Preston Lee: Hospitality That Sticks
Preston Lee has helped scale some of the busiest and most beloved hospitality businesses across the UK and beyond — but his story started like many others: behind the bar, with no clue what he was doing.
In this episode, Preston breaks down how he turned personal failure into the foundation for The 30% Rule — a training and operations system that’s helped restaurants and bars go from chaos to consistency.
We talk about what most venues get wrong about training, why being nice isn’t the same as offering hospitality, and how systems can make your worst night feel like your best. Whether you’re an operator, bartender, or GM, this one is packed with real talk and real tools.
What We CoverWhy only 30% of staff naturally operate at a high levelThe mindset shift that doubled revenue in a struggling venueWhy most managers fail (and how to stop it)The difference between service and hospitality — and why guests feel itHow to build training that actually worksWhat consistency really looks like on a busy Saturday nightCulture killers that start at the topWhy you can’t scale a team without clear, repeatable systemsWhat closing early says about your businessWhy hospitality is one of the most valuable skills in the world
Quotes to Remember“Most restaurants don’t have a training problem — they have a leadership and systems problem.”“Hospitality isn’t about being nice. It’s about making your guests feel valued. That’s a mindset.”
Resources & Mentions30percentrule.com – Preston’s training and consulting platform@the30rule on Instagram
👋 Connect With UsWebsite → www.thecocktailacademy.com
Instagram → @welovecocktails
TikTok → @welovecocktailsx
Email → [email protected]
🔐 Want More?This episode includes a bonus Lock-In segment exclusively for hospitality professionals, covering:
Why most training doesn’t stickPreston’s “hospitality hill to die on”Advice for founders scaling multi-site operations → Unlock it now at thecocktailacademy.comHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Cocktail Academy
Introducing "The Cocktail Academy" with your host Damian Cole, a seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry. Join Damian and his expert guests on a spirited journey through the world of cocktails, spirits, and all things booze-related.
Whether you're a home cocktail enthusiast or aspiring bartender, this podcast is your go-to source for practical tips and insider knowledge, served straight up with no nonsense. From mastering classic cocktail recipes to exploring the latest trends in mixology, "The Cocktail Academy" has everything you need to shake, stir, and sip like a pro. Tune in for candid conversations, industry insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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