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

Celebrating Robin and Judy Hutson’s Timeless Contribution to British Interior Design

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.

Their long-standing collaboration has resulted in a hotel brand that feels personal, authentic, and unmistakably British. 

Judy Hutson, along with her husband Robin, a visionary hotelier, launched their boldest venture in 2011 with the launch of The Pig. Together, they redefined the UK’s country house hotel sector by blending relaxed hospitality with purposeful design.

Combining a unique “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, reflecting the couple’s deep-rooted commitment to quality and authenticity. 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 Hutson, the creative force behind the interiors of The Pig hotels, has left a lasting mark on the hospitality industry with her distinct blend of rustic charm and refined comfort.

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 and shape experience. Her design approach, rooted in storytelling, first explored at Hotel du Vin and brought to life through The Pig, where each property’s unique history and character is reflected in the thoughtful, layered décor.

Judy Hutson draws deep inspiration from the character of each building, creating fictitious occupiers like “Great Aunt Mabel” for The Pig, New Forest, to guide her interior design for that particular property. Her signature use of vintage furniture, reclaimed materials, and botanical elements create familiar yet chic spaces. This storytelling approach has become a defining feature, adding to The Pig’s authentic charm, and setting it apart in the UK hospitality scene.

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 Hutson’s modest NHS canteen. Their shared appreciation for hospitality and atmosphere, along with their hands-on renovation of their very first home together, laid the collaborative foundations they would later bring for their joint hospitality and design careers.

We’re delighted to celebrate Robin and Judy Hutson’s groundbreaking vision and lasting contributions to the hospitality industry!

From redefining the country house hotel with The Pig to championing thoughtful, locally rooted design, their partnership has left a clear mark on British hospitality. This has led to the couple receiving the Commercial Interiors UK Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Panaz. 

As leaders, innovators, and collaborators, Robin and Judy Hutson continue to inspire a new generation of hoteliers and designers through their commitment to authenticity, quality, and guest experience.