In the first episode of Season 3, Ruth and Lucy return to reflect on how the hospitality landscape has shifted since the last season and what operators need to focus on now. This candid conversation explores the challenges facing the sector, the resilience teams continue to show, and the realities businesses are navigating behind the scenes.

What We Cover:

-The current mood in hospitality: resilience, vulnerability and a dose of realism.

-How customer expectations have changed. Traceability, value for money and the demand for ethical sourcing.

-The increasing pressure on teams: communication breakdowns, stress and the impact on service.

-Why operators feel they must train their staff, yet struggle to find the time and why this becomes a false economy.

-What no longer works in 2026: long hours, outdated expectations and ignoring employee wellbeing.

-A preview of Season 3, including conversations on food fraud, sustainable menu design, new dining concepts, industry trends and the fight against no-shows.

-Join us as we kick off a new season with honest reflections, practical insights and a look ahead at the topics shaping hospitality today.

Enjoy and follow us on social media if you like what you hear! Instagram: @simply_hospitality_the_podcast.