A HOSPITALITY initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation has seen primary school pupils given a hands-on introduction to the industry through books and interactive workshops.
The programme is led by hotelier and Hospitality Hero founder Steven Hesketh, who recently published ‘Bee Our Guest‘, a children’s book designed to showcase the creativity, teamwork and variety of roles within hospitality.
During a recent school visit, pupils received copies of the book and took part in practical activities including mocktail making, restaurant design, napkin folding and food decoration – giving them a first-hand look at what working in hospitality can involve.
Steven, who runs the Townhouse Hotel in Chester, and Hotel Wrexham in North Wales said the response from pupils highlighted how early engagement can change perceptions of the sector.
He recently hit out at the Government’s lack of support for the hospitality sector saying many venues were being “screwed” by planned changes to business rates.
Commenting on his new campaign he said: “When you ask children to imagine their own restaurants, the ideas are unbelievable – themed venues, immersive experiences, places built around fun and creativity. That’s hospitality at its core.
“There’s a lot of negative conversation about the industry, but when children see it as creative, social and exciting, their whole perspective changes.”
He added that introducing hospitality at primary school level is key to tackling long-term recruitment challenges.
Steven said: “This is where real change starts – before young people have written off entire industries. It’s about planting a seed and showing hospitality as something they can genuinely aspire to.”
The Hospitality Hero team hopes to expand the initiative to schools across the UK, but Steven said wider support will be crucial.
He concluded: “If we want this to happen at scale, it needs funding – whether that’s from schools, sponsors, grants or businesses that care about the future of hospitality. This is the kind of work people talk about wanting to see.”
‘Bee Our Guest‘ follows a group of animal characters working together in a hotel, introducing children to the breadth of careers available in hospitality. The book was created by Steven Hesketh in collaboration with author Natalie Reeves Billing and illustrator Hannah Jesse.
Since its launch, the book has received strong reviews, climbed the Amazon bestseller charts and is now available in both English and Welsh.
