Acorn Awards 2026: Helen Bath, the Old Bell hotel
Bath combines practical business strategies with a sympathetic management style
Position General manager, the Old Bell hotel
Age 29
Nominator Emily Cameron, account executive, Mason Rose
Since joining as front office manager in 2021, Helen Bath has transformed the Old Bell hotel in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, into a standout regional performer.
Bath rose to the position of general manager within a year of joining the hotel, taking full ownership of the seven-figure business. She has led a turnaround of health and safety practices, restoring the hotel from a one-star to a five-star Environmental Health rating and setting a new baseline for consistency and compliance.
She has managed refurbishment projects, including the addition of six townhouse rooms, which have strengthened financial performance while elevating the guest offer, and the hotel overall has achieved four-AA-star status and two rosettes, as well as consistent TripAdvisor scores and multiple regional and national accolades.
Bath leads with a strong people focus. As well as introducing leadership development programmes, she helps those who are facing challenges or losing confidence by identifying roles and responsibilities where they can thrive. A notable example involved Bath working with a struggling team member to adjust their responsibilities and guide them into a role aligned with their strengths. The individual regained confidence and became an engaged, high-performing contributor.
Beyond the hotel, she works with local schools to showcase hospitality careers and supports community and industry charities, including Hospitality Action and volunteer-led recognition charity Room to Reward.
Q&A with Helen Bath
What does winning an Acorn Award mean to you?
Hospitality has been a huge part of my life since I started at just 13 years old. It has truly shaped who I am today, building my confidence, ambition and work ethic over the years. Winning this award makes me incredibly proud. Hospitality comes with its challenges, but pushing through them to become an Acorn Award winner is a fantastic achievement.
Who has been your biggest industry champion?
I’ve been fortunate to have many people support me throughout my journey: Lorraine Jarvie, general manager of the Royal Crescent hotel, Bath, and the owners of the Old Bell hotel, Kim and Whit Hanks.
I worked with Lorraine for a few years and she gave me the confidence and opportunity to step up into a management role. She is an incredible leader and the kind of general manager I aspire to be.
My current role at the Old Bell hotel is something I never imagined for myself, and that’s thanks to Kim and Whit. They saw potential in me from the beginning and have supported and encouraged me every step of the way. Kim in particular is an inspiring leader with incredible drive – one of the most impressive women in business I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She has helped me grow not only as a leader, but also as a person.
What excites you about your future in hospitality?
I’m excited to continue growing in my role and expanding my network. There is always more to learn, and that’s what motivates me the most—no two days are ever the same in hospitality. There are so many opportunities ahead, and I want to make a real difference. I hope to inspire others to see that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. With ambition and hard work, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.
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