1 Lombard Street appoints Mark Hix as director of food and drink

Restaurant 1 Lombard Street has announced the appointment of Mark Hix as director of food and drink, ahead of its relaunch on 20 July.

Hix will work alongside executive chef Robin Freeman to develop the current menu and introduce food and drink producers from the British Isles.

The restaurant said the dishes will showcase the “best of British” ingredients, changing regularly to reflect the seasonal produce available. Classic Hix dishes such as ‘Heaven and Earth’ and ‘Peter Hannan’s Glenarm Estate steaks’ will feature on the menu alongside wild and foraged ingredients. 

1 Lombard Street also revealed its dining room will be “treated to a Hix makeover” with artwork and mobiles being installed throughout the restaurant, specially curated by Hix.

Soren Jessen, owner of 1 Lombard Street 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 said: “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.”

He added: “The menu will reflect on some old HIX classics, scattered with simple and luxurious seasonal dishes throughout the year.” 

The restaurant will continue to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner when it reopens this month in-line with the government’s Covid-19 regulations.