A former Isle of Wight restauranteur and hotel owner is shining an eye-opening spotlight on the hospitality industry with her new book release.

David Woodward, who owned the award-winning Keats Cottage in Shanklin, has shared the often funny and candid accounts of his experiences in the trade, from training in top hotels to brushes with celebrities and his own 15 minutes of TV fame!

The book, Confessions Of A Waiter, is a candid account of David’s journey through the hospitality trade, and features forewords from former colleagues and friends, TV host Fred Sirieix and cruise queen Jane MacDonald.

David says his book will be interesting to those who work in the industry and to customers who enjoy the fruits of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

He said: “While I was writing this book, I realised that the experiences I was sharing are probably similar to ones that others have been through, but from the other side of the counter.

“I wonder if some of my guests might recognise themselves in some of the stories I share!”

David’s time on the popular Channel 4 programme ‘Four In A Bed’ is featured in the book, as is his time spent working in five-star hotels around the world.

David added: “The years of training that go into hospitality can prepare you for many things, but it is important to understand that the work is very hard, very real and what the effects of working in such a pressured environment can be.

“That said it can also be a very rewarding career, which can bring many surprising twists and turns, taking you to places and meeting people that you never thought possible.”

David Woodward’s Confession Of A Waiter is available on Amazon.