Bee Our Guest: The Children’s Book Championing Hospitality from Farm to Fork
At Taste Cheshire, we’re all about celebrating the people behind our incredible food and drink scene, from the producers in our fields to the chefs in our kitchens. That’s why we’re so proud to see one of our own, Steven Hesketh, making waves with his new children’s book, Bee Our Guest. It’s a fantastic new initiative that’s not just about a book launch; it’s about securing the future of our industry, starting with the very youngest generation.
The launch event in Liverpool was a huge success, packed with industry leaders and educators. But the real buzz came when Bee Our Guest soared to #2 on the Amazon Children’s Bestseller list, right alongside literary giants like David Walliams. That’s not just luck; it’s a powerful statement that people believe in the mission.
Why a Children’s Book?
Steven, also the co-owner of our beloved Deva Fest at Cholmondeley Castle and the face behind The Chester Townhouse, saw a problem. The talent pipeline for hospitality was drying up because by the time kids hit secondary school, they often don’t see hospitality as a “real” career. Steven decided to stop complaining and start acting.
He teamed up with author Natalie Reeves Billing and illustrator Hannah Jesse to create a vibrant story that introduces children aged 7-10 to the fascinating world of hospitality. It’s a book that subtly educates kids on the roles, skills, and teamwork that make our hotels, restaurants, and venues tick. From the kitchen to the front desk, Bee Our Guest shows the pride and hard work behind the scenes.
From Passion to Action
Steven Hesketh’s agenda, through his Hospitality Hero brand, is simple: put hospitality on children’s radars. His mission isn’t just about the book; it’s about building an entire ecosystem. He’s working to create classroom lesson plans, author visits, and partnerships with colleges to turn that early curiosity into real-life experience.
As Steven puts it, “Hitting #2 on launch day wasn’t luck, it was people buying and supporting us because they know we need to fix the perception of hospitality at the source: primary school.”
This is a cause close to our hearts at Taste Cheshire. The more we can inspire the next generation to get involved in our local food and drink scene, the brighter our future looks. After all, the person who becomes a brilliant chef, a dedicated waiter, or a friendly hotel manager might just be reading Bee Our Guest right now.
To learn more or get involved, you can visit BeeOurGuest.co.uk.