The Seven Sins of Charlie Gilkes |
Co-Founder, Inception Group |
|
Charlie is the Co-Founder of innovative hospitality company Inception Group. Starting the company when he was just in his mid-twenties, Gilkes has grown the start-up into a disruptor within the industry, and now has 400 employees and a turnover of over £20 million.
Pioneers in the London cocktail bar scene, Inception Group are well-loved for their unique and eclectic hospitality concepts and own and operate all of the Mr Fogg’s venues across London.
Other Inception Group venues include Cahoots, a 1940s-inspired bar set in a hidden underground tube station, a Chelsea speakeasy called Barts, 80s themed nightspot Maggie’s, as well as Bunga Bunga Covent Garden and Bunga Bunga Battersea, both all-singing, all-dancing immersive supper clubs brimming with old school Italian glamour. |
|
|
| This year will see Gilkes and his co-founder Duncan Stirling, celebrate 10 years since the inception of Inception Group. |
|
|
| Wrath - What makes you angry about the hospitality industry?
It makes me angry that Hospitality is sometimes not viewed as a desirable career path in the UK after people leave full time Education. As a sector it comtributes a vast amount to the economy and needs to be given more credit and prominence as an industry.
Greed - If all your food fantasies came true what would be on your Plate?
I would have a large plate of Galician beef served very rare on the bone. On the side would be a selection of wild mushrooms, potato dauphinoise and English asparagus. If there was space nothing beats escargot in a very garlicky sauce with warm French bread to mop it up and a slice of sticky toffee pudding with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream.
Sloth - What do you do to unwind?
I love long walks in Battersea park, near where I live with my wife, dog, and one year old son. These usually culminate in our local pub.
Pride - What are you most proud of?
I am proud our business is now ten years old and we have built 11 successful venues in London and a great team of over 400 staff many of whom have developed amazingly within the business starting in junior floor and bar positions to become our most successful general managers.
Lust - Is there anything that you are still lusting to achieve?
We still feel very close to the start of our journey and have big plans to open more venues in London and beyond mainly under the umbrella of our Mr Fogg’s, Cahoots and Bunga Bunga brands.
Envy - who are you most envious of?
My dog, Bertie, who doesn’t have any stress or worry at all!
Gluttony - have you ever over indulged?
Regularly, especially when on holiday.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| We put the spotlight on the industry's most recognisable faces in our new interview segment "Seven Sins". If you want to know what inspires the industry's movers and shakers or what your favourite food loving celebrity likes to indulge in then you'll find it in their Seven Sins. |
|
|
|
