This week’s What’s eating William Murray sees our team exploring some of the country’s newest food hall hotspots and going from field to fork in the hunt for the perfect pumpkin.

Pumpkin picking

No longer is it acceptable to pick up a Halloween pumpkin from your local supermarket, oh no, our Instagram feeds have been back-to-back shots of foodies frolicking in fields of October’s favourite root vegetable for the last fortnight. So, if you can’t beat ‘em…drag the kids down to your nearest pumpkin patch.

Many local farms and garden centres are putting on special pumpkin picking activities during half term and Halloween weekend as Sarah discovered at her nearest Planters Garden Centre in Staffordshire. She says: “There’s something so wholesome about being out in the fresh air hunting for the perfect pumpkin then carving it together. Pumpkin soup is definitely on our lunch list for the next week and then, after a month’s obsession, we’ll all inevitably forget all about them until next October rolls around!”.”

Getting social in Epsom

The trend for food halls is showing no sign of slowing down as they begin to pop up in towns and cities across the country. Surrey is the latest county to get its own food hall hub in the guise of Epsom Social.

Danae popped along to see what the first food hall in Surrey had to offer. She says: “I was excited to try a new spot and see if it lived up to some of my favourite food halls in London. We tried a delicious Venezuelan platter and some oozy cheesy arancini. Can confirm that Epsom Social has a great vibe with delicious food choices, occasional live music and a fun place to hang out for the evening!”

Vaux-pops

Keeping with the food hall theme, a few of the team headed down to the newest site from boutique food hall group Market Place London, under the arches right next to Vauxhall station.

We were spoiled for choice from the large selection of small, independent brands but settled on Sri Lankan spot Karapincha who lured us in with their delicious tasters so we couldn’t resist but get a full portion of the authentic Kothu Roti (chopped Sri Lankan roti bread stir fried with egg, vegetables and flavoured with a blend of Sri Lankan curries). We’ll definitely be going back to try some of the other delicious options on offer.

P.S. Thinking about trying out the new McDonalds McCrispy? Liz says not to bother…

“So, I tried the new McCrispy at the weekend – the first new permanent chicken burger the company has launched in 15 years. Described as a ‘game changer’ I’d have to agree with the general consensus: it’s not. More exciting would have been a new permanent plant-based option or an alternative to fries. I’m crying out for a vegan/dairy-free Mcflurry or milkshake. But beyond that, it’s also a lesson for marketers when it comes to making big claims that can’t live up to the taste test.”

By Rachel Taylor, managing director 

Did you know that in a single week, high quality CEO thought leadership can drive an average of $367 million in shareholder value? 

Me neither. But according to this article by Axois, the American news website and media company, real money and real momentum is there for the taking – if you do it well. 

Why this stat matters to me as a comms specialist (and why it should matter to you, too) 

Thought leadership is more than just op-eds and LinkedIn posts. It’s a strategic lever to fuel business growth.  

When a leader says something clear, useful and human, it changes how customers, investors, partners and employees behave. That ripple turns into meetings, sales, deals, hires, and yes, market value. 

What good thought leadership actually looks like: 

• A sharp point of view. Not safe. Not vague. Something people can repeat. 

• Plain language. No jargon. Real sentences that sound like a human. 

• A useful takeaway. People should leave knowing what to do next. 

• Perfect timing. The same idea can flop or fly depending on when and where it lands. 

How we help leaders turn thoughts and ideas into business impact 

We treat thought leadership as a strategic engine that delivers real commercial results. We advise and guide, prototype, test and measure.  

Here’s the short version of how we do it: 

• Find the signal. We dig until we find the gold – that one idea that only you, or your CEO, can own. 

• Make it sing. We shape that idea into a crisp, repeatable message that energises and inspires your stakeholders.  

• Launch it smart. We create targeted amplification strategies that demand attention and reach all the right audience groups with laser-like precision. 

• Measure the right things. We’re not about vanity metrics here at William Murray.  Quality, sentiment, inbound conversations, sales leads and business signals matter to us. 

Let’s make your voice heard

If you want your ideas – or your leader’s ideas – to open doors, change minds, influence customers and drive business growth, we can help you find the signal and make the market listen.  

No fluff.  

Just ideas that move people – and numbers. 

 

We know first-hand that careers in foodservice and hospitality are built on relationships. That’s why we’re proud to be returning for a second year as partners of the Arena Networking Navigator Programme 2026, alongside Arena and Performance Works International. 

Following a successful inaugural year, the programme is back with renewed momentum and a clear purpose: to continue addressing a recognised skills gap among early-career professionals who have not always had access to the in-person networking experiences that are so vital to long-term success in our industry. As the way we work evolves, the ability to form meaningful, career-defining connections remains a critical skill – and one that doesn’t always come naturally. 

Launching in February 2026, the six-session hybrid programme once again blends expert-led online learning with high-impact, face-to-face experiences at two flagship Arena events. The structure is designed to build confidence step by step, ensuring delegates can put theory into practice in real-world industry settings. 

The programme begins with the fundamentals: understanding why networking matters, what makes a strong first impression and how to become a more effective, authentic networker. Delegates then focus on refining their elevator pitch, learning how to break the ice, prepare for events and adapt their approach for in-person and online environments. 

A core strength of the Networking Navigator is the opportunity to practise these skills live. The Arena Futures Live Event provides a supportive space for delegates to connect with peers and industry leaders, while Networking 101 sessions tackle practical challenges such as entering and exiting conversations, steering discussions with confidence, following up effectively and approaching new contacts. 

Preparation for one of Arena’s most prestigious events is another key milestone. Delegates will set clear objectives, rehearse introductions and receive practical guidance ahead of the Arena Savoy Lecture at The Savoy, London. The programme concludes with a graduation ceremony at the Savoy Lecture itself, where participants are invited on stage to receive their certificates. 

Our own Olivia Charles was one of the successful 2025 cohort. Here’s what she had to say about it: “Before joining the Networking Navigator programme, networking felt daunting. The course pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me realise that most people feel exactly the same. We are all simply there to connect. It shifted my mindset, strengthened my confidence and gave me practical tools to approach people, hold meaningful conversations and navigate interactions with ease. It has been a genuinely valuable experience for both my personal and professional development.”

Priced at £950 + VAT, including attendance at both Arena Futures and the Arena Savoy Lecture, the Arena Networking Navigator Programme is a powerful investment in future industry leaders. 

Head to area.org.uk for details.