Interview: Locket Hambro of Locket’s
Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more
Speak to Our ConciergeI’m drinking coffee at a business meeting held in a trendy little space with monochrome flooring, timber panelling, and a colour palette of copper, green, and brass.
But when I look out the floor-to-ceiling windows, it isn’t the hipsters of Shoreditch or the creatives of Soho that I see, but the suits and tweed-clad men of St. James. Founded by Locket Hambro, whose family owns and runs iconic restaurants Wiltons and Franco’s, Locket’s is a café and wine bar that was intent on doing things differently. “For Locket's, we saw the need for a place for women to go after work and have a relaxed drink with friends,” explains Hambro. “St James is catered towards men and is full of members-only clubs and expensive hotels; there was a demand for relaxed, bar-style drinking that was accessible for everyone.”
Entrepreneurship runs in Hambro’s blood, and it’s clear that growing up in the hospitality industry coupled with her experience at her consulting company LOKATE LDN and as Director of Design and Development for restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz’s portfolio have given her a clear vision for what she wanted at Locket’s. For this Women Who Launch interview, I chat with Hambro about the business decision she made despite going against her family’s wishes and the dish that’s become a Locket’s staple.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned growing up in the hospitality business?
If you stay true to strong core values and principles, then you will stand the test of time.
Whilst coming from a family of entrepreneurs has its advantages, have you ever dealt with situations where you've decided not to take your family's advice?
The unisex loos were definitely disapproved of! We also had a predominantly female team in the design and development of Locket's. The music at Locket's is also more of a feature and part of the concept than Wiltons and Franco’s—all curated by my great friend and DJ Emma Shenkman.
As you mentioned, design plays a big role in the overall experience at Locket's. How did you incorporate your target audience into your design decisions?
We were able to see the demand for such a wine bar through our loyal following at Franco’s and by being part of the St. James community. We understood the need for an offering that fits in between expensive hotels bars and dingy pubs. We designed the space for women and Fran Hickman and her team, who did the interior design, met the brief brilliantly.
Hiring and retaining talent is a big challenge within hospitality right now. How have you ensured your team is constantly engaged and that you're attracting the best talent?
We have incredible management at Locket’s and a central team across the three restaurants who keep spirits high. Jason Phillips, our director, does a great job at keeping the team motivated—it’s been a tough 18 months, especially in the kitchen when staffing has been particularly low. However, the standard of service and food has never faltered with Jason capping covers so that the teams were not over stretched or exhausted. Over the holidays especially with the hundreds of cancellations across the three restaurants, it’s been hard to stay positive, but the staff are always smiling and we are hopeful for a fruitful new year.
If you weren't working in hospitality, what would your career path look like?
I would work in wildlife conservation. I work closely with ZSL and the London Zoo where I am Chairman of their Next Generation Committee.
Working in an industry that was particularly hard-hit by the pandemic, what was the biggest hurdle you faced over the past 18 months?
Staffing has been the biggest problem. Luckily we have a hugely loyal team thanks to incredible management.
Is there a dish on the menu that has become a Locket's staple?
Our pizzas have been a real hit—sitting on the terrace, summer or winter, with wine and pizza, you can’t beat it.
Do you have any advice for anyone who's considering launching a business in 2022?
Be a grafter, have initiative, and in my experience, have a good wingman.
When not at your restaurants, where can we find you wining and dining?
I have a small baby now so I don’t get out much! But if I do, it’s Maison Francois, set up by my great friend Frank O' Neill—a brilliant addition to St James.
Locket’s
Address: Smithson Plaza, 25 St James's St, St. James's, London SW1A 1HJ
Phone: 020 3005 3333
Website: https://www.locketslondon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locketslondon/
Share this Article
You Might Also Like
-
The Ultimate Sydney Travel Guide
Your ultimate guide of where to stay, eat and what to see in Sydney to avoid the tourists.
-
Featuring The Best Celebrity Drink Brands to try this Summer
You’ve heard of Beckham’s whisky and Clooney’s tequila… but they’re not the only celebrities with successful side hustles in the drinks industry. Here are our three favourite brands with famous owners.
-
Raising the 'bar' for International Women’s Day
An all-female team from Hakkasan Mayfair has collaborated with the Craft Irish Whiskey Co to create the ultimate luxury cocktail in honour of International Women’s Day: The Golden Nectar.
-
Review of Alex Webb on Park Lane
Whether you’re a fan of MasterChef or not, the announcement that the 2020 winner of the show’s offshoot for professional chefs would be popping up at Number One Park Lane was enough to catch the attention of most Londoners.
-
The Ultimate Dublin Itinerary
With St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, we’ve put together your itinerary for a rousing weekend of culture, cuisine and craic in Dublin.
-
15 Most Romantic Restaurants in London for Valentine's Day
Stuck on what to do for Valentines? Never fear. We pick out the top 15 most romantic restaurants for Sybarites. Choose from a dinner with a view, pre-theatre dining or a post-romantic stroll on Primrose hill option, our guide caters to every taste.
-
Featuring The Best of Britain: Book Festivals to look forward to this Spring & Summer
If you prefer your festivals more highbrow than hardcore, and you enjoy your conversation to be as sparkling as your champagne, then this year’s spring/summer season of literary festivals should have you champing at the bit.
-
The Insider's Guide to London Fashion Week
Fashion contributor Priya Raj takes The Sybarite readers behind the scenes at fashion's biggest event.
-
His Royal Wordiness: A Spare Thought for Prince Harry
Contributing Writer Max Feldman shares his thoughts on Prince Harry's tell-all book, Spare, for The Sybarite.
-
Featuring 15 Best Luxury Couples Retreats in 2023
We all know that setting time aside to clear your mind and recharge is good for your mental health and wellbeing.
-
Featuring Top 10 Luxury Property Developments Around the World in 2023
This month, The Sybarite explores our top ten picks of some of the finest luxury property developments around the world, starting with London.
-
Prince Harry & Meghan Spill the Tea on the Royal Family
“This is a great love story,” gushes Prince Harry, about his and wife Meghan’s relationship. “I think this love story is only just getting started.”
Learn more about luxury lifestyle by signing up for free
For our latest experiences and editorials, be the first in the know. You'll learn about upcoming experiences happening worldwide and the secrets and lifestyle of a sybarite.