Episodes
Stelios is thrilled to be joined by Stuart Devine, MBE, from the Ashvale Group in Aberdeenshire. They dive deep into Ashvale’s story, moving beyond our last discussion, which was heavily focused on COVID-19.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Natural Batter Mix 📮Join the Ceres email list to keep updated and get monthly offers. 📧 To send your feedback or...
Published 06/06/24
Join David Miller and Stelios in episode 166 of the "Ceres Master Class" podcast, "The Chipping Process." This essential guide delves into the nuances of potato chipping for the fish and chip industry.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Orange Chipping Basket 📮Join the Ceres email list to keep updated and get monthly offers. 📧 To send your feedback or suggest...
Published 06/06/24
In this episode of the Ceres Podcast Past Masters, Mark Petrou hosted a captivating conversation with our good friend Andrew Thrasyvolou, the previous owner of Brownsover Fish Bar in Rugby. Andrew, the winner of the Seafish Fish & Chip Shop of the Year in 2002, brings a unique perspective after a hiatus from the industry, now navigating a new accidental career at Stokescroft Nursery.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the...
Published 06/06/24
Join David Miller and Stelios in episode 164 of the "Ceres Master Class" podcast, "The Potato Peeling Episode." This essential guide delves into the nuances of potato preparation for the fish and chip industry. The hosts cover everything from the mechanics of peeling machines and the importance of maintaining them to the strategies for maximising yield and quality. They also discuss the benefits of keeping a potato diary and the decision-making in choosing the right equipment. Whether you're...
Published 05/27/24
Stelios welcomes Demetri Lawton to discuss his intriguing transition from Stafford to Cyprus, where he worked at the first McDonald's in Larnaca in 1997, and his eventual move back to the UK to run the Ruddington Fish Bar in Nottingham. Demetri shares insights on navigating the competitive fish & chip industry, the importance of systematisation skills gained during his McDonald's tenure, and his business's adaptations post-COVID, including managing pricing and embracing technology. This...
Published 05/27/24
Listen to the dynamic conversation between the Ceres Podsquad! Led by Stelios, the director and founder of Ceres, this team is packed with industry experts. Meet our exciting new members: Mark Petrou from Petrou Brothers, David Nicolaou from Auckley Friery, and David Miller from Millers Fish & Chips.  Kelly Barnes from Krispies was out of action today, so we went ahead without her until she returned from her Sabbatical. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost...
Published 05/21/24
Join David Miller and Stelios on the first episode of the "Ceres Master Class" podcast, "The Potato Selection Episode." This episode is essential for anyone in the fish and chip industry, focusing on sourcing the best chipping potatoes.  With over 35 years of industry experience, David, alongside Stelios, who brings his technical know-how from his time in a family-run fish and chip shop and as the founder of Ceres, dives into the potato growing cycle, the importance of choosing potatoes with...
Published 05/20/24
In this episode of the Ceres Podcast Past Masters, Mark Petrou had the privilege of hosting a captivating conversation with Giovanni Fionda. Giovanni, the winner of the Seafish Fish & Chip Shop of the Year in 2010, shares his unique perspective after a hiatus from the industry, navigating a new career and family life. Mark, a seasoned expert in the field, adds his wealth of knowledge to the discussion, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the food industry. Download your FREE...
Published 05/16/24
David Nicolaou, owner of Auckley Friery, joins Stelios in Auckley near Doncaster. Since David is now joining Stelios as the co-host of Read the News, we thought introducing you to David would be a great idea. We hope you enjoy this episode; we know Stelios did. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Ceres Natural Batter Mix 📮Join the Ceres email list to keep...
Published 05/16/24
Stelios chats to Reece Head from Fry Magazine, the Fry Top 50 Awards. They go on to discuss the development of Fry Magazine, the invention of the Fry Top 50 Awards, and how they have evolved over the years. While they were talking, they delved into National Fish & Chip Day.  ⬇️ Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  💬 Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. 📻 Episode Sponsor -> Natural Gold Batter Mix 📮Join the Ceres...
Published 05/07/24
Mark Petrou talks to Gordon Hillan from KFE Limited about his journey into Fish & Chips with family, how he spread his wings to go it alone, and how he made it to KFE Limited as the Scottish Area Manager. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Natural Degreaser 📮Join the Ceres email list to keep updated and get monthly offers. 📧 To send your feedback or...
Published 05/06/24
Join David and Stelios as they discuss news stories that affect the hospitality industry. They will discuss the news with their wit, honesty, and charm. Today's news stories are: -> ​Greggs Successfully Overcomes Technical Glitch, Resuming Normal Operations -> ​Settlement Awarded in Uber Eats Facial Recognition Bias Case -> ​When Food Delivery Goes Wrong: A Grievous Assault Case -> Opinion - ​The Fight Against Shop Worker Assaults, is Britain angry? -> ​Restaurant Owner...
