Portrait of Hawksmoor’s Founders – Huw & Will
I recently had the chance to photograph Huw Gott and Will Beckett, the founders of Hawksmoor — a name that will be familiar to anyone who loves seriously good steak and cocktails. The two of them have been friends since childhood and started Hawksmoor in the mid-2000s with a clear vision: serve high-quality British beef, cooked over charcoal, in a relaxed but stylish setting. What started as a single restaurant in East London has grown into one of the most respected restaurant groups in the UK — and they've now successfully expanded into New York and most recently, Chicago.
What Makes Hawksmoor Special
I’ve been a fan of Hawksmoor for years. I could go on about the food — the steaks are obviously brilliant — but what’s kept me going back is the cocktail list, which is genuinely one of the best in any London restaurant. I’m personally very partial to a Silver Bullet or a Corpse Reviver, both of which they make beautifully.
Across all the different Hawksmoor locations I’ve visited, the standard is always high. The food is consistently excellent, the presentation always on point, and the service is warm and welcoming without ever feeling forced. That kind of consistency is rare — and I’ve always believed that the tone of any business comes from the top.
Meeting the People Behind the Brand
When I turned up to photograph Huw and Will, I wasn’t at all surprised to find they were great company. Sometimes with very successful people, a shoot can feel a bit rushed — they’re busy, often stressed and you’re slotting in between meetings. But not with these two. They gave me time to do what I needed to do, and we actually had a good laugh while we were at it. You can usually see in the photos when people are enjoying themselves, and I think that really comes across here.
In just half an hour with them, it was obvious why their staff seem to genuinely enjoy working for them. There’s an ease and confidence to how they interact — not at all showy, just very present, very real. I came away from the shoot with a lot of respect for what they’ve built — not just a group of restaurants, but a culture that feels grounded and genuinely people-focused.
A Few Final Thoughts
It’s easy to assume that success at this level is all about strategy and scale — and yes, that plays a part. But in Hawksmoor’s case, I think the real magic is the atmosphere they’ve managed to create. From the first location to the newest one across the Atlantic, it all feels unmistakably Hawksmoor — and I don’t think you get that without leadership that genuinely cares.
Photographing Huw and Will wasn’t just another shoot for me — it was a pleasure to meet the people behind a place I’ve admired for years. And yes, I did go home that evening thinking about steak and cocktails.
