Fathers and Mothers, by Chef Steve West, in aid of Hospitality Action
Throughout 2020 and into 2021, as country-wide lockdowns forced restaurants, cafes and bars across the UK to close their doors and turn off the lights, as Covid-19 has devastatingly swept through the country, during this time I felt it worthwhile to write my story to help others in hospitality in hardship.
The stories never end as hospitality started to open, and now more than ever, it is still imperative to reach out to help out.
The book is two-fold. One, to raise funds and awareness for Hospitality Action. The second, it is written in hope that in some small way it may resonate and perhaps give hope to life, if one finds the mind tools, to rebuild into a brighter future.
The ebb and flow of life has its hurdles, its barriers. My intention is a positive one based on actual, relevant true-life stories from my own personal journey striving to overcome those difficulties to try and at least have the best life one can desire and hope for, not only for us, but our children too.
Fathers and Mothers is a personal view, a true and honest story about childhood and growing up in London. Like many young people growing up, there are hurdles, times when life just seemed so difficult and hard, there are places we go to in our minds which can at feel we cannot come back from. The dark places in the recesses of our memories and harsh experiences indelibly sit there waiting to trigger us into a state of despair and deep anguish.
My true purpose of this book is to show in real time how you try and empower your own life, give you the power to heal yourself, hope and give you a chance. The fundamental core ideas – The 3 principal foundations of ourselves and The four cornerstones of rebuilding your life.
The book comprises of a back story with letters dating back to 1959 from my grandmother to my father, a chef and manager in hospitality. It delves into addictive behaviour, ‘drinking and driving through life’ an unravelling of a journey as a chef, lecturer and taking ownership of ones life.
With stories, to ‘There is no magic pill, or is there’ to ‘Releasing the shackles of Limiting beliefs’ which includes the story of coming back from the brink of suicide, this isn’t a regular story book. It’s a book dedicated to every chef, waiter, housekeeper and manger. Every concierge, receptionist and kitchen porter. Every sommelier, bartender, catering assistant and cook across the country.
Mark Lewis CEO of Hospitality Action reflected: “At one point, Steve writes that ‘this book is an unravelling’. I certainly get that. But I think it’s also the story of a life rebuilt. I hope you find this book as thought-provoking and moving as I did.
“It’s a book about survival, winning and re-building.
“Hospitality has been my life for over 40 years; Hospitality Action is the beacon for so many in hospitality, a tangible lifeline, with the Hospitality Action Ambassadors, and exceedingly proud to be one in a great and noble industry which undoubtedly, and with hard work, give to others in need of help in desperate times.”
100% of royalties from the sale of this book will go to Hospitality Action to help offer vital support to all who work within the hospitality industry in the UK.
Hospitality Action is the trade charity for the hospitality industry. Registered Charity number: 1101083.
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Hospitality & Catering News: Fathers and Mothers: a hospitality memoir published in aid of Hospitality Action. – 27 October 2021 – Fathers and Mothers: a hospitality memoir published in aid of Hospitality Action.
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