{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/627124e6b20735001442cbf2/627124ebdd89b8001344f815?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Merlin Griffiths: First Dates bartender and pub owner","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/627124e6b20735001442cbf2/1654091998857-a998e5286ebfcded9ac665d1ebf21788.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Many will recognise Merlin Griffiths as the friendly barman and the first port of call for the nervous diners in the Channel 4 show <em>First Dates</em>, but there is more to him than meets the eye.</p><p>Often referred to as the ‘King of Cocktails’, Merlin has been a mixologist travelling the world and whipping up delectable drinks for over 25 years. He also is the proud owner of a country inn in Northamptonshire, giving him firsthand experience of the difficulties in the hospitality sector.</p><p><br></p><p>Thanks to Smart Meter GB for helping us organise this edition of Business Leader Insight. Their guide <a href=\"https://www.smartenergygb.org/small-businesses/hospitality\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Hospitality – Take Time, Take Control</a> is available to download now. Contact your energy supplier to find out if your business is eligible for a smart meter.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THE INTERVIEW:</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li>Can you tell us about your background? (1:17)</li><li>Can you talk about the impact that the pandemic has had on restaurants and bars, including your own? (2:09)</li><li>How have you found the messaging from the Government? (3:44)</li><li>A report claimed that Eat Out to Help Out could be a major factor behind the second coronavirus spike. Do you think the hospitality industry is getting unfairly blamed for spreading the virus? (6:29)</li><li>How do you see the recovery – do you see a surge in people dining and investing in experiences when this is over, and do you have any tips for restaurant owners? (9:20)</li><li>Have you heard of any publicans closing their businesses? Has it got that bad for them yet? (15:13)</li><li>How did you end up working on the Channel 4 show <em>First Dates</em>? (17:12)</li><li>You’ve worked with Smart Energy GB on a guide to help small hospitality businesses can take back control in these difficult times, could you tell us about that? (18:38)</li><li>What’s your favourite cocktail? (19:31)</li><li>Final word from Merlin (20:11)</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Be sure to subscribe to the <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSYMiQAiikesqqT_uel9aEA\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Business Leader YouTube channel</a> for more interviews with some of the UK’s leading business figures.</p>","author_name":"Business Leader"}