Mark Hix returns to 'spiritual home' The Groucho Club

The move marks a return to the London restaurant scene for Hix, who will be responsible for the food and drink offering at the private members’ club.

It follows the purchase of The Groucho Club in August by international hospitality business Artfarm​​.

“I am thrilled to welcome Mark back to his spiritual home. He has been a member of The Groucho for more than 30 years, and he understands the special nature of this club,” says Artfarm CEO Ewan Venters.

“Mark is one of my food heroes. He was almost single-handedly responsible for putting modern British cooking on the map, and I am sure our members, their guests and those hiring our unique event spaces, will welcome his trademark flourishes on the menu.”

Hix has worked in the capital’s restaurants for more than 20 years. He was with Caprice Holdings for 17 years where he was chef-director at venues including The Ivy, Le Caprice and Scott’s. He left the business in 2007 to open HIX Restaurants, with establishments across London, including one in Brewer Street, a short distance away from The Groucho in Soho.

The HIX group closed in 2020 as a result of Covid-19, and Hix moved back to his native Dorset, where The Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis is now the only restaurant which bears his name.

“The chance to work at the Groucho was irresistible to me. I have worked with Ewan on several projects previously, and this club is part of the fabric of my life,” says Hix.

“The Groucho represents everything that’s great in a members’ club - it is welcoming, familiar and eclectic. You can walk in on your own and suddenly find yourself having the most interesting conversation with a like-minded soul you’ve never met before. It manages to be both cosy and glamorous.”

Hix’s menus at The Groucho will focus on British food and drink.