From Instagram to Netflix, there’s no shortage of  content celebrating the creative side of the culinary world. Yet there’s precious little coverage of the dark side of the hospitality industry and, in particular, the mental health issues that many restaurant workers face. In fact, from burnout to suicide, substance abuse to toxic masculinity, the restaurant industry may well have more problems than most. Today, though, more and more people are trying to make a difference. From tackling taboos about mental health to creating healthier work environments, increasing numbers of restaurateurs and activists are making employee well-being a vital ingredient of any gastronomic endeavour. So in this episode of The Recipe — the final one of the season — we’ll hear from three such individuals: A Dutch chef who decided to close his Spanish restaurant at the weekends so he could spend more time with his girlfriend. A British chef who has sought to create a “psychologically safe” environment for his staff. And the founder of a social enterprise committed to de-stigmatising  discussions about mental health issues within the hospitality industry. Further information: Alan Bates, Connection by Alan Bates https://www.connectioncph.dk/ https://www.instagram.com/alan.g.bates/ https://www.instagram.com/connectioncph/ Dennis Van Tintelen, La Mar Chica https://www.mar-chica.com/ https://www.instagram.com/chefdennis_/ https://www.instagram.com/mar_chica/ Kris Hall, The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theburntchefproject/