Simon Young on Culinary Consulting, Kitchen Culture, and Transforming Hospitality Operations

Join Andy Downton as he interviews Simon Young, founder of Simon Young Culinary Solutions and one of the UK’s most respected chefs, with over 40 years’ experience leading luxury hotel kitchens at Rosewood London and Jumeirah Carlton Tower. In this episode, Simon shares his journey from executive chef to successful consultant and reveals the secrets to building stronger, more profitable hospitality businesses.Key Highlights:- From Executive Chef to Consultant: Simon discusses his transition from decades in top hotel kitchens to launching his own consultancy, and the challenges of starting a new business.- Culinary Solutions Explained: Learn how Simon’s audit service leverages his extensive experience to quickly identify operational strengths, weaknesses, and cost-effective solutions for restaurants and hotels.- Fresh Perspective, Real Results: Simon explains the value of a “fresh pair of eyes” in hospitality, sharing stories of simple operational changes that make a big impact on staff retention and profitability.- Building Trust and Team Culture: Discover Simon’s approach to consulting-blending kindness, positivity, and hands-on support to win over teams and drive meaningful change.- Practical Advice for Operators: Timely tips on rota management, menu communication, and preparing for key dates like Valentine’s Day and school holidays to keep your business ahead of the curve.- Leadership Philosophy: Simon reflects on the importance of attitude, teamwork, and celebrating wins, drawing on his experience coaching teams to award-winning success.Whether you’re a chef, manager, or hospitality owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights on improving kitchen culture, boosting profitability, and leading with empathy. Tune in for expert advice from one of the industry’s most accomplished culinary leaders.