Ewan Venters, the current chief executive of the Artfarm hospitality group, has announced his departure from the company. The news was initially reported by The Sunday Times, revealing that Venters will be leaving his position in January or earlier if a replacement is found.
Founded in 2014 by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, the Swiss art dealers known for Hauser & Wirth, Artfarm brought Venters on board in January 2021 to oversee the hospitality division. During his time with the company, Artfarm made significant moves such as acquiring London’s Groucho Club for a reported £40m and embarking on the development of their first private members’ club in Yorkshire set to open in 2026.
The Sunday Times article mentioned that there were concerns raised by Groucho Club members about the establishment becoming too “corporate.” Despite this, some insiders revealed to the publication that under Artfarm’s management, there were improvements in the food quality and interior design of the club.
In a statement, Venters expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the teams at Artfarm and Hauser & Wirth during a period of growth for both businesses. As he prepares to leave his role and explore new opportunities, Venters shared his excitement to witness the future accomplishments of the companies.
Artfarm’s impressive portfolio includes notable establishments like the Fife Arms in Braemer, Mount St Restaurant in Mayfair, and the recently opened Da Costa in Bruton. The company has been reached out to for further comments on the upcoming leadership change.
Venters’ departure signifies a new chapter for Artfarm, as the company looks towards finding a suitable replacement to continue its growth and success in the hospitality industry. Despite the challenges faced, Artfarm remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences to its patrons across its various locations.