Our editorial series, Powered by Pioneers, invites you behind the scenes of Elegant Hotel Collection to meet the individuals redefining modern hospitality – the chefs, creators, visionaries and leaders who shape the moments that make a stay unforgettable.
Together, these stories uncover a more meaningful kind of luxury, where independent hospitality shines as an expression of character, culture and purpose.
In this edition, we meet Vanessa Marx, Executive Chef at Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond, just outside London. Originally from South Africa, Vanessa has quietly transformed the Riverhouse Restaurant into a culinary destination rooted in seasonality, sustainability and deep connection to place.
Since opening in 2024, her kitchen has earned Restaurant of the Year at the Marie Claire Sustainability Awards, achieved three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, and played a pivotal role in helping Bingham Riverhouse secure Certified B Corporation status.
1. Origins of Purpose
What first drew you into hospitality, and what continues to drive you in your work today?
I grew up in South Africa in a home where food was how we connected. My mother recognised my instinct for cooking and encouraged me to train professionally. Hospitality felt natural because it blends creativity with caring for others. Today, what drives me is knowing that food begins long before it reaches a plate – in the soil, in community, in the hands of growers. Honouring that journey continues to fuel my work.
2. Craft & Perspective
What do you do differently in your role through craft, creativity or innovation, and how does this shape the guest experience you create?
My approach begins with connection – to the seasons, our growers and the landscape around us. Understanding the origins and impact of our ingredients shapes how I source, design and present our dishes. For guests, this creates an experience that feels thoughtful and grounded, with food that reflects both place and season.
3. The Meaning of True Hospitality
In your view, what defines true hospitality and why?
True hospitality is thoughtful, sincere care. It’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable and seen, while ensuring our work has a positive impact on the wider world – from producers to team members to the environment. When hospitality is genuine and unforced, guests feel it.
4. Shaping Tomorrow
What change, innovation or shift in luxury travel or hospitality will matter most in the future?
Luxury is moving toward deeper awareness. People want to understand provenance, seasonality and impact. The future lies in hospitality that is transparent, regenerative and rooted in place – where wellbeing is shared by both people and the planet.
5. Life Beyond the Role
Outside of your professional role, what most influences or inspires your thinking?
Nature shapes much of my work and thinking. Time outdoors reminds me of rhythm, seasonality and our connection to the wider world. I’m a horse and animal lover, a yogi and a wild swimmer, and those practices keep me grounded. Living with type 1 diabetes has also made me more aware of how food affects our bodies and minds. Ultimately, everything comes back to connection – to nature, to people and to the responsibility we carry for the earth.
