This week on The Drip Tray Diaries, we dive into the behind-the-scenes chaos of kitchen life, including a seriously close call with a near fryer fire.

We also chat about more price rises heading our way, with wage increases and higher National Insurance costs piling even more pressure onto the hospitality industry.

There’s a bit of talk about the upcoming new food concept at The Kings Head Docklow, and of course Gracie calls us out for being “old” because we enjoy doing a jigsaw.

But maybe that’s the real question… in today’s always-online, disconnected society, is switching off and doing something simple exactly what we all need?

a slightly unhinged episode this one with some audio issues after the cut scene in the middle!

In this episode of The Drip Tray Diaries Ashley, Elliot & Gracie are joined by former Kings Head Docklow chef Olly.

Since leaving the pub, Olly has been working in large wedding venues across Essex — which means he’s seen everything from smooth services to full-blown wedding chaos.

We talk about the pressure of cooking for hundreds of guests, bridezillas, bizarre wedding requests, and the strange story involving Cat Impersonators.

We try a listener's strange drink combo!

But it’s not all laughs — we also discuss the realities of working in hospitality and some of the challenges the industry faces.

If you’ve ever worked in a kitchen, pub, or event venue… this one will feel very familiar.

If you missed last weeks go checkout our tales from the taproom of the Ludlow brewery. where we talk craft ales, local events, brewing beer and everything in-between

In this episode of The Drip Tray Diaries, we sit down with Bill from Ludlow Brewery to uncover the story behind one of the region’s best-loved breweries. We talk about how the brewery began, the thinking behind their beer styles, and how sustainability plays a huge role in everything they do. Bill breaks down the basics of brewing in plain English – from grain to glass – and shares the stories and local history hidden in some of Ludlow Brewery’s iconic beer names. A brilliant listen whether you’re a real ale enthusiast or just enjoy knowing what’s actually in your pint.

Episode 10 is a proper pub-table chat. We dive into our dream playlists, tackle customer questions and pub conundrums, and uncover the possible reason Gracie is the way she is today (she may or may not have been dropped on her head).

To top it off, Elliot bravely reads out a poem he wrote for Ellie Chowns, proving once and for all that pubs really do bring out everyone’s creative side.

Unfiltered, slightly unhinged, and exactly how a podcast was intended to be from time to time.

You join us this week for a very last-minute, impromptu episode of the podcast.

Due to some unexpected technical gremlins, our planned Ludlow Brewery episode has been delayed — but don’t worry, we’re hoping to have that sorted and ready for next week.

Instead, Ashley is joined by Paul and Debra (his mum and dad) for a spontaneous trip down memory lane. From growing up around pubs to tales from a rougher era, they share stories from days gone by that are equal parts shocking, funny, and unbelievable.

Expect criminals, fights, riots, and the kind of pub stories you definitely don’t hear anymore — all told in true fireside fashion.

Unplanned, unfiltered, and full of chaos… this one’s a cracker.

In this episode of the Drip Tray Diaries, we were joined by one of our locals, Dan Richards - a carpenter, restorations specialist and extreme off-roading enthusiast.

Day to day Dan can be found repairing old timber frame buildings, restoring historical castle walls or some days in deepest Romania restoring medieval fortified churches.

He also works alongside his dad helping to protect local woodlands from corporate greed, whilst helping raise awareness and educate people about sustainable practices and the importance of our rich surroundings.

We learn about some of the challanges and dangers hes faced whilst off exploring the world of extreme off-roading. and explains a little about his passion for old cars too.

Wrapping up with Dans view on pubs old and new and what he thinks they are important for.

you can checkout dans work and learn more on his website

https://www.cjrheritage.com/

https://www.shropshirehills-nl.org.uk/

in this episode of The Drip Tray Diaries, we sit down properly with Aino to hear the full story (well part of it anyway) — from why she first came to the UK, to why she stayed (spoiler: Ashley 👀).

We talk about her first impressions of British pubs, how different pub culture is compared to Finland (where coffee shops rule and coffee before bed is totally normal), and what she really thought about the idea of running a countryside pub.

There’s plenty of classic pub-life chaos too:
• Trying to eat lunch only for customers to suddenly appear after a dead day
• The pub feeling cold and sad when we first arrived
• Dogs in pushchairs (yes, really)
• Ashley getting told off for talking to customers too much
• Elliot reluctantly using AI while claiming he hates it

We also cover how much has changed since taking over — cellar expansion, walk-in freezer, restaurant revamp, garden upgrades, kids’ play area… plus the disasters along the way, including flooding, a collapsed wall, Ashley literally falling through the floor, and the mysterious Goblin Garage.

To round things off, we chat future plans: pub improvements still to come, terrible parking, a long-overdue disabled toilet upgrade, and Ashley’s ambition to make his own chef’s knife (and possibly a sword) with Fair Mile Forge.

A proper behind-the-scenes episode about love, teamwork, graft — and why running a pub together somehow works… most of the time.

In this episode of Drip Tray Diaries, we’re joined by Brooke — our barmaid of 4.5 years — as we dive into life behind the bar, Guinness debates, and the chaos customers never realise they cause.

We blind taste test straight-poured vs two-part Guinness, debate glass shapes, and watch Gracie try Guinness for the very first time. Elliot immediately regrets his own opinion.

We talk foam art (clovers… and less respectable designs), snack stashes for long shifts, how the cellar changed everything, and why Brooke’s “bad customer radar” is always right.

There are stories of 6mph mobility scooter journeys, pub affairs, empty pod misunderstandings, crisps in beer, chips in strawberry milkshakes, and how people can ruin glassware with food.

It’s honest, chaotic, and exactly what working in a pub really looks like.

New episodes every week.
Send your stories or guest ideas to driptraydiaries@gmail.com