The Queensberry Hotel in Bath appoints new hotel manager

The Queensberry Hotel, a multi-award-winning Georgian townhouse in Bath, has announced the appointment of Oliver Harris as its new Hotel Manager.

Known for his extensive experience in luxury and boutique hospitality, Harris joins the team as the hotel and its Michelin-starred restaurant, The Olive Tree, continue to build on their success.

Extensive leadership experience

A graduate of The Edge Hotel School in 2016, Harris began his career with the Exclusive Collection, moving on to become Food and Beverage Manager at Fanhams Hall Hotel. He further advanced his career at Whatley Manor Hotel, a five-red-star and two Michelin Key establishment, where he served as Operations Manager. During his tenure, Harris introduced a Graduate Programme, contributed to sustainability initiatives earning the hotel Earthcheck Silver Accreditation, and played a key role in maintaining its two Michelin Keys awarded in 2024.

To broaden his expertise, Harris transitioned to managing larger-scale operations at Tortworth Court Hotel under the De Vere brand. Despite this experience, his passion for boutique hospitality has led him to The Queensberry Hotel, where he will oversee the 29-room property and its acclaimed restaurant.

Industry recognition and contributions

Harris has been recognised with multiple accolades, including being named a finalist for GM of the Future at the Independent Hotel Show in 2022 and receiving the Acorn Award in 2023 for being one of the top 30 under 30 in hospitality. He is an alumnus of the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma and actively supports the industry through roles such as Vice Chairman of the Innholder Graduates Alumni Committee and Hospitality Action Ambassador, where he has helped raise over £120,000 for charity.

The Queensberry and The Olive Tree

The Queensberry Hotel, owned by Laurence and Helen Beere, combines historic charm with contemporary flair. The Olive Tree Restaurant, led by head chef Chris Cleghorn, remains Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant and has recently been elevated to 4 AA Rosettes. This recognition makes it the only restaurant in Somerset to achieve such a distinction.

Harris said, “I am thrilled to join the team at The Queensberry Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant. Anyone who has been here will recognise how very special this property, and its proposition, are. Hotels such as The Queensberry are few and far between, combining distinctive character, attention to detail and impeccable service in a beautiful historic, yet purposefully quirky, setting. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to work under, and been led, coached and developed by industry titans such as Sue Williams and Danny Pecorelli. Now I look forward to adding Laurence and Helen Beere to this list.”

Laurence and Helen Beere added, “We are thrilled to welcome Oliver Harris to The Queensberry team. He brings an impeccable pedigree and training background from some great establishments. His experience, passion for hospitality, and commitment to the development of the next generation of hoteliers make him the perfect fit for us.”

Picture credit: The Queensbury Hotel