PADDY RENOUF
Cultural Host & Luxury Guide
"Xenophilia" — a love of the foreign, the unfamiliar, the other — is a rare and radiant quality. It is the impulse to not just welcome strangers, but to celebrate them; to turn cultural exchange into an art form. In a world where hospitality is often transactional, true xenophilia transforms a visit into a connection, a moment into a memory. It is this spirit that defines Paddy Renouf, and sets his work apart.
Paddy is London's premier luxury guide, renowned for creating unforgettable cultural experiences for discerning international travellers. For over 20 years, he has hosted some of the world's most influential individuals, offering bespoke tours and exclusive access to the city's rich history, social culture, and unique traditions. A member of The Savoy 100 since 2012, Paddy has become a trusted name among the UK's finest hotels.
His relationships with clients, like the experiences he curates, tend to evolve into something rare and deeply rewarding. Some guests who first encountered him two decades ago remain devoted patrons to this day, returning year after year, season after season. Others have been inspired by his artistic sensibilities to commission their own portraits—some now hanging quietly in ancestral homes, others in grand salons in the backcountry. There are those who, through Paddy's introductions, have found themselves sponsoring cultural festivals, commissioning art, or stepping unexpectedly into circles of influence and opportunity. The elegant intimacy of these connections often gives rise not only to lifelong friendships but also to substantial business ventures, born of trust, taste, and shared moments of meaning.
An accomplished artist and historian, Paddy specialises in crafting dynamic, personalised itineraries that appeal to families and corporate clients alike. His services range from arranging portraits by renowned artists to creating house-parties, countryside shooting weekends, and bespoke luxury purchases. His own portrait by Royal Court painter Nicky Philipps, The Flâneur, (below) was exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery.
Based in an historic Soho townhouse — once home to the harpsichord maker for Haydn, Handel, and Mozart — Paddy hosts intimate cultural salons in his 18th-century dining room, offering guests an authentic taste of London's heritage. His ability to transform a visit into a lifetime memory has made him a favourite among clients who return again and again for his imagination, discretion, and singular touch.
Over the years, the friendships he has formed with clients have grown in the most unexpected and delightful ways. He formed a lasting bond with the actor Kelsey Grammer, who went on to portray a character based on Paddy in the 2024 revival of Frasier. He has travelled with clients across continents and, in a beautifully full-circle gesture, has even employed as interns the now-grown children of guests who were only infants when he first met their families. His world is one of continuity and connection — a place where introductions blossom into legacies, and every return visit feels like coming home.
“Paddy Renouf is a cultured, curator of all things London. He is an aristocrat with an everyman’s flair or vice-versa if you like. His knowledge is deep and his charm considerable. Two years ago, we spent a few days touring London and have become fast friends. He is, above all, a good man to know. I would rely on him for the definitive history of London and the whole of England—had we but world enough and time!
A magical discovery awaits everyone, including families and children, when in the company of this urbane lovely man. I anticipate our next visit to England with relish and enthusiastically recommend him to any and all who might be interested in an irreplaceable, uniquely English experience.”
“I cannot possibly thank you enough for our tour today - it was the highlight not only of this trip - but of any trip!!! I can’t say enough about your ability to accommodate everyone (my injury, TEENAGERS!!) without us even knowing an accommodation is afoot. Alexandra and I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday! I am so appreciative to our concierge for recommending you - everyone who comes to London should be so lucky!!”
Andrea Berkley Greenwich, Connecticut July 2023
We CREATE MOMENTOUS MOMENTS
“Thank you for very much for a really beautiful evening. It was completely flawless. Both the Chairman and Belinda are thrilled. Our client seemed blown away. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing! The catering, band the magician and in particular your good self and the lovely Nicky Philipps were all superb; everyone left having thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”
CLIENTS
“Age seems to a barrier for many things....a different tone of voice or a different manner of speaking, when addressing children or young adults. Consequently, the confidence is held back in those young people, and it inhibits the potential for conversation between generations. It took Paddy Renouf one friendly glance to lift all boundaries and spark some of the most intelligent, insightful and candid conversation I have ever had. He takes spontaneous personal connection to a whole different level, then makes a lasting friendship - all the while being the best ambassador to any city I’ve been in all fifteen years of my life.”