THOMAS FLYNN

Thomas Flynn gathers a wealth of experience across multiple industries, covering technology, hospitality, photography, and publishing. Employed by prominent companies, Apple, Corbin & King, and venturing into partnership forming the photography studio, Dearing & Flynn, this followed the development of a forthcoming journal, The Artful Eater; collectively, each division recognises abilities in complementing one another. The amalgamation of industry exposure and expertise has equipped Thomas to undertake and perform an advisory position in creatively proposing business development plans and implementing operational management practices for restaurant businesses. 

In 2010, Thomas’s bold shift from tech to hospitality was an impassioned decision evolved from building and maintaining strong working relationships with corporate clients for whom, in addition to professional services, Thomas held responsibilities providing hospitality and entertainment on both local and foreign territories, developing a perceptive connection and appreciation for the dynamism the hospitality industry operates, and its supporting role in forming culture.

Thomas built esteemed recognition as Corbin & King’s Group Maître d’hôtel for eight years, developing and nurturing client relationships and leading the launch of reservations system, Seven Rooms, across Corbin & King’s seven properties, including the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair. Expansion to Corbin & King’s portfolio presented an opportunity for progression with the appointment of Group Opening Reception Manager, holding responsibilities for restaurant openings in London and New York. 

Observing shifting moods and connecting with diverse personalities involved in the operations of restaurant establishments, Thomas’s evocatively cinematic perspective of the hospitality world is a shared vision with photographer, Glenn Dearing, forming a partnership to create photography studio, Dearing & Flynn in 2012. The ambition to capture and document the boundless shifts in hospitality culture, personalities and aesthetics directed a collection of some of London’s iconic restaurants, expanding photography projects to include international locations and broader audiences involving the lifestyle, arts and culture sectors. 

Following the foundation of Dearing & Flynn, Thomas complements photography with the development of The Artful Eater — a bi-annual journal, leading conversations in art, film, design, culture, and personalities of the restaurant world, through a cast of esteemed global creatives, set to launch during the spring of 2025. 

Disruptions in 2020 generated a catalyst for change, advancing Thomas and his long-standing affiliation with Restaurateur Tom Conran, initiating a new partnership forming Conran & Flynn. Thomas passionately led Conran’s established London institution, The Cow Saloon Bar & Dining Rooms through the fluctuating tides of the pandemic, successfully conserving the business, and progressively elevating The Cow’s revenue into every new financial year.

Devotionally engaged with the hospitality industry in the past decade, evolving from Maître d’hôtel to Restaurateur, Thomas Flynn has lived and observed the happenings of the restaurant world as expansively enriching spaces for artistic endeavours and creative gatherings.

Launching in spring 2025, The Artful Eater will be a new bi-annual journal examining the multifarious creative relationships restaurants have with the subjects of art, film, design, and industry personalities, and how their interactions have contributed to fortifying culture and shaping our society.

FONDAZIONE APICELLA

Friend and mentor, the late Artist and Restaurateur, Vincenzo ‘Enzo’ Apicella stimulated a career direction towards the world of hospitality, integrating creative endeavours complementary to the industry. A celebration of Apicella’s life, artistic works, and contributions to arts and culture will be preserved with the establishment and curation of an eponymous foundation in the future.

DEARING & FLYNN

Photography studio Dearing & Flynn was formed in partnership with photographer, Glenn Dearing, since 2012. Specialising in black and white photography, Dearing and Flynn combine their independent perspectives capturing hospitality culture from beginning to end and the lost stories between. The last decade broadened the Dearing & Flynn portfolio to include portraits, interiors and curiosities from the lifestyle, arts and cultural domains. 

CIPRIANI

Photography for the Cipriani Group opened creative conversations and opportunities. Over the years, a bountiful relationship developed with the heritage Italian hospitality house and with members of the Cipriani family, expanding their product offerings, and initiating an ambassadorial role assisting the exploration of prospective avenues and relationships for the company.