Episode 85: Revolutionising Hospitality with Fetch

Imagine a world where you can order a pint from a bustling beer garden, a cocktail by the pool, or popcorn in a cinema seat—without ever leaving your spot or wrestling with a clunky app. For hospitality business owners, that’s not a distant dream but a reality crafted by Fetch, a tech innovator shaking up the industry. In Episode 85 of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios Theocharous sits down with Fetch’s Jason Jeffries and advisor Paul Pavli to explore how their cutting-edge solutions are poised to transform how pubs, restaurants, and hotels operate. This isn’t just another tech talk—it’s a compelling look at how hospitality can thrive in a post-COVID landscape and a must-listen for anyone in the trade.

Stelios kicks things off with his signature warmth, acknowledging the chaotic schedules of his guests—“juggling lots of hats” in a “crazy world”—before diving into the meat of the discussion. Jason Jeffries, Fetch’s co-founder, shares his journey from pioneering tablet-based hotel room assistants in 2008 to launching Fetch, a platform built on a standout feature: location precision down to 10 centimetres. “Think festivals, cinemas, beaches, airports,” he says, painting a picture of guests ordering from anywhere and being found effortlessly with a tray of drinks in hand. It’s an idea born from a pain point—hotels begging for a way to let guests order beyond their rooms—and it’s easy to see why this resonates with operators tired of rigid, location-locked systems.

Paul Pavli, with over 30 years in hospitality and a stint as MD of Punch Taverns, brings a grounded perspective. He’s seen the sector evolve through Brexit, pandemics, and now a tech-driven recovery. His take? Fetch isn’t just about convenience but solving real problems like “app fatigue.” Stelios nails it when he asks, “At what point do customers think, ‘I’ve got 14 apps on my phone just to eat?’” Paul’s answer is Fetch’s clever use of app clips and NFC tags—tap a beer mat, order a two-for-one Heineken, and skip the app store hassle. It’s practical and fun and keeps guests engaged without overwhelming them.

The conversation sparkles with moments of insight. Jason reveals how Fetch’s “open tab” feature—suggested by Paul—lets groups split bills flexibly (50/50 or 60/40, your call) and tip staff directly. “It ticks three boxes,” Paul explains: happier customers, more revenue, and motivated teams. Data backs this up—Jason notes basket values jumping 30-40% when guests can order seamlessly. For hospitality businesses scraping by on thin margins, that’s a game-changer.

Then there’s the Table Tracker, a futuristic gem using LIDAR and computer vision to monitor drink levels in real time. Stelios laughs, imagining his dad’s reaction—expecting a server to refill his glass anyway magically—but Jason’s serious: with staff shortages plaguing the industry, tech like this keeps service humming. Paul adds a sobering dose of reality, detailing how pubs and restaurants face years of debt and a staffing crisis post-COVID. His call for government support—VAT cuts, business rate relief, and longer-term planning—feels urgent and informed, not emotional grandstanding.

What makes this episode sing is its balance of innovation and pragmatism. Jason’s vision of drones dropping off fries at festivals might sound sci-fi, but it’s paired with Paul’s candid take on a cashless future still a decade away—his mum still shuffles cash between accounts. Stelios keeps it relatable, sharing his own shift to wallet-free outings thanks to Apple Pay, a sentiment many operators will recognise as guests ditch cash.

The standout quote? Paul’s blunt truth: “If you make my life as a consumer hard, I’m going somewhere else.” It’s a wake-up call for venues still fumbling with disjointed apps or forcing staff to hand-deliver tickets printed from an online order. Fetch, by contrast, integrates with EPOS systems, cuts friction, and boosts efficiency—whether you’re a rural pub or a city hotel.

For hospitality pros, Episode 85 is a goldmine. It’s not just about Fetch’s tech (though the 1,000-venue goal by year-end is ambitious); it’s a roadmap for adapting to a world where convenience is king and recovery is fragile. Stelios, Jason, and Paul don’t sugarcoat the challenges—debt, rents, and uncertainty loom large—but they offer hope through innovative solutions and hard-earned wisdom.

So, grab your headphones and dive into Episode 85 of The Ceres Podcast. Whether you’re a pub landlord eyeing higher tabs, a restaurateur battling app overload, or a hotelier dreaming of poolside service, this is your chance to peek into the future—and it’s closer than you think. Subscribe now on your favourite platform because with Season 4 in full swing, you won’t want to miss what’s next from Stelios and his crew at The Ceres Podcast.