The Bird, Bath welcomes new senior management team

The Bird, Bath - a boutique hotel in Bathwick, a short walk from Bath's attractions - has appointed Ashley Ely (pictured left) as its new general manager starting 1 March 2021.

Ely joins recently appointed food and beverage manager James Rowley (pictured centre) and head chef Leon Smith (pictured right) as a new ‘trio’ of senior management at the hotel for 2021.

In October 2020, Plate Restaurant opened under Smith, who returned to the West Country having established his reputation at establishments including Tom Aikens in Chelsea, Wild Honey, Berwick Lodge, The Pony and Trap and The Royal Oak at Paley Street, where he achieved three AA rosettes. Smith wants to celebrate the very best ingredients from local farmers and fishermen in his food.

Ely's experience includes time as hotel director at Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa; general manager at The Zetter Hotel and Zetter Townhouse; and time in his early career in management positions at Gravetye Manor; and the Michelin starred L’Ortolan Restaurant.

He joins The Bird from his most recent position as cluster general manager for Locke Hotels, where he was responsible for two of its London openings, including Bermonds Locke last September. 

Rowley arrived at The Bird in November 2020, and was most recently restaurant manager at the five-red star, two AA rosette, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, driving the hotel’s food offering to acclaimed success during his two years in the role.

Rowley is already working closely with Smith on the establishment of Plate.

"I am very excited to be joining James, Leon and the team at The Bird and working with everyone at The Kaleidoscope Collection," says Ely. "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.”