Richard Caring is one of the most influential British businessmen in the hospitality industry. Known for his vast empire of exclusive restaurants, private clubs, and luxury properties, he is a key figure in shaping London’s high society. His rise to success, from humble beginnings in the textile industry to becoming a hospitality magnate, is a testament to his business acumen, vision, and ability to adapt to changing markets.
Early Life and Family Background
Richard Caring is British by nationality He was born on June 4, 1948, in Finchley, London, England, making him 77 years old as of 2025. He grew up in a working-class family. His father, Louis Caringi, was an Italian-American GI who remained in the UK after World War II and went into the clothing business. His mother, Sylvia Parnes, was a nurse and came from an immigrant background. Richard Caring was one of three children in his family. His early life in Finchley, though modest, was full of ambition and a drive to succeed.
He showed talent in sports, particularly golf, which earned him a sporting scholarship to Millfield School in Somerset, one of the UK’s top private schools. However, after leaving school at the age of 16, Richard decided to enter the business world rather than pursue further formal education. He joined his father’s clothing company and later went on to create his own successful business.
Richard Caring Career: From Textiles to Luxury Hospitality
Richard Caring’s business career began in the 1970s when he founded International Clothing Designs (ICD), a company that manufactured clothing in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia and supplied them to UK retailers. At its peak, ICD supplied a substantial portion of the clothing sold in Britain’s high-street stores. This success gave Caring the capital and business experience to venture into new industries.
In the early 2000s, Caring began to diversify his portfolio by investing heavily in property and hospitality. His first major acquisition was Caprice Holdings, a hospitality group that owned some of London’s most iconic restaurants, including The Ivy, Le Caprice, J Sheekey, and Annabel’s. These establishments became synonymous with high society and luxury dining.
Over the years, Caring expanded his holdings in the hospitality industry by acquiring more exclusive venues, including private members’ clubs and high-end nightspots across London. His collection of venues quickly became synonymous with luxury, exclusivity, and glamour. As a result, Richard Caring earned the title of “The King of Mayfair”, a reference to the upscale London district where many of his venues are located.
Wealth and Net Worth
As of 2025, Richard Caring’s net worth is estimated to be around £1.005 billion. His wealth comes primarily from his hospitality empire, which includes ownership of some of London’s most famous restaurants and private clubs, as well as his investments in luxury properties and real estate. His success in the textile business also played a significant role in establishing his financial foundation. In addition to his business ventures, Caring is known for his lavish lifestyle, which includes a luxury mansion in Hampstead, private jets, and a yacht named Silver Angel.
Caring’s empire extends beyond just restaurants; it includes valuable real estate holdings and a number of luxury assets that contribute to his significant fortune. His ability to transform iconic brands into profitable, high-end experiences has cemented his status as one of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in the UK.
Richard Caring Family Life: Spouses and Children
Richard Caring has been married twice. His first marriage was to Jacqueline Stead in 1971, with whom he had two sons: Jamie Caring and Ben Caring. The couple divorced in 2016, after 45 years of marriage. Following his divorce, Richard remarried in 2018 to Patricia Mondinni (now Patricia Caring). Together, they have four children. In total, Richard Caring is the father of six children—two from his first marriage and four from his second marriage.
Caring’s children have remained largely out of the public spotlight, though his son Ben Caring has been involved in his business ventures, particularly with the Soho House Group, where he plays a key role. His second wife, Patricia, has also been a supportive figure in his life, although not much is publicly known about her professional life.
Richard Caring Lifestyle, Influence, and Public Image
Richard Caring is a prominent figure in London’s high society, and his lifestyle reflects his immense wealth and influence. In addition to his luxurious properties, including his Hampstead mansion, he is frequently seen at his own venues, which are favorites among celebrities, politicians, and other elite figures. His private jet and yacht symbolize the luxury and exclusivity that define his lifestyle.
Despite his significant wealth and business success, Richard has faced some criticism over the years. His management of service charges in his restaurants and his approach to negotiations with suppliers have drawn public scrutiny. However, these controversies have not significantly affected his status or the profitability of his empire. He has also been involved in several philanthropic endeavors, though his charitable activities are less publicly visible compared to his business dealings.
Recent Developments: The Sale of The Ivy Collection
In recent years, Richard Caring has been involved in discussions regarding the sale of a portion of his hospitality empire. The Ivy Collection, a group of restaurants under his ownership, was reportedly being sold in 2024 for a sum potentially nearing £1 billion. This move could signify a strategic shift as Caring looks to capitalize on his assets and possibly focus on more high-end ventures or reinvest in new opportunities within the luxury sector.
Despite these possible sales, Caring continues to maintain control of many of his iconic properties and restaurants, ensuring his ongoing influence in the world of British hospitality.
Conclusion
Richard Caring’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential businessmen in the UK is a remarkable story of ambition, reinvention, and success. Through his acquisitions of iconic restaurants, private clubs, and luxury properties, he has redefined what it means to be successful in the world of high-end dining and nightlife. His influence extends far beyond his business empire; Richard Caring has played a central role in shaping the social landscape of London’s elite.
At 77 years old (as of 2025), Richard Caring continues to be a key player in the business world. Whether through his ongoing ventures in hospitality, his significant wealth, or his influence in social and cultural circles, Caring remains a towering figure in London’s high-society, demonstrating that his legacy will likely endure for many years to come.