From humble beginnings in England to becoming the legendary head bartender of the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Paris, Colin Field has redefined what true hospitality means. Twice named Best Bartender in the World by Forbes, Colin’s story is one of passion, precision, and the pursuit of genuine connection. In this episode of The Lobby Talk, Colin joins me to share: His journey behind the bar and the lessons from childhood that shaped his craft The stories behind some of his most iconic cocktails His philosophy on creating unforgettable moments for guests Whether you’re in hospitality, leadership, or simply love a good story served neat, this conversation is a masterclass in authenticity, artistry, and heart.

This episode is in French. Welcome to The Lobby Talk, the podcast that gives a voice to those shaping the future of hospitality and dining. This week, I’m hosting Bernard Boutboul, founder of Gira and a visionary expert in the restaurant industry. With his candid insights and decades of experience, Bernard takes us behind the scenes of a sector in full transformation. On the agenda: Service and customer contact: the cornerstones of true hospitality Common pitfalls in concept creation The shift toward relaxed luxury that appeals to new generations Savory anecdotes and a “blooper reel” from the restaurant world Encounters with legendary chefs and brands that have left their mark An inspiring episode for food enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, or anyone curious about the future of the industry. Notes & References: To follow Bernard: link To follow Gira: link The movies recommended: Le sens de la fête by Eric Toledano & Olivier Nakache Délicieux by Eric Besnard Enjoy :)

In this episode, I sit down with hospitality leader, consultant, and international restaurant creator Michelle Moreno. From dreaming of the West End stage to opening over 60 restaurants and bars worldwide, Michelle has turned her passion for people and performance into a career shaping global hospitality. She shares candid stories of resilience, leadership lessons from the frontlines of luxury hotels, and what it really takes to build inspired teams in a fast-changing industry. You’ll hear: The sliding-doors moment that launched her career (with Leonardo DiCaprio as her very first guest!) Behind-the-scenes tales from Mykonos to Mauritius Why investing in people is the real key to hospitality success A sneak peek into her new project, A Day in the Life of Me Whether you’re a hospitality professional or simply curious about the human side of the industry, this conversation is equal parts inspiring, insightful, and fun. 🔗 Notes & Reference for the Episode: To find Michelle Moreno: On Linkedin On QAB Leadership 🎬 To discover the shows recommended:  Landman by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallac The Wire by David Simon  

Every great conversation starts somewhere. The Lobby Talk is where real stories and honest, unfiltered conversations come to life — the kind we usually keep behind closed doors. In this first episode, I’ll share the vision for the podcast and where we’re headed. It’s just the beginning, and I’m excited to have you along. Thank you for being here!