Boutique hotel The Bird, Bath, has made a trio of new appointments to bolster its senior management team.
Ashley Ely, pictured, joins the 31-bedroom venue on Pulteney Road, part of Bath-based hoteliers Ian and Christa Taylor’s Kaleidoscope Collection, as general manager from March 1.
He was most recently cluster general manager for London-based Locke Hotels, where he oversaw the group’s two London openings, including Bermonds Locke in September.
Locke has 10 hotels in London. Manchester, Edinburgh, Dublin and Munich.
Ashley has also worked at The Zetter in London, Chewton Glen in the New Forest and Gravetye Manor in Sussex.
He will join recently appointed food and beverage James Rowley, who took up the role last November, and head chef Leon Smith, who opened the hotel’s new Plate restaurant in October.
Before joining The Bird, James was restaurant manager at Chewton Glen.
Ashley said: “I am very excited to be joining James, Leon and the team at The Bird and working with everyone at The Kaleidoscope Collection.
“I am looking forward to getting stuck in and whilst we live in very uncertain times, I am confident that once the situation allows, 2021 will be a big year for The Bird and Plate combined.
“The team have been doing an excellent job of looking after our guests and serving great food and drink in a very unique property.
“I will be looking to build on this along with a few projects thrown in for good measure – it is going to be a busy time and I can’t wait to get started.”
The Kaleidoscope Collection also owns 32-room Homewood hotel in Freshford, which a year ago recruited a new team, including a new general manager and executive head chef.
