The Seven Sins of James Hill |
Managing Director, Hampton Manor |
|
Born onto a bar stool at my folks 400 year old country pub. Lived on site as they grew the business and got married there just before they sold it.
It completely shaped who I am… the community of a family run pub is very special and formative. A short stint in NHS management reinforced my future was in hospitality. I’ve never looked back.
Today I’m leading the charge to bring an old estate back to life with the best bunch of people. Winning a Michelin star in 2016 and bringing home a 4th AA rosette has been amongst the greatest highlights of our journey so far.
Growing up, our staff and family shared a long table after every Sunday lunch service. We tucked into my mum’s delicious roast dinner and finished with a game of rounders. It’s those kind of memories that have shaped our vision for hospitality.
We’re in a very different home now but the spirit behind those moments lives on. It’s our team, with all their creativity and imagination, that makes the Manor what it is. |
|
|
Wrath - What makes you angry about the hospitality industry?
That more people are not deeply passionate about the produce they work with and represent… From the farm or the ocean to the plate, we have the most extraordinary story - full of wonderful people passing something incredible from one person to the next. What is there not to be passionate about?
Greed - If all your food fantasies came true what would be on your Plate?
Something I had spent a few days preparing, cooked over fire and shared with friends that love eating! It is the ritual and preparation of food that most excites me.
Sloth - What do you do to unwind?
Light up my Big Green Egg, watch something cooking whilst trying to read a book but most likely being continually interrupted by my 3 kids!
Pride - What are you most proud of?
Being part of a family business that is preparing to train a third generation and have a very, very long-term perspective.
Lust - Is there anything that you are still lusting to achieve?
I respect the food guides and having your work pointed out as being special is deeply rewarding.
Envy - who are you most envious of?
The man sitting in his own vineyard, drinking his own wine and wondering why every one else is running around like lunatics.
Gluttony - have you ever over indulged?
Most weeks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We put the spotlight on the industry's most recognisable faces in our new interview segment "Seven Sins". If you want to know what inspires the industry's movers and shakers or what your favourite food loving celebrity likes to indulge in then you'll find it in their Seven Sins. |
|
|
|