In addition to our courses, we also publish mentor sessions that take you backstage with industry leaders.

This week we invite you to take an exclusive behind the scenes look at the Diageo Archive – the biggest spirits archive in the world – with the gins and malts archivist and historian Joanne McKerchar.

Gin is a widely popular spirit known for its distinct flavor, which it derives from juniper berries. With a long and fascinating history, gin is so much more than just ‘flavored vodka.’

Gin is England’s national drink and Winston Churchill once famously said, “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire.”

While gin has been a crowd favorite since the 17th Century, it experienced a surge in popularity as the base spirit in many of the classic Prohibition-era cocktails. Today it is enjoying the limelight once more as craft distillers experiment with new botanical combinations and give this timeless drink a breath of new life!

Starting any new job is a daunting experience, but it can be particularly challenging in the hospitality industry. There isn't much room for error in a fast-paced and customer-focused work environment. 

A new employee’s first day in a hospitality venue is usually a trial by fire situation. They are expected to jump straight into the role – serving customers, making coffees, prepping ingredients, cooking meals, mixing cocktails...

In addition to our courses, we also publish mentor sessions that take you backstage with industry leaders. This week, we are excited to share the story of Toast Ale – an award-winning craft beer made from surplus bread! 

Rob Wilson, the Chief Toaster at Toast Ale, shares how the company found a pint-sized solution to food waste. 

There are so many different things to consider when it comes to food safety – from how you organize the fridge to how you throw out meat off-cuts – that some aspects can get overlooked. But there should never be any shortcuts taken with food safety.

With the health and wellbeing of your customers and your own business and reputation to look after, food safety and hygiene should always be the top priority in your kitchen.