Dig In

Wenodo
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  • Food
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Dig In is a story-led podcast going behind the scenes of modern hospitality. Hosted by David Durban, each episode sits down with chefs, restaurant owners and industry leaders to explore the moments that shaped their careers. The risks they took, the mistakes they made, and the lessons they learned along the way. Set against the backdrop of Encore Bar in Soho, Dig In blends relaxed, conversational interviews with thoughtful insight into craft, leadership and culture.

Episodes

  1. Kurt Zdesar on Creating Restaurants People Remember

    8 Jun

    Kurt Zdesar on Creating Restaurants People Remember

    Welcome to Dig In, Wenodo’s podcast going behind the scenes of modern hospitality. In Episode 2 of Dig In, host David Durban sits down with Kurt Zdesar, the visionary founder behind Chotto Matte , to uncover the story behind one of hospitality’s most recognisable global brands! From transforming London’s dining scene with contemporary Nikkei cuisine to expanding internationally, Kurt’s journey is one defined by ambition, creativity, and an unwavering belief in his vision. This teaser is just a glimpse into a fascinating conversation covering the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the realities of growing a hospitality brand, the risks that come with thinking differently, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a restaurateur, hospitality professional, or simply curious about what it takes to build a brand that stands out on a global stage, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! 🍽️ In This Episode, We Dig Into: How Kurt’s early passion for food set him on the hospitality pathLearning the business behind world-class restaurants at NobuHelping build Zuma and Roka into global restaurant brandsThe moment Kurt decided to create Chotto MatteIntroducing Nikkei cuisine to London and beyondWhy design, energy and atmosphere are just as important as foodThe realities of launching ambitious restaurant conceptsWhat it takes to scale a hospitality brand internationally ⚡ Quick Fire Highlights: Favourite ingredient: Fresh seafoodComfort meal after service: Simple pastaChef he admires: Nobu MatsuhisaMantra: Create experiences people rememberOne hospitality trend he’d ban: Style without substance 🎧 Why Listen? This episode goes beyond the typical restaurant success story to explore how global hospitality brands are actually built. Kurt shares the lessons learned from working at the very highest level of the industry, and what it takes to create restaurants that people don’t just visit, but truly remember. 📢 Stay Connected Subscribe to Dig In for new episodesVisit Wenodo to explore more from the podcast

    58 min
  2. Ollie Dabbous Lifts the Lid on the Reality of Restaurant Success

    26 Jan

    Ollie Dabbous Lifts the Lid on the Reality of Restaurant Success

    Welcome to Dig In, Wenodo’s brand-new podcast going behind the scenes of modern hospitality.  For our launch episode, host David Durban sits down at the bar with Ollie Dabbous - Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and one of the most influential figures in British dining - to dig into the moments, risks and decisions that shaped his career. From early kitchen jobs in Florence to the intensity of Le Manoir, from opening his first restaurant with his name on the door to redefining what fine dining could look and feel like, Ollie reflects with honesty, humour and clarity on the craft of cooking, leadership, creativity and resilience. Filmed at the incredible Encore Bar, under Toum Rotisserie, Maddox Street, London This is a conversation about earning your place, backing your vision, and why hospitality  (done properly) still matters more than ever. 🍽️ In This Episode, We Dig Into: Falling in love with food, and why Ollie nearly became a pastry chefLearning the hard way at Le Manoir: pressure and hard graftWhy kitchens are meritocratic, and how work ethic beats talentThe loneliness and resilience required in elite culinary trainingOpening your first restaurant with no safety net and everything at stakeRaising funding, bluffing confidence, and betting on yourselfThe reality behind overnight success and critical acclaimWhy hospitality is ultimately about welcome, kindness and human connection ⚡ Quick Fire Highlights: Favourite ingredient: Fresh produce (and perfectly prepped artichokes)Comfort food after service: Cheese on toastChef he admires most: Raymond BlancMantra: Love it. Change it. Leave it.One ingredient he’d ban forever: Barbecue sauce 🎧 Why Listen? This isn’t a polished success story, it’s an honest, behind-the-bar look at what it really takes to build something meaningful in hospitality. Whether you work in food and drink, lead a team, or just love great restaurants, this episode sets the tone for what Dig In is all about: real stories, real craft, and real perspective.  📢 Stay Connected Subscribe to Dig In for new episodesVisit Wenodo to explore more from the podcast

    53 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

Dig In is a story-led podcast going behind the scenes of modern hospitality. Hosted by David Durban, each episode sits down with chefs, restaurant owners and industry leaders to explore the moments that shaped their careers. The risks they took, the mistakes they made, and the lessons they learned along the way. Set against the backdrop of Encore Bar in Soho, Dig In blends relaxed, conversational interviews with thoughtful insight into craft, leadership and culture.

Information

  • Creator
    Wenodo
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026
  • Show Website
    Dig In