Mark Hix joins 1 Lombard Street as director of food and beverage

Mark Hix has joined 1 Lombard Street in the City of London, owned by Soren Jessen, as director of food and beverage ahead of its reopening on 20 July.

Hix will work alongside executive chef Robin Freeman to develop the menu at the restaurant, bar and brasserie, which will make use of British produce. The dining room will also be treated to a ‘Hix makeover’, with artwork and mobiles curated by Hix to be installed, including pieces that have previously hung in Hix restaurants.

Jessen said: “I have known Mark for over 20 years and love his passion for food, art and people. I am very excited about working together. 1 Lombard Street and Hix is the perfect match.”

Hix added: “I have known Soren for many years and have always loved dining at 1 Lombard Street. When he suggested working together, I thought it was a brilliant way to bring our love of food and art together and bring the elements of Hix to the City.

“Over the last 12 years I had built up a group of restaurants that showcased and supported great British producers and although I was upset to see the Hix restaurants close, these scenarios can often throw up interesting opportunities, and that’s exactly what has happened with my collaboration with Soren and 1 Lombard St. The menu will reflect on some old Hix classics, scattered with simple and luxurious seasonal dishes throughout the year.”

Hix’s Tramshed, Hixter Bankside, Hix Oyster and Chop House restaurants, all in London, as well as Hix Oyster and Fish House, in Lyme Regis, fell into administration earlier this year. In December last year Hix closed flagship restaurant Hix Soho in Brewer Street after a decade in business due to increasing rent costs.

Hix was named Chef of the Year at the 2010 Cateys and received an MBE for services to hospitality in 2016.

Jessen launched 1 Lombard Street Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie in 1998 in a Grade II-listed former banking hall opposite the Bank of England. He also launched Ekte Nordic Kitchen in the nearby Bloomberg Arcade in April 2018. Before opening 1 Lombard Street, Jessen was director and backer of Oliver Peyton’s Atlantic Bar and Grill and Coast.