BRADLEY HARE
The Bradley Hare was born out of a collaboration of multidisciplinary minds. In conjunction with the Duke of Somerset’s estate, James Thurstan and Andrew Kelly worked towards the mutual goal of building an inn that is at the heart of the village and the local community.
The Bradley Hare aims to stay true to the roots of the building, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where locals can meet and mix with the inn’s guests.
General Manager
Bjorn’s name is Swedish but he has a South African accent, a dutch grandfather and he lives in Wiltshire. He is a keen fly fisherman and passionate about gathering, hunting and growing food. His career started as a safari guide in Southern Africa, where he introduced people to the sights, smells and sounds of Africa.
After his degree, in International Hospitality Management in Switzerland, he joined Singita in the Serengeti, Tanzania.
More recently his adventures have taken him to England where he assisted with the opening of The Parade Cinema in Marlborough, a boutique cinema and restaurant.
Bjorn has a diverse background; where he once led tourists through the rich sensory landscape of Africa, he now aims to curate experiences filled with the tastes, sounds and sights that are authentically English. The Bradley Hare is a great canvas to further develop these offerings.
Restaurant Manager
Conor Riches, born in Carluke, Scotland, brings over eight years of hospitality experience to his role as Restaurant Manager.
Passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, Conor thrives in fast-paced environments where he can make each dining experience special. His journey in hospitality began at 18, and he has since honed his skills in customer service, team leadership, and restaurant operations.
Conor’s dedication to his career is mirrored by his commitment to the gym, where he trains regularly, setting and achieving new goals. A lover of diverse cuisines, Conor enjoys exploring new restaurants and is particularly fond of Thai flavors.
His attention to detail extends to his personal life, where his tattoos tell stories of his passions and memories.
At The Bradley Hare, Conor’s favorite dish is a cod fillet in prawn head bisque, reflecting his appreciation for quality and flavor.
Head Chef
Born into a very large, multi-ethnic family, Daniel describes his culinary style as ‘a refined mix of classic French, with inspiration from various ethnic food styles including Japanese and Nordic cuisine’. His grandmother came from Trinidad, and it was her flair in the kitchen that left an indelible mark on Daniel and formed his passion for food at an early age.
Daniel graduated from Le Cordon Bleu cooking school and went on to work at Bouchon in Las Vegas, where he built a strong foundation in traditional French techniques.
He previously worked at Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds, and also served as Sous Chef at The Elder in Bath, where he was responsible for the daily operation of the restaurant.
Daniel’s upbringing, strong foundation in traditional French techniques, and international experience ensure his food embodies a blend of global influences full of authenticity and innovation.
Bar Manager
Elliot, nicknamed Jelly, brings a unique blend of local charm and creativity to The Bradley Hare. In May 2021, Jelly visited The Bradley Hare with his mum for an 18th birthday pint and instantly jumped at the position of barman offered at the door. What started as a spontaneous opportunity quickly evolved into the start of a passionate career.
Since then, Jelly has become an integral part of the team, immersing himself in the ‘art form’ that is drink creation, also taking helm of the creative side of social media. While originally drawn to film and editing, his creativity, teamwork and ability to create memorable experiences for customers has flourished.
Outside of work Elliot enjoys a variety of hobbies, from BMX riding and cars, to collecting sought-after trainers and producing music. Whether it’s digital or physical art, his creative streak knows no bounds. His family plays an important role within the village as well, his younger brother, Rowan has recently joined The Bradley Hare team and his mum Tracey works over the road at the Bradley Pantry village shop.
When it comes to drink, Jelly’s choice is our Villa Wolf Pinot Noir, Helles lager from Lost and Grounded or a nice and simple Negroni. For Elliot, The Bradley Hare isn’t just a workplace, it’s a family. From connecting with locals to making memories with fellow staff, it’s the people and the energy that make the experience special.