Kershaw, Tom

Tom Kershaw, Hampshire House, MRA
Tom Kershaw is known for his work at Boston’s Hampshire House, along with his leadership at the Mass. Restaurant Assn. (MRA), National Restaurant Assn. (NRA), and Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. He also has given much time and resources to many civic and philanthropic causes.
The Hampshire House is a turn-of-the-century mansion on historic Beacon Hill, where generations of Bostonians and their guests have wined, dined, and danced the night away. As the owner since 1969, Mr. Kershaw’s vision has enabled the Hampshire House to retain its original grandeur while accommodating Bostonians and tourists for special events, private parties, weddings and corporate functions.
Just after he purchased the property, he installed the authentic English style Bull & Finch Pub in the basement of the Hampshire House. In 1982, Hollywood came to Boston and found Mr. Kershaw’s distinctive pub in the heart of historic Beacon Hill. Since then, this neighborhood pub has become a landmark on the map of Boston — the inspiration for the setting of the TV series, “Cheers.”
Mr. Kershaw has been the chairman of the board for the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has served on the Board of Directors of the MRA and was its president from 1992 to 1993. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the NRA and served as its chairman from 1997 to 1998.