Mark Hix returns to London as F&B director of the Groucho Club

Chef Mark Hix has been named as director of food and beverage at the Groucho Club in London's Soho.

His role has begun with immediate effect and will see him take responsibility for the hospitality offering at the famous club, where he has been a member for over 30 years.

It marks a return to the capital for Hix, who lost his eponymous London restaurant group during the pandemic in early 2020.

The Groucho Club was bought in August 2022 by Artfarm, the hospitality arm of the Hauser & Wirth art gallery.

Artfarm chief executive Ewan Venters said: "I am thrilled to welcome Mark back to his spiritual home.

"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 spent 17 years with Caprice Holdings where he was chef-director at the Ivy, Le Caprice and Scott's, before leaving to open his own restaurant group in 2007. Since his London sites closed in 2020 he has focused on his Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Hix 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 chef said his menu will focus on British food such as shepherd's pie and include a number of his signature dishes.