This week Chris is joined by Mitz Patel, Global Head of IT Projects at Soho House, and David Broom, CIO at Prezzo Italian, for a festive-but-real chat about the tech challenges and breakthroughs shaping hospitality right now.

They dive into inherited systems, shaky connectivity, labour and inventory headaches, AI that’s finally useful, and why hospitality tech still relies on strong human relationships. All of that… plus Abbey Road, Christmas rotas, and Mitz’s legendary community Christmas in Twickenham. 🎅💻

🌟 A quick word about “Always Open at Christmas”

Before the episode begins, Chris introduces “Always Open at Christmas” – this year’s brand new hospitality charity single. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in just 72 hours by volunteers from across our industry, it celebrates the people who keep hospitality warm, open and full of heart.

💛 All proceeds go to Hospitality Action, supporting workers and families who need a lift this winter.
🎵 Search “Always Open at Christmas – The Hospitality Choir” on Spotify, Apple or Amazon Music and give it a stream, save and share.

In this episode 👇

Why only 18% of operators would recommend their tech stack
The reality of inheriting legacy systems and trying to modernise without breaking everything
Connectivity battles: patchwork networks, microwave links, backups and the 1:30pm meltdown
AI moving from hype to real operational gains
Big vendors vs smaller, more agile players — and why relationships still matter more than features
Christmas in hospitality: on-call IT shifts, family traditions and community hubs 🎄

Wishing you a brilliant Christmas from all of us at Tech on Toast – and remember:
we are always open at Christmas. 💛