In this episode of the Kith & Kin Hospitality Podcast, Cassie welcomes Josh Shirtcliffe, an experienced hospitality professional with nearly 20 years in the industry. Josh shares his journey from growing up in a household that embraced hospitality to his current role as the manager and director of Café Fifty Five, a non-profit community café located in Thurnby, Leicester. He offers insights into the ups and downs of his career, as well as the passion and dedication that have driven him to where he is today.

Josh talks about his early exposure to hospitality through his family's welcoming nature, hosting friends and community members. He shares how he first stepped into the industry at age 16, working in a kids' indoor soft play area, and later exploring roles at McDonald's and Costa Coffee.

Café Fifty Five is not your typical park café or church tea room; it’s a well-thought-out space designed to bring quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere to the community. Josh discusses the unique approach to designing the café and the focus on delivering a high-quality product with a mission of inclusion and community building.

Josh and Cassie dive into the idea of "third spaces," which serve as essential social environments outside of home and work. Josh explains how Café Fifty Five aims to be a third place where anyone can feel welcome, cultivating an atmosphere of warmth and connection.

Josh opens up about some of the biggest mistakes he has made, including the consequences of hiring too quickly. He emphasizes the importance of careful hiring practices and the damage that can occur when staffing decisions are rushed.

Josh discusses the value of learning from larger chains like McDonald’s and Costa Coffee. He shares how these companies’ systems can teach work ethic and efficiency, lessons that can be applied to smaller, independent venues.

• Josh Shirtcliffe: Follow Josh on Instagram @JoshShirtcliffe, where he shares his insights about hospitality and coffee. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
• Café Fifty Five: Located in Thurnby, Leicester, Café Fifty Five is a non-profit community café. Visit their website, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Cassie expresses her gratitude to Josh for sharing his story and his infectious enthusiasm for the industry. Josh also thanks Cassie for her ongoing efforts in the hospitality sector.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community, quality, and the true essence of hospitality.

Josh's Background:Building Café Fifty Five:The Concept of Third Space:Lessons Learned in Hospitality:Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals:Where to Find Josh and Café Fifty Five:Thank You:4o

Key Highlights:Where to Find Josh and Café 55:Thank You: