Our This is Hospitality campaign aims to celebrate all the positive aspects of working in the industry, showcasing rewarding careers, the skills that can be shared and shining a light on the passionate advocates for the sector.
Ahmos Wasif had an unusual route into hospitality, from making belts to making pizzas. He started his career in the sector at his family’s Eco Restaurants group, which included Pizzeria Franco in London’s Brixton – the inspiration for Franco Manca – he was recruited by the chain itself in 2009 as a manager. In 2024 he struck out on his own to create Italian restaurant Pastino on London’s Tottenham Court Road, serving pasta made from scratch daily.
Here he talks about hospitality’s constant evolution and its ability to generate emotion and social connection.
How did you get into the hospitality industry?
Before entering hospitality, I worked in leather manufacturing, handcrafting belts and wallets and selling them directly to shops. It was a family trade I inherited from my grandfather, who owned a leather business. Twenty-seven years ago, when I was 21, I decided to leave that path and moved into hospitality.
My transition into the industry came through an invitation from my uncle, Sami Wasif, who owned Eco Restaurants, to try working at one of the sites. I took the opportunity and joined his Italian restaurant, where I quickly fell in love with the energy and spirit of the kitchen. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to build my career in hospitality.
I started as a kitchen assistant in 1999 and quickly developed a passion for the kitchen and the food industry. By working across different sections within the same restaurant, I progressed to executive chef in just under five years.
What do you wish you could have told your younger self when you began your career?
I’d tell him that it’ll be a job well done to remain in the same career for more than 25 years and counting.
Who has most inspired you in the sector?
I have been fortunate to have two strong influences in my career: Nabil Mankarious [who led PizzaExpress and Gourmet Burger Kitchen as managing director, commercial director and chief executive], who opened the door to opportunity, and my uncle, who continually inspired me and showed me the way forward.
What opportunities has hospitality given you that you may not have found in another industry?
Creativity is at the heart of what I do. I thrive on imagination and bringing ideas to life. My inspiration comes from a deep appreciation of ingredients, which drives me to create dishes that truly honour them.
Describe a perfect day in your role…
When customers connect with and love my food – the rest becomes history.
What do you do in your day-to-day that you never thought you would do in hospitality?
Something I never expected is spending time searching for talented individuals and discovering exceptional products.
What’s the most memorable thing that’s happened to you in hospitality?
A standout moment has been growing with Franco Manca, witnessing and contributing to its expansion from one site to 73. And of course, opening my own restaurant, Pastino.
What makes hospitality such a fun industry to work in?
It combines precision, emotion, social connection and genuine appreciation.
What three words describe hospitality to you?
Creativity, fun and discipline.
What excites you most about the future of hospitality?
Its constant evolution and challenge. Food can never be stagnant, and this drives me to continually push myself to create new, exciting and delicious dishes.
What is This Is Hospitality?
Three easy ways to get involved
Get behind our This is Hospitality campaign and you could help change the perception of your industry.
Follow us on our dedicated page www.thecaterer.com/thisishospitality and on Instagram @thecaterermag for news and updates.
Send in your short videos or share them on social media, explaining why you love working in hospitality, and support the campaign using the hashtag #thisishospitality
Email us. If you have suggestions for our campaign or want to share a positive story about our industry, get in touch at thisishospitality@thecaterer.com
This Is Hospitality
Dining and Cooking