The Magdalen Chapter named City Hotel of the Year by Food & Travel Magazine

The Magdalen Chapter in Exeter has been named as City Hotel of the Year. The announcement was made at a star-studded awards ceremony held at The Savoy Hotel in London on Monday 2 September.

General Manager Fiona Moores and Sales Manager Jo Thomas, from The Magdalen Chapter, joined hundreds of guests at the Food & Travel Magazine Readers Awards where the announcement was made.  The Exeter hotel was one of six finalists in the City Hotel of the Year category.  Other properties nominated include London’s Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Savoy, The Arch London, The Zetter Townhouse and Blythswood Square in Glasgow.

Fiona Moores, General Manager of The Magdalen Chapter, said: “Words cannot express our elation at being named as City Hotel of the Year.  The calibre of the other finalists was so high that to have been named as the winner is really fantastic. These awards are voted for by readers of Food and Travel Magazine so I must extend our thanks to guests who have stayed or dined with us at The Magdalen Chapter for supporting us in this journey.”

The Magdalen Chapter has made a huge impact both regionally and nationally since it opened in 2012. The hotel, with its top restaurant led by Head Chef Ben Bulger and luxury REN spa, has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. Alastair Sawdays recently described the property as a ‘contemporary wonderland.’ Meanwhile the hotel has also been shortlisted as a finalist in The Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2013.

The Magdalen Chapter in Exeter, was formerly the West England Eye Hospital. The 19th century building was sympathetically restored by award winning architects, Fielden Clegg Bradley, to become an intimate and stylish hotel.

Original Edwardian features have been maintained and striking new extensions were added to create bright public spaces. Contemporary interiors, furniture and lighting, state-of-the-art technology, as well as modern art complete the transformation of this iconic property.

To celebrate the property’s original features and layout, every bedroom has a slightly different design. Twenty-first century comforts come as standard, with free Wi-Fi as well as iPad 2s and a complimentary minibar in every room. 

Hot on the heels of this accolade, The Magdalen Chapter is hosting a special event on 18 September to delight Exeter foodies - for one night only... award-winning food writer, restaurateur and fishmonger Mitch Tonks and Head Chef Ben Bulger are teaming up to present a special five-course dinner. The evening will be introduced by Mitch who will give a flavour of his food passion. After the feast, guests can talk and ask questions of both Ben and Mitch as they take questions from the floor.

Tickets are £65 a person and include champagne and canapés on arrival plus a five-course dinner with wine. 

For more information about The Magdalen Chapter, visit www.themagdalenchapter.com