John Nugent
‘Proudly London’
On building a business at the heart of the city
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TU Dublin graduate John Nugent has spent more than three decades building his career in London, becoming one of the key figures behind some of the city’s best-known hospitality venues. He arrived at 19 to work in hotels and went on to become chief executive of Searcys at just 35, with responsibility for landmark locations including The Gherkin, The Barbican and The National Portrait Gallery. In 2008, he launched Green & Fortune during the financial crash, taking a risk on King’s Cross at a time when the area was still in the early stages of redevelopment.
“There was complete scepticism when I told people what I was doing.”
Today, King’s Cross is one of London’s most vibrant districts, and Green & Fortune has been part of that transformation through venues including King’s Place and the Rotunda. The business is now entering a new phase of growth. Green & Fortune has been appointed as the exclusive catering and hospitality partner for the new London Museum, one of the most anticipated cultural openings in the city, expected to welcome over two million visitors each year.
“Those opportunities rarely come up.”
The partnership will see the company deliver a range of dining and event experiences, placing London’s food culture at the centre of the museum. What sets the business apart is its approach, from sourcing meat from its own farm to working with social enterprises and paying above the London Living Wage. For John, the focus remains firmly on the city that shaped his career.
“We now talk about Green & Fortune as being a completely London-centric business.”
Alongside his work, he is also involved in charitable and community initiatives across London, including supporting young people into employment and hosting fundraising events.
On June 4, John will host TU Dublin alumni at the Rotunda in King’s Cross, bringing his journey and the alumni community together in the heart of the city.