Conor Gadd is here!

Conor started cooking at 16 under Michelin-starred chef Paul Rankin in Belfast. His style was later shaped by travels through Asia, time in Auckland, and training a Ballymaloe, where he developed a passion for seasonal, ingredient-led food. He went on to help launch Terroirs in London before joining Trullo in Highbury, where he became Head Chef and stayed for over a decade. Now a Co-owner at Trullo, Conor brings more than 20 years of experience to the table, and we are delighted to be sharing this great conversation.

Tune in to hear us talk about the foundations of a building a solid team, the superiority of the potato and the brilliant side of creating a career in restaurants.

Quickfire favourites include celebrity crushes Shane Lowry and Rory Mcllory*, snacking on a bag of flame grilled steak crisps with a can of Coke, and the best dish he’s ever eaten: tagliarini with white truffle butter, Parmesan and egg yolk at Trullo.

*We recorded this episode in September right after the Ryder Cup lol

Anna Tobias is here! Anna began her career at Blueprint Café under Jeremy Lee before spending four formative years at The River Café. She later became Head Chef at Rochelle Canteen, guided by Margot Henderson and Melanie Arnold, who encouraged her to find her own voice in the kitchen and her own approach to hospitality. After Rochelle Canteen, Anna freelanced, including a residency at P. Franco. In 2020, she opened Café Deco with the team from 40 Maltby Street, where she leads as Head Chef and owner. Alongside cooking beautiful food, she is committed to creating meaningful change in kitchens, championing team welfare at the fore front.

Tune in to hear us talk about building a restaurant with intention, creating a kitchen culture rooted in respect, and why the humble potato is the best ingredient there is. Quickfire favourites include neighbourhood spot Oi Vita, a packet of plain salted crisps, and two unforgettable dishes: her mum’s broth with semolina dumplings, and a langoustine and crab lasagna by Phil Howard from the days of The Square that she still dreams about.

David Taylor is here! Trained under the guidance of Glynn Purnell before heading to Norway, David was part of the team that earned three Michelin stars at Oslo’s Maaemo, shaping his passion for seasonality, the discipline of responding to what the land yields, and the power of food as cultural storytelling.

In 2022, David opened his first solo restaurant, Grace & Savour at Hampton Manor, alongside his wife and restaurant director Anette Taylor. The response was instant, with a Michelin Star awarded just one year after opening. His second restaurant, Kynd, followed in February 2025, further cementing his thoughtful, produce-led approach to modern British cooking.

Tune in to hear us dive into peak-season British fruit, the emotional toll of picking crab , and why Hobnobs are an undefeated snack.

Quickfire favourites include many Birmingham greats including Early Bird Bakery, Grace & James and 670 Grams (providing the best meal David has had this year) plus a minced monkfish curry by chef DavidThompson that David still dreams about.

Biggest shout out of all to David’s Hospitality Hero: Brian Turner - an unsung legend of the industry whose generosity with time, mentorship, and encouragement has shaped countless careers, including his.