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In November 2018, Stelios Theocharous, the founder of Ceres | Pure Food Innovation (and someone who occasionally finds his keys on the first try), launched the Ceres Podcast. This groundbreaking platform has now become a gathering spot for like-minded co-hosts:
• Mark Petrou, Petrou Bros
• Kelly Barnes, Krispies
• David Nicolaou, Auckley Friery
• David Miller, Millers Fish & Chips
 
Together, they embark on insightful conversations with the movers and shakers of the Food & Hospitality industry, forming the illustrious Podsquad.
 
At the Ceres Podcast, we take our time. There's no rushing here - unless we're late for dinner. We're on a mission to uncover the deep-seated passions that motivate our guests, ranging from Chefs and Fish & Chip Shop Owners to Food Producers and Hoteliers, including everyone who makes the hospitality world spin.
 
Our discussions are as varied as the ingredients in a gourmet dish, catering to anyone with a stake or interest in the bustling world of hospitality. If you're eager to learn from the experiences and stories that shape this industry, the Ceres Podcast awaits you. Dive into our world, where learning is served with a side of laughter.

 

  1. All Episodes
  2. 2025

#219 – VAT Cuts, Wage Scandals, Drone Deliveries & KFC’s Big Bet

Jul 5, 2025

In this episode of The News Review, Stelios Theocharous and David Nicolaou dive into the headlines shaping the food and hospitality world.

They explore Ireland’s VAT cut for hospitality and whether it helps or harms independents, debate the ethics behind 524 UK companies underpaying staff, and ask what KFC’s £1.5...

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#218 – David Hennighan: 43 Years, Two Chippies, and a Life in Fish & Chips

Jul 3, 2025

Mark Petrou sits down with David Hennighan of Hennighan’s in Machynlleth, Mid Wales—one of the most grounded and quietly inspiring voices in the fish and chip industry. With 43 years in the trade, David shares how a short-term plan to help his parents turned into a lifelong career across two shops, a hardware store,...

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#217 – From Burnout to Breakthrough: Geoff Whitehead Returns

Jun 27, 2025

Geoff Whitehead is back—and this time, we’re talking growth, reinvestment, and building for the future. In this episode, Geoff opens up about taking bold risks, managing burnout, and why standing still in business is the fastest way to fall behind. 

Want to hear Geoff’s backstory? Catch his first appearance in...

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#216 – VAT, Value & Viral Queues

May 31, 2025

The Podsquad is back—minus Kelly Barnes (physio duties!)—to unpack a long list of hot topics in fish & chips and hospitality:

  • The 7p fish & chip giveaway at Harry Ramsden’s: smart stunt or just chaos?
  • What makes Chez Fred such a standout (and why it’s not about location)
  • The never-ending VAT campaign—time...

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#215: Lorraine Arnold’s Bold Leap into Fish and Chips

May 3, 2025

Lorraine Arnold swapped the stage for the seafront and built one of Devon’s standout fish and chip businesses from scratch. In this episode, she joins Kelly Barnes to share the raw, unfiltered story of how she overcame financial ruin, a devastating fire, and lockdown chaos to create Pier Point Restaurant & Bar. It’s...

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