Boys Hall in Kent appoints new general manager

The 17th Century Boys Hall in Ashford, Kent, has welcomed Tim Batchelor as the new general manager for the hotel, as it enters its second year of business.

Batchelor, who is passionate about food and drink and has headed up bars at The Pig Hotels for the past 8 years, will join head chef Charlie Dilworth in the kitchen, as well as overseeing some exciting new changes to the hotel for 2024.

The nine-bedroom Boys Hall opened to the public last summer after careful restoration by husband and wife team, Bradley and Kristie. 

In its first year of opening, the hotel was awarded Best Hotel in the South of England by The Good Hotel Guide and Country House Retreat of the year by National Geographic Traveller. 

In addition, Boys Hall will this year see the introduction of a wilderness spa area to the Grade-II listed manor house, complete with a treatment hut, sauna, hot tub and plunge pool. 

The two-AA Rosette hotel will also see the addition of a workshop space and outdoor kitchen for alfresco events and floristry classes. This will be in addition to the existing 70-cover restaurant, which – alongside just 12 other establishments – made it into the Michelin Guide last year for its design and brilliant wine list.

The landscaped grounds surrounding Boys Hall have become a passion project for Kristie and Bradley, with plans to turn the old stable into an antiques barn for visitors to source vintage finds and artisan treasures. The grounds will also become home to nine new bedroom huts scattered in the gardens, set to open later this year. 

Regarding the appointment, Batchelor said: “I am thrilled to join such a passionate team at Boys Hall and look forward to heading up this exciting new chapter for the hotel. Boys Hall has already been recognised for so many prestigious awards, I hope to be able to uphold its many wonderful achievements.”