#019 - Hayden Groves - Grit, Graft and the Glory of the Journey

Guest: Hayden Groves, National Chef of the Year 2013, Freelance Chef, Consultant, Author and Cyclist

Host: Phil Street

In this powerhouse of an episode, Phil sits down with Hayden Groves, former National Chef of the Year, freelance chef, consultant, author, and endurance cyclist. From flipping burgers at McDonald’s to leading kitchens for Lloyd’s of London and Barclays, Hayden’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, discipline, and self belief.

Hayden opens up about his unlikely journey from aspiring pro cyclist to award-winning chef, how sport shaped his approach to kitchen leadership, and the lessons learned from both triumph and failure, including the infamous “grouse incident” that nearly broke him but ultimately set him on the path to success.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

1. Hayden’s early start in food and how important lemon drizzle cake was
2. How his love of cycling built the mindset that carried him through his career.
3. The intense years running the kitchens at Lloyd’s of London and Barclays.
4. Competing in National Chef of the Year - and what it took to go from third place to the top spot.
5. The story behind his blog It’s Not About the Grouse and how failure sparked a new chapter.
6. His ongoing work as a consultant, mentor, and advocate for balance and resilience.
7. The crossover between cycling discipline and kitchen excellence.

Listen now for:

1. How setbacks can become your greatest turning points.
2. Why discipline, focus, and humility are the foundations of success.
3. The parallels between elite sport and professional kitchens.
4. The truth about pressure, leadership, and learning to let go.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “I was probably that second mouse, the one that churned the cream into butter” – Hayden Groves
2. “It wasn’t about ego; it was about excellence” – Hayden Groves
3. “I didn’t need to be perfect; I just needed to make fewer mistakes than anyone else” – Hayden Groves
4. “That failure with the grouse, it hurt, but it made me who I am” – Hayden Groves

This episode is for:

1. Chefs chasing excellence, not just accolades.
2. Anyone learning to turn setbacks into success.
3. Hospitality professionals curious about leadership, balance, and long-term resilience.
4. People who love stories of grit, growth, and sheer determination.

Links & Resources:

1. Phil Street (Host): LinkedIn & Instagram @hospitalitymeets
2. Hayden Groves: Instagram @haydenkgroves
3. Hayden Website – www.haydengroves.co.uk
4. Book: Back in the Saddle – documenting Hayden’s 3,000 km cycling challenge and recipes along the way
5. National Chef of the Year: www.nationalchefoftheyear.co.uk

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