Celebrity chef Mark Hix is to make a come-back in the capital as food & beverage director of the Groucho Club – two years after losing his HIX London restaurant group to the pandemic and retreating to his native Dorset.

The new appointment would seem to be a marriage made in heaven. Mark has been a member of the Groucho for 30 years and the club is a noted hang-out for fellow-celebs in his own arts and media social circles. The Groucho was taken over three months ago by ArtFarm, the hospitality operation owned by Swiss art dealers Hauser + Wirth, which is run by former Fortnum & Mason boss Ewen Venters, a personal friend of the chef for 15 years.

Mark said: “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. 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.”

For his part, Venters said: “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. 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.”