KOL Restaurant’s Santiago Lastra talks CODE’s 30 under 30 class of 2022/23

As we get ready to launch CODE’s 30 under 30 class of 2022/23, Santiago Lastra, of the Mexican restaurant KOL, discusses his inclusion in the class of 2019/20.  

How has your career changed/developed since your inclusion in the list? 

It was an honour to be included: the recognition propelled our motivation and gave us a sense of responsibility to look ahead and to continuously improve what we’re doing at KOL. Ultimately, we don’t do things solely for acknowledgement, but because we love what we do, we want to share our beliefs and our united sense of passion. For me, the 30 under 30 list is a great opportunity to be part of a community of young entrepreneurs and lovers of hospitality in the UK. Through my inclusion, I’ve built great friendships. I’m grateful to still support and be supported by these people. Through the list, I’ve made incredible contacts, great friends and have been given exposure to the hospitality world.  

How do you see the future of the industry for 2023 and beyond? 

There are a few things. I think we have to be more aware of how we treat our staff as people are integral to what we do. By being less ego-orientated and understanding the bigger picture of what fine dining means we will be able to build a new and exciting future. I think we all need to support each other and work together to create a more sustainable future, with happier people who are more confident in their jobs and by building this we can use our creativity to foster new traditions. Fine dining is not about presenting 100 different techniques and flavours on a plate to demonstrate how good you are. It’s about looking internally and asking yourself what you’re contributing to the world on a greater scale. I think that collective good will make a better 2023. 

What advice would you give to 2022/23’s 30 under 30 cohort? 

It’s the beginning – if you work hard, recognition should give you the awareness of your responsibility to create change. It’s an honour to have a voice in this industry at a young age, so the future of hospitality is in your hands. My advice would be to work even harder, create strong bonds with your colleagues and work towards the future. 

Santiago Lastra featured in our 30 under 30 class of 2019/20. CODE’s 30 under 30 class of 2022/23 list will be announced on Wednesday 7 December.

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