In this engaging conversation, Gina Noble interviews Ciro, the owner of Ciro's Pomodoro Pizzeria in London. Ciro shares his fascinating journey from Rome to London, detailing the challenges he faced in establishing his restaurant, which has become a beloved destination for both locals and celebrities. The discussion covers Ciro's culinary philosophy, his experiences with famous personalities, and the unique atmosphere he has created at his pizzeria, blending music and dining into a memorable experience. Ciro's passion for food, music, and community shines through as he recounts anecdotes and the legacy he aims to build through his restaurant.

Find out more about Ciro Pomodoro here: https://www.pomodoro.co.uk/

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In this festive episode of Bedtime Bar Stories, host Gina Noble interviews producer Lee Hardwicke about holiday traditions, the bustling hospitality industry during the festive season, and the heartwarming moments that come with family gatherings. They discuss the cultural differences between Christmas and Thanksgiving, share listener interactions, and even whip up a delicious cocktail recipe. The conversation also delves into the origins of the podcast and memorable interviews from past episodes, highlighting the joy of storytelling over drinks. In this engaging conversation, Gina shares fascinating stories from his podcast, 'Bedtime Bar Stories,' highlighting extraordinary characters, ghostly encounters, and memorable customer interactions. The discussion explores the evolution of the bartending industry, favourite customer types, and hilarious restaurant mishaps, while also looking forward to exciting future guests and episodes.

Chapters

00:00 Festive Beginnings: Holiday Cheer and Introductions

03:08 Holiday Traditions: Celebrations Across Cultures

05:51 The Hospitality Hustle: Working Through the Holidays

09:04 Family Gatherings: The Heart of Holiday Celebrations

11:49 Thanksgiving vs. Christmas: A Cultural Comparison

15:09 Engaging with Listeners: Questions and Interactions

18:05 Cocktail Time: Festive Drink Recipes

20:55 The Birth of Bedtime Bar Stories: A Journey of Storytelling

23:46 Memorable Interviews: Highlights from the Podcast

30:19 Extraordinary Characters and Iconic Venues

31:48 The Essence of Bedtime Bar Stories

32:45 Travel Tales and Unique Encounters

34:35 Ghost Stories from Minerva's

38:33 Finding Fascinating People

41:22 Memorable Customer Interactions

43:33 The Evolution of the Bartending Industry

48:39 Favorite Customer Types

51:07 Hilarious Restaurant Mishaps

54:41 Dream Guests and Future Plans

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In this episode of Bedtime Bar Stories, host Gina Noble takes listeners on a journey through the iconic Drake Hotel in Chicago, exploring its rich history, celebrity encounters, and the unique culture of hospitality that defines the establishment. Gina talks to Chris, Bob and Benny, long-time staff members of the Drake, who share their experiences and memorable stories, including interactions with famous guests like Princess Diana and Aretha Franklin. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry and the enduring relationships formed with guests over the years. Additionally, the episode delves into the hotel's folklore, including ghost stories that add to its mystique.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bedtime Bar Stories

00:58 The Drake Hotel: A Historical Overview

03:26 Signature Cocktails and Hotel Culture

04:53 Journeys to the Drake Hotel

07:18 Memorable Encounters with Celebrities

12:35 The Importance of Guest Relationships

15:53 Anecdotes from the Hotel's Glory Days

20:40 The Drake's Unique Legacy

23:58 The Impact of COVID-19 on Hospitality

25:49 Ghost Stories and Hotel Folklore

32:37 Celebrity Encounters and Memorable Moments

39:32 Haunted Tales and Ghostly Experiences

46:01 The Heart of Hospitality: Personal Stories and Reflections

58:56 The Drake's Rich History and Notable Guests

Find out more about The Drake here: https://www.thedrakehotel.com

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