The Food Programme - Julian Metcalfe: A Life Through Food

Download Julian Metcalfe: A Life Through Food

Slowly, the hospitality industry is easing itself out of lockdown: but the sector has been hard hit - particularly those high-street outlets seen in towns and cities across the country, offering quick lunch options for a legion of office workers who are no longer around...

In a sector that was already struggling, with slow business hitting chains such as Jamie's Italian and burger brand Byron, what will it take for these brands to not only survive coronavirus, but thrive long term?

Who better to ask than a man who's been instrumental in shaping the nation's high-street fast food offerings: Julian Metcalfe.

Sheila Dillon speaks to the co-founder of international food retailer Pret A Manger about entrepreneurship, his on Asian-inspired brand itsu, staying creative during lockdown - and what he sees as his mission to offer healthy, affordable fast food on the high street.

Presented by Sheila Dillon, produced by Lucy Taylor.

Published on Sunday, 26th July 2020.

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