Abbey hotel in Bath parts ways with Best Western

The Abbey hotel in Bath has announced that it will leave the Best Western Group in order to operate as an independent hotel. 

The 60-bedroom premises in the heart of the city centre, close to Bath Abbey, is comprised of three Georgian houses and is owned by Ian and Christa Taylor.

The Taylors, who previously operated the award-winning Cotswold House and Noel Arms hotels in Gloucestershire, recently appointed Andrew Foulkes in a move that will allow them to step back from the day-to-day running of the property.

Chris Staines, previously at Mandarin Oriental, has also been appointed as executive chef at the hotel’s new brasserie in a bid to improve the hotel’s food and beverage reputation.

An extensive refurbishment of all of the bathrooms throughout the property will take place, while Allium, the Artbar and reception will be re-designed in early 2015.

Ian Taylor said: “We are looking forward to Andrew using his extensive experience in the luxury sector to drive forward the guest experience and operational quality of the Abbey Hotel as we embrace the freedom of being an independent, privately owned property.”