The Hospitality Edit

What does it take to build one of Australia’s best restaurant groups?In this episode, we sit down with Leanne Altmann, one of the most respected voices in Australian hospitality and wine. From working under Gordon Ramsay in London to leading the wine programs at Trader House, Leanne shares what truly defines world-class service, leadership and guest experience.We explore the realities of a career in hospitality, the role of education like WSET, and how top venues balance commercial wine lists with creativity and personality. Leanne also unpacks how great restaurants are built from the floor up, why connection matters more than qualifications, and how Australia’s wine scene is evolving on the global stage.If you care about hospitality, wine, restaurants or building a career in the industry, this episode is a masterclass.www.tranchescholarship.com.auhttps://www.traderhouse.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/tranchescholarship/ https://www.instagram.com/lea_alt_/ The Menu00:00 The moment she knew hospitality was her career02:30 Winning a career-changing scholarship04:20 Working for Gordon Ramsay in London05:30 What makes a great restaurant experience07:00 The “secret sauce” behind Trader House08:50 Building and leading top sommelier teams10:40 WSET, training and developing hospitality talent13:20 Why education drives staff retention14:50 Why connection matters more than qualifications16:20 The reality of working on the floor18:00 Why everyone should work in hospitality19:50 Career pathways beyond restaurants20:50 The $15,000 scholarship opportunity explained23:00 What would you serve Harry Styles?25:30 Why Australian wine is world-class27:30 Advice for young hospitality professionals31:00 Dream restaurants and global inspiration33:30 Most memorable dining experience ever36:40 Best restaurants in Australia right now36:50 Death row dishhospitality careers, sommelier, wine podcast, Australian wine, restaurant industry, Trader House, Gordon Ramsay, WSET, wine education, hospitality leadership, restaurant management, fine dining, wine list strategy, Melbourne restaurants, sommelier career, hospitality training