Published 05/01/24
Stelios is joined by Mark Polley, co-owner of John Dory's Group in Northern Ireland.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Ceres Super Absorbent Cloths 📮Join the Ceres email list to keep updated and get monthly offers. 📧 To send your feedback or suggest a guest, email The Ceres Podcast at [email protected]
Published 05/01/24
Kelly Barnes is joined by Lauren Kellaway, Kellaway's Fish & Chips in Truro, for her inaugural Ceres Podcast episode. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Curry Sauce 📮Join the Ceres email list to keep updated and get monthly offers. 📧 To send your feedback or suggest a guest, email The Ceres Podcast at [email protected]
Published 05/01/24
Mark Petrou is joined by David Miller of Millers Fish & Chips in Haxby for this episode of Past Masters.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode Sponsor -> Ceres Deep Fryer Cleaner 📮Join the Ceres email list to keep updated and get monthly offers. 📧 To send your feedback or suggest a guest, email The Ceres Podcast at [email protected]
Published 05/01/24
Get acquainted with the dynamic Ceres Podsquad in our debut episode! Led by Stelios, the director and founder of Ceres, this team is packed with industry experts. Meet our exciting new members: Mark Petrou from Petrou Brothers, David Nicolaou from Auckley Friery, Kelly Barnes from Krispies, and David Miller from Millers Fish & Chips.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Join the discussion on the Ceres Podcast Facebook Group. Episode...
Published 05/01/24
Stelios is joined by Andrew Crook, the president of the National Federation of Fish Friers; they delve deep into the pressing issues affecting the Fish & Chip industry.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Episode Sponsor -> Natural Gold Batter Mix 📮Join the Ceres email list to keep updated and get monthly offers. 📧 To send your feedback or suggest a guest, email The Ceres Podcast at [email protected]
Published 04/24/24
Stelios is joined by Jamie Bird, the Director of Strategy at Birds Bakery, a family-run business founded in 1919 by three brothers with expertise in baking, butchering, and confectionery. Birds Bakery is known for its commitment to freshness and quality, using traditional recipes and methods. Jamie, who has a strong background in commercial real estate, recently returned to the Midlands to bring his strategic expertise to the family business, helping to uphold their high standards and...
Published 04/14/24
In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Marcus French, a seasoned fish and chip industry veteran and the proud operator of French's Fish Shop in Wells-next-the-Sea. As a third-generation frier, Marcus has fish frying deeply rooted in his lineage, tracing back to 1921 when his grandparents embarked on their fish and chip venture. He shared fascinating insights into the evolution of his family business, the traditional methods preserved through the generations, and the...
Published 04/10/24
In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Jamie Russo, who has contributed to the remarkable transformation of the Redcloak Fish in StonehavenBar. At just 23, Jamie has revitalised a once-neglected establishment and clinched prestigious accolades, including the NFFF Best Newcomer and Drywite Young Fish Frier awards, within his first year of ownership. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  Episode Sponsor -> The Ceres...
Published 04/02/24
We welcome the return of Charlie Collins, who previously appeared in episode 62 and brings an insightful exploration of the resilience and strategic adaptation required in the challenging landscape of the hospitality industry. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the dynamics of business turnaround. Charlie Collins, celebrated as the last person to win the "Young Fish Frier" award in 2020 before COVID-19 dramatically impacted the industry, shares his journey through the...
Published 03/02/24
In this engaging episode, we reconnect with John Molnar, the force behind The Cod's Scallops. With outlets spread across Nottingham and an outpost in Harborne, Birmingham, John shares his journey since our last conversation in episode 45 in February 2020, just after The Cod's Scallops was crowned Fish & Chip Shop of the Year. John reflects on the significant impact of the award and discusses the unique position of being the last winner under the Seafish banner, a title extended due to...
Published 03/02/24
In the compelling 145th episode of the Ceres Podcast, we dive deep into the life and insights of Paulo de Tarso, a name that has become a hallmark of excellence in hospitality. From washing pots in New York to orchestrating the floor of some of the UK's most prestigious restaurants, Paulo's journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business...
Published 02/22/24
In this episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios discusses the news with Jim Cowie from the Seafood Matters Podcast. They discuss the following topics: ​Unfounded Fears: The Truth Behind Russia's Fishing Ban and the UK's Fish & Chips Norovirus Outbreak Leads to Oyster Sale Ban in France Scottish Hospitality Urgent Call for Rate Relief Support E. coli Outbreak Tied to Mrs Kirkham's Lancashire Cheese Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  ...
Published 02/16/24
In the latest episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios had the privilege of sitting down with Nick Hogan, the managing director of George's Tradition, a name synonymous with quality fish and chips in East Midlands. With a career deeply rooted in operations, Nick has been the unseen force ensuring the smooth running of George's Tradition's operations.  Download your FREE copy of the Fish & Tips E-Book and boost your business today.  📮Join the Ceres email list to keep updated and get monthly...
Published 02/15/24