Robin Hutson

At the age of 14, his parents decided that he should attend a grammar school in Surrey, rather than London.[3] He did not do well at school and left without attending sixth form. He went onto study hotel and catering operations at Brooklands College in Weybridge, [3] earning an OND.[4]

Hutson started his career as a management trainee with The Savoy Hotel Company, starting at Claridge's, as a waiter and then The Berkeley.[4] He then moved to the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, and after a spell at Elbow Beach in Bermuda was appointed general manager of Chewton Glen at 28 years old.[5]

In 1994, Hutson co-founded the Hotel du Vin chain with Gerard Basset.[2] In 2004, they sold the company for £66 million.[2] He was chairman of the Soho House Group until 2009.

Since 2009, Hutson has worked closely with chemicals billionaire Jim Ratcliffe on several projects, and Ratcliffe spent £40 million on the Lime Wood hotel in Hampshire, which Hutson runs.[6] They met because their children were at school together.[6] Home Grown Hotels is an equal shares partnership between Hutson, his management team and Ratcliffe.[6]

Hutson is CEO and chairman of Lime Wood Group and of Home Grown Hotels[7]

The winner of numerous industry awards including Hotelier of the Year 2003,[8] two industry Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2016 and 2020.[9] He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business from Solent University.[10] He is on the Board of Governors for The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts [11] and an active supporter of Action Against Hunger.[12] he is also a regular contributor to The Caterer magazine and campaigner for greater representation in Government for the hospitality sector.[13]

Hutson is married to Judy,[3] a former occupational therapist,[4] they have two sons, and live in Winchester, Hampshire.[4]

He enjoys fishing, wine and has completed many cross-continental motorcycle trips.[6][14]