Nailing It

Nailing It

Nailing it is dedicated to sharing inspiring success stories as well as valuable business advice for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone who just wants to nail it in life. This podcast will share practical tips on how to nail it at work or with your own business and meet those who are nailing it in their fields. 

  1. 12: Nailing It #12 - Bold Ideas, Brutal Setbacks, and Bouncebackability - lessons from 15 years in hospitality with Liverpool restauranteur Peter Kinsella

    04/30/2025

    12: Nailing It #12 - Bold Ideas, Brutal Setbacks, and Bouncebackability - lessons from 15 years in hospitality with Liverpool restauranteur Peter Kinsella

    Peter Kinsella, owner of Liverpool's much-loved restaurant and deli brand Lunya, has seen it all during 15 years in the hospitality industry. In this edition of the Nailing It podcast, Peter joins host Jay Hynd for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of building a successful food business, from bold ideas to brutal setbacks. Inspired by Barcelona's bustling tapas culture, the Wirral-born entrepreneur took a leap of faith to open Lunya in the then-new Liverpool ONE.  Little did he know that the 2008 financial crash lurked in the background. And that was just the start. In his decade and a half at the helm, Peter has steered Lunya through its fair share of storms — including the seismic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet today, Lunya and its Albert Dock sister restaurant, Lunyalita, remain a fixture of the city's dining scene. In this frank and fascinating chat, Peter reflects on how a mix of quality, authenticity and savvy decision-making has kept the brand thriving.  Packed with practical insight for anyone starting out in business, especially in food, hospitality, or retail, this must listen episode shows how staying true to your values may be the ultimate strategy for success.  "Brand is everything," Peter says. "Imagine having a bar of Blackpool rock. No matter where you snap it, it says Blackpool halfway up. A business should be like that." Snap Peter in half and the chances are it'd read: Catalan inspired. Merseyside made.

    49 min
  2. 9: Nailing it #9 - Liverpool food icon Maray and its story so far

    07/04/2024

    9: Nailing it #9 - Liverpool food icon Maray and its story so far

    In this episode of Nailing It, we dive into the fascinating journey of Liverpool food icon, Maray and Tom White, a key figure in Liverpool’s vibrant food scene and the mastermind behind QVO Hospitality and the brains behind the renowned restaurant. Tom discusses his beginnings in visual arts that took an unexpected and successful turn into hospitality, leading to the creation of one of Liverpool’s most beloved dining spots. The Maray story started in the summer of 2014, inspired by Tom’s experiences in the lively Le Marais district of Paris. At Maray, the menu is a homage to Middle Eastern flavours, complemented by excellent wines and bold cocktails. Tom shares how these elements combined to create a unique culinary experience that has captivated Liverpool’s food scene. Tom delves into the intricacies of branding Maray, emphasising that a brand extends beyond “a logo and colour palette”. He discusses the thought process behind the restaurant’s distinctive visual identity and how these elements contribute to the overall dining experience at Maray. Tom recounts Maray’s growth from its humble beginnings on Bold Street to expanding to multiple locations across Liverpool, including Allerton Road and Royal Albert Dock, and now a site in Manchester.  He also opens up about the decision to eventually close the Allerton Road location, illustrating that not all closures have to signify failure. Tom’s journey in the hospitality industry is marked by both challenges and triumphs. He candidly discusses the realities of owning a hospitality business, from the pressures and obstacles to the rewarding moments of success and community impact. The conversation also veers into a friendly debate on the food scenes of Liverpool versus Manchester. While Liverpool holds a special place in Tom’s heart, being his birthplace, he provides insightful comparisons and acknowledges the strengths of both cities in the culinary world. Join us for an engaging conversation with Tom White, as we explore the creative and business aspects of running a successful restaurant, and gain a deeper understanding of the culinary landscape in Liverpool and beyond.  Whether you're a foodie or a budding entrepreneur this episode offers a wealth of insight and inspiration.

    41 min

About

Nailing it is dedicated to sharing inspiring success stories as well as valuable business advice for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone who just wants to nail it in life. This podcast will share practical tips on how to nail it at work or with your own business and meet those who are nailing it in their fields.