Mark Hix and Thompson Hotels to part ways
Mark Hix is to end his partnership with the Belgraves, a Thompson Hotel in London's Belgravia, less than a year after opening.
The celebrity chef, who runs the Hix Belgravia restaurant and Mark's Bar at the luxury hotel, will close both ventures at the end of November after the project failed to meet expectations.
The hotel will take over the food and beverage operation for the immediate future and will make an announcement about its long-term plans in the coming weeks.
In a joint statement, Hix and Thompson Hotels said: "Conceptually a match made in heaven, it was assumed by many that similar philosophies shared by the brands guaranteed success. The reality is that, although the brands bonded over a desire to bring a new and edgy dining concept to Belgravia, the business model for this project has not achieved expectations.
"This has resulted in the amicable departure of Hix from the Belgravia hotel - a considered decision, which now leaves both parties free to pursue new and exciting avenues."
A joint venture with the Hong Kong-based Harilela Group, the 85-bedroom Belgraves, a Thompson Hotel opened in February aiming to combine New York attitude with traditional British hospitality.
In addition to Hix's ventures, hotel features a library in the lobby lounge, private dining or meeting space for up to 22 guests and a state-of-the-art gym. The design by Tara Bernerd, of Tara Bernerd & Partners, is described as "today's rough luxury", with silver grey wooden floors in all bedrooms and a palette of greys and aubergine on the walls.
Hix runs three standalone restaurants in London, Hix Oyster and Chop House, Hix Soho and Tramshed, as well as Hix Mayfair at Brown's hotel and Hix at Selfridges. He also runs Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis.
Hix at the Albermarle to be renamed Hix Mayfair >>
Mark Hix to run restaurant at new Belgraves hotel >>
By Kerstin Kühn
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