brand rooted in community and the balance of purpose in business, all while making mushrooms a daily ritual for wellness.

The Grenade founder shares fascinating insights into building a successful nutrition brand. He reflects on invaluable lessons learned from Richard Branson, emphasizing the power of simple questions in evaluating business ideas. Delving into global markets, he discusses the differing chocolate preferences shaped by culture, highlighting challenges in countries like China and India. Practical issues like import taxes and logistics are addressed, along with the importance of focusing efforts on controllable outcomes in a competitive snack industry.

Tom Brown, an award-winning British chef and the mind behind Cornerstone, shares insights into London's dynamic food scene. He reveals that great dining success is rooted in setting and service, often placing food as the last piece of the puzzle. Tom talks about his creative process, his obsession with oysters, and the importance of thoughtful hospitality touches. He emphasizes the need for culinary reinvention while finding joy in solo dining. Reflecting on his mentorship by Nathan Outlaw, he champions empathy in the kitchen and the significance of guest experience.