Sir Terence Conran to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Hotelympia

Design visionary Sir Terence Conran is to be inducted into Hotelympia's Hall of Fame as it recognises the impact he has made on the London restaurant and hotel scene during more than 50 years in hospitality.

Toby Wand, managing director at Fresh Montgomery, the show’s organiser, said: “An innovator, a pioneer and a true giant of the hospitality world â€" the contribution Sir Terence has made to the industry throughout his career is truly remarkable. There are few more deserving candidates, therefore, to recieve our highest honour and be inducted into the Hotelympia Hall of Fame. Once there, he will be among auspicious company; I urge show visitors to come to the stage to help toast the man who is often credited with turning Britain on to good design.” Â

Sir Terence founded furnishings retailer Habitat in 1964 and, as the founder of the Storehouse Group, he acquired the Heal's furniture business, set up Next and ran British Home Stores and Mothercare.

His first restaurant, the Soup Kitchen, opened in London in 1953 while his most recent, the Albion Cafe, opened on London's Southbank in 2013. He has opened, operated and designed restaurants all over the world, with his current portfolio including London restaurants Bibendum in Michelin House, the Boundary Hotel and Restaurant in Shoreditch and Lutyens on Fleet Street.

His impact and legacy will also be discussed on Hotelympia’s Design Stage on the second day of the event (1pm). Tina Norden, director of designers at Conran & Partners, and Joel Kissin, restaurateur and former business partner, will look back over his life in hospitality.

Sir Terence joins previous inductees Raymond Blanc and the Roux Brothers in the Hall of Fame, which celebrates an exlusive group of people who have made a huge impact on and contribution to the industry.

For further information visit www.hotelympia.com.