Steve & Leon Sidd: A Father-Son Culinary Journey

In this special episode of the Cronulla RSL podcast, we sit down with Steve Sidd, Group Managing Director of Catering HQ, and his father, Leon Sidd, to explore the extraordinary journey that shaped their passion for food and hospitality.

Leon takes us back to his beginnings at just 15 years old, working in a café on Avoca Street in Randwick, where he fell in love with the energy of the kitchen. His career blossomed through venues like Matraville RSL, Coogee Sports Club, and Hornsby RSL, where he spent 13 memorable years. A natural mentor, Leon inspired his son Steve to follow in his footsteps, passing on invaluable lessons about quality, dedication, and the art of cooking.

Steve shares how he grew up immersed in the bustling kitchens his father ran, catching the hospitality bug early on. From opening his first restaurant, Snipes, at just 18, to pioneering cafes in nurseries with Green Shades in Galston, and later managing iconic venues like Newport Arms and Sharks Club, Steve has carried forward his father’s legacy with innovation and heart.

Now, as Catering HQ marks 12 months as the official caterer at Cronulla RSL, this episode celebrates their full-circle moment—returning to the venue Leon first worked at nearly 50 years ago. Join us as we delve into their story, their love for food, and the lessons they've learned along the way.