Thomasina Miers - How Wahaca Changed UK Food Culture - Becoming Masterchef's First Champion & What Restaurants Must Do to Survive!

This week on the Go To Food Podcast, we're joined by one of the most influential figures in British food: Thomasina Miers. From becoming the first-ever MasterChef champion to building the iconic Oaxaca restaurant group, Thomasina has spent more than two decades transforming the way Britain thinks about Mexican food. Recorded live at the Ballymaloe Food Festival, this is a conversation packed with passion, honesty, and unforgettable stories. Thomasina takes us back to the moment a chance conversation with the legendary Clarissa Dickson Wright changed the course of her life, leading her to Ballymaloe Cookery School and eventually to Mexico. She shares the adventures, missteps, and inspirations that shaped her career, from making cheese in Ireland and shaking cocktails in Mexico City to launching one of the UK's most beloved restaurant brands. We also dive into the challenges facing hospitality today. Thomasina speaks candidly about rising costs, government policy, sustainability, regenerative farming, and why restaurants play a far bigger role in society than simply serving food. It's a fascinating look at the realities of running a successful restaurant group in one of the toughest trading environments the industry has ever seen. And of course, there are plenty of food recommendations along the way. From her favourite restaurants and dream foodie destinations to the ultimate Thomasina Miers feast, we cover it all. Insightful, inspiring, funny, and fiercely passionate, this is an episode every food lover, restaurateur, and aspiring entrepreneur will want to hear. Get 2 Months of Blinq For Free - With Code - GOTOBLINQ - https://blinqme.com/ Watch and Subscribe To Our Youtube Videos Here - https://www.youtube.com/@gotofood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices