Howden Restaurant: Created for those who make hospitality happen, because the best hospitality insights often come from those who've lived them first-hand.
Hosted by chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur Neil Rankin, the series takes viewers behind the scenes of restaurant ownership through candid discussions with the people helping to shape the industry today.
From first concepts and opening days to growth, setbacks and reinvention, the series uncovers the stories behind some of hospitality's most respected businesses.
After graduating in science, Neil retrained as a chef at 29 and went on to cook at Michelin level before opening a number of influential London restaurants, including Pitt Cue Co, John Salt, Smokehouse and Temper. Neil is widely recognised as a pioneer of fire-based cooking in the UK, a regular contributor to food media, and a familiar face on UK television.
"What appealed to me about the series was the opportunity to bring together people who have been there, done it and are willing to share what they've learned. Hospitality is built on people helping people, and if someone watching can take away even one idea or lesson that makes their journey a little easier, that's a win."
Episode 1: What nobody tells you about running an independent restaurant | with Neil Rankin & Ravneet Gill
The restaurant dream is only part of the story. Ravneet Gill, co-founder of Gina restaurant in Chingford, joins us to discuss the realities of ownership, building a business with purpose, and why success in hospitality looks different than many people think.
Ravneet Gill is a London pastry chef, author and entrepreneur who moved from a Psychology degree to Le Cordon Bleu, then worked pastry at St. JOHN, Llewelyn’s, Jamavar, Black Axe Mangal and Wild by Tart.
She founded Countertalk, an industry platform and community that advocates for fair pay, transparency and better working conditions in hospitality. She also runs PUFF bakery school/pop-up and Damson Jelly Academy.
On TV, she judges Junior Bake Off and Five Star Kitchen, and appears in Ravneet Gill’s Chop House. With husband Mattie Taiano she opened Gina in Chingford. Her books include The Pastry Chef’s Guide, Sugar, I Love You and Baking for Pleasure.
Learn how to make the perfect chocolate cake
Alongside sharing her experiences from the hospitality industry, Ravneet Gill lets us in on another passion: chocolate cake.
Fancy giving it a try yourself?
The recipe for the cake Gill and Neil enjoy in the first episode of Howden Restaurant is available for download below.
Dave’s Wine Bar, the home of Howden Restaurant
The series is filmed at Dave's Wine Bar, a finalist in this year’s City AM Toast the City Awards, owned by David Howden, CEO of Howden. Located in the heart of London’s Square Mile, Dave’s Wine Bar is inspired by his passion for hospitality, sustainable farming, and bringing people together. With a focus on seasonal British produce, it provides the perfect setting for the honest and engaging conversations at the heart of the series.
Restaurant insurance
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