New Milton hotel Chewton Glen named Rural Hotel of the Year in the 2023 Food & Travel Readers Awards

LUXURY New Milton country house hotel Chewton Glen has been named Rural Hotel of the Year in the 2023 Food & Travel Readers Awards.

Based on guest reviews, the coveted Food & Travel magazine Reader Awards were launched almost 25 years ago to celebrate the very best hospitality businesses with categories covering everything from bars and tourist attractions to airlines, cookery schools and sustainability champions.

Described as a quintessentially English luxury hotel and spa, Chewton Glen was up against hundreds of other nominations in the Rural Hotel of the Year category.

Set in 130 acres of Hampshire countryside, the family-friendly property is home to two award-winning restaurants, an immersive cookery school and expansive kitchen garden – all recognised within the prestigious Food & Travel accolade – alongside a world-class spa, creative kids club and luxurious accommodation including its iconic treehouses.

Chewton Glen’s general manager Clive McNish said: “We are honoured to be recognised as Food & Travel’s 2023 Rural Hotel of the Year. A big thank you to all our guests who took the time to vote for us to receive this prestigious accolade, and congratulations to all our fellow colleagues working in the hospitality industry who continue to create wonderful experiences for their guests.

“At Chewton Glen, we are incredibly proud of our culinary heritage, and we continue to offer a countryside escape like no other. However, none of this would be possible without the hard work of our incredible hotel team and I would also like to pay a special tribute to our executive head chef Luke Matthews, who celebrates his 30-year anniversary leading our outstanding kitchen brigade at Chewton Glen this year.”

Executive director of Iconic Luxury Hotels, Andrew Stembridge, added: “It is wonderful to see Chewton Glen scooping this top award again, especially when it was up against an exceptionally strong shortlist, including several new additions to the increasingly competitive country house scene.

“Chewton Glen’s ever evolving offer, brilliant team and consistent delivery continue to appeal to both our loyal regulars and new guests alike and we are extremely grateful for their votes and ongoing support.”