Robin Hutson OBE and Judy Hutson, Commercial Interiors UK Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Panaz

Robin and Judy Hutson, the visionaries behind some of the UK’s most iconic boutique hotels, are the recipients of the Commercial Interiors UK Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Panaz. Their creativity, passion, and trailblazing vision have defined the hospitality industry!

Early in Robin’s career, he trained at iconic establishments like The Berkeley, Claridge’s and Hotel de Crillon in Paris, where he honed his management skills. In 1994, Robin co-founded Hotel du Vin, a boutique hotel chain that gained acclaim for its innovative combination of unique accommodation and exceptional food and wine. Later, Robin played a pivotal role at Soho House, first as a director and then Chairman, helping establish its international expansion alongside his good friend the Founder and CEO Nick Jones. Their leadership positioned Soho House as one of the most recognised hospitality brands worldwide, known for its blend of luxury, creativity, and relaxed exclusivity, while fostering community and personalised service.

The couple’s boldest venture came in 2011 with the launch of The Pig, which revolutionised the UK’s country house sector. Combining a relaxed “restaurant with rooms” model and a commitment to sustainability, The Pig’s renowned 25-mile menu, sources ingredients from local suppliers and the hotels’ own spectacular kitchen gardens. This focus on local produce, which began with a lightbulb moment in the garden of their first property, is now a hallmark of The Pig brand.

Judy’s design journey has been equally transformative. With a background in occupational therapy, she has an intuitive understanding of how spaces enhance well-being. Her design approach, rooted in storytelling, was honed at Hotel du Vin and brought to life through The Pig, where each property’s unique history is reflected in the décor.

Judy draws inspiration from the buildings, creating fictitious occupiers like “Great Aunt Mabel” for The Pig, New Forest to inform her design clues for that particular property. Her use of vintage furniture, reclaimed materials, and botanical elements create familiar yet chic spaces, adding to The Pig’s authentic charm.

Robin and Judy’s love for creating beautiful spaces began early in their relationship. Judy recalls dining at The Berkeley, where Robin, as front office manager, had access to the exclusive managers’ dining room, a stark contrast to Judy’s modest NHS canteen. This, along with their hands-on renovation of their very first home together, laid the foundations for their joint hospitality and design careers.