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Press Release (With Compliments)
Dated Friday 27th July 2007
One of North Devon’s best known award winning hotels has just unveiled its ‘new look’ following its first major refurbishment in 12 years.
The George Hotel in South Molton which was voted Visit Exmoor’s ‘Hotel of the Year’ award last year has re-opened to proudly display a complete change with a fresh décor and style that owners Rob and Cathy Doel believe will help to make it the region’s number one choice for business and pleasure.
The refurbishment has included a stunning new look for the whole of the ground floor, including the restaurant and bar using colours that bring out the original features of the Grade 2 listed hotel and enhance its ambience and atmosphere.
“The changes are quite dramatic and bring the hotel to life with some fabulous colours including a lovely blue which we picked out from the original stained glass window in the hotel reception. The arched window has always been in place but it appears it was unnoticed because so many people have commented on it since the refurbishment. Everyone has been saying how much bigger, brighter and more welcoming it looks and the locals, both young and old, are simply loving it,” Cathy explained.
The couple also decided to make the most of the recently introduced ‘no smoking’ ban to upgrade and open up more of their bar and restaurant areas for dining.
Cathy explained: “The restaurant area has been given its own distinct feel with linen tablecloths, candles at night and log fires in the winter and there’s a new area with luxurious sofas and tub chairs as well as new seating in the Exmoor Bar.
“We wanted to provide a comfortable area in which to sit and enjoy a drink or a bar meal as well as creating a really special atmosphere in our restaurant. Now our customers can eat and drink in either area in comfort.”
Cathy continued “The décor has been updated and is more in keeping with the modern British food we serve in our a la carte and bar menus. We’ve used heritage colours, wooden floors, comfortable soft brushed leather seating with plenty of greenery.”
They have also appointed a new chef, Chris Mullan, who was previously head chef at the Royal Oak at Bigbury in South Devon.
Chris, with the support of Rob and Cathy, sources as much local food as possible and even prefers organic whenever it is available.
“Devon meat is the best and we can often tell our customers which farm our beef has come from,” Cathy said: “Chris is fantastic at making everything himself including fresh rolls, lovely traditional pies and classic desserts but equally as good at lighter fresh fish and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is already busier than before so be sure to book a table in advance if you can. We’ve even started taking bookings for Christmas! ”
The refurbishment has been complimented with new signs and display boards which Rob and Cathy hope will boost their letting rooms which are popular with business people during the week as well as tourists who love to use The George as a base to explore Exmoor.
The hotel is also renowned as a venue for live music which is held in its function room. It features an eclectic mix of great musicians and performers covering jazz, folk, blues, bluegrass and country as well as stand up comedy.
Further details can be obtained from the website www.georgehotelsouthmolton.co.uk. Tel 01769 572514.
Date: 18th May 2006
Press Release (With Compliments)
A couple who have devoted two years developing their historic hotel as a leading venue for visitors, locals, functions and conferences have had their hard work rewarded…….by winning the title of Exmoor’s Hotel of the Year 2006.
Rob and Cathy Doel who run the AA 2 Star George Hotel in the heart of South Molton, are overwhelmed at winning the title in the first ever Exmoor Excellence Awards promoted by Visit Exmoor Tourism.
According to the judges, Rob and Cathy have worked exceptionally hard to provide a hotel that not only caters for local residents and tourists but also encourages business visitors to Exmoor and have made full use of local produce to provide mouth watering meals for all their guests.
The couple were presented with a commemorative certificate by Steve Cooksley, the Chairman of the Exmoor National Park Committee and Leader of West Somerset District Council.
Cathy explained: “This is such a proud moment for us because we have won the coveted award for the best hotel on Exmoor within just two years of ownership. It’s been a challenge but very rewarding and is a tribute to all our hard working staff. Excellence is our standard and we believe the award highlights our outstanding high standards and service.”
Rob and Cathy who last month won a major contract with the North Devