The Big Interview

Hospitality gurus join forces on new venture

Back in late 2019, the world was a different place. COVID-19 was unheard of in the UK, people could socialise normally and bars, restaurants and hotels were open for business as usual.

It seemed, therefore, a perfectly reasonable time to start a business venture, so Hector Ross and Ronnie Kimbugwe – two seasoned professionals in the leisure and hospitality industries – did just that.

They launched The Signet Collection with the aim of building a chain of boutique hotels that are unique to the location in which they’re based. The first hotel to open its doors was The Mitre in historic Hampton Court – the former home of Henry VIII in Kingston upon Thames. Then the pandemic took hold.

“It was good timing, wasn’t it!” jokes Hector. “We set out with the intention of creating memorable experiences and extraordinary boutique hotels in time-honoured places in great locations. We wanted to renovate iconic buildings and bring them back to life as venues that offer an exceptional dining experience with top-notch food.

“Ronnie and I purchased and completely renovated The Mitre and then everything was thrown into chaos by the pandemic. It was a scary moment but we decided to stay positive and see it as an opportunity. We contacted the builders and carried on with the refurbishment programme while offering takeaway food from a large truck. By making an effort to connect with the community and engage with the locals, we encouraged them to stay loyal to us when lockdown restrictions were lifted.”

The Mitre eventually reopened its doors in September 2020 and has proved popular with customers. Much of its popularity is down to the fine cuisine served by seasoned chef Ronnie, who learned his trade under the tutelage of Gordon Ramsay.

Ronnie says: “Good food is nurturing and restorative; it brings people together. It’s why we champion British produce, local independent growers and suppliers who we know and trust.

“I want people to have a positive dining experience that leaves a lasting imprint on their memory. They might try an ingredient that they haven’t had before or enjoy a classical dish with a twist. Basically, food should be fun, both for the customers who eat it and the people who make and serve it.”

Ronnie’s words illustrate his passion for the hospitality industry, a sector he’s worked in for about 20 years. As well as working in a variety of Hilton Hotel restaurants, he also spent more than six years with the Gordon Ramsay group at Claridges and Bel & The Dragon Country Inns, where he created a successful group of gastropubs across the south of England.

Gordon Ramsay was always incredibly fair with me,” says Ronnie. “I learned a lot from him, particularly the art of developing staff and getting them to buy into the food and menus that we were trying to deliver.”

Hector, meanwhile, worked as a city trader initially before going down the restaurant route and branching into pubs and events. Prior to launching The Signet Collection, he was a partner and COO of Longshot, where he was responsible for the day-today running of Bel & The Dragon. There he worked with Ronnie until the successful sale of the business to Fullers in 2018 led to Hector’s departure.

Hector then spent the next year raising cash for his latest venture and, once this had been achieved, had no hesitation in asking Ronnie to accompany him on the journey. The duo quickly set about creating jobs for local talent; The Signet Collection currently has around 100 staff on the payroll, many of whom are from the borough of Kingston. That number may increase as other venues are launched around the country. The Retreat near Newbury in west Berkshire is next in line to open its doors.

Hector says: “Our gameplan is to have venues that offer fine cuisine, employ local people and use locally sourced produce in a sustainable way. We’ve already seen how this approach has benefited the good people of Kingston, Surbiton and Richmond, and we’re confident that it will work in other areas too.”

Favourite food?

Hector: A plate of oysters with a glass of chilled white wine on a summer evening whilst overlooking the Thames outside The Mitre Hotel.

Ronnie: Essentially, I just like to eat fresh food as long as it’s tasty and wholesome.

Favourite tipple?

Hector: Hampton Court gin and tonic.

Ronnie: A chilled-out beer with the team. At The Mitre we have an ale called Six Wives, which I’m particularly fond of. If I’m treating myself or friends, I don’t think you can go wrong with Bollinger.

Favourite holiday?

Hector: Bucket and spading on a Scottish beach.

Ronnie: Visiting my home in Uganda, East Africa.

Describe your family life?

Hector: Full on! I have three young boys, who are great fun and full of adventure.

Ronnie: I’m a new father; I have a one-year-old and I enjoy going for walks and hanging out.

How do you spend your downtime?

Hector: With the children and entertaining friends and family. We have an open-door policy at home and enjoy the house being full of laughter around the dining table.

Ronnie: With my family.

What are your key strengths as a manager?

Hector: My people skills. I play to the strengths of my employees through encouragement and coaching. Ronnie: My desire to engage with my team and get total involvement from them.

And your limitations?

Hector: My inability to say no.

Ronnie: Sometimes I struggle to manage my time. We’re running a busy, fluid business here at The Mitre and it’s often difficult to find time to deal with staff issues and suppliers.

Best thing about doing business in the borough?

Hector: Getting to know our neighbouring businesses and customers. We’ve been fortunate to have made many friends who’ve supported us during this new era for The Mitre.

Ronnie: The local clientele. We love our guests and their wholehearted approach.

Famous person you’d most like to spend dinner with?

Hector: Henry VIII, the Queen, Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemmingway.

Ronnie: Barack Obama. The conversation would be interesting and fun!

Most interesting fact about yourself?

Hector: My first job was in a gun shop. On my first day The Beatles came in and I served Paul McCartney, who bought a handkerchief!

Ronnie: I have an unbridled passion for hospitality. I firmly believe that this industry can lead to a wide range of rewarding careers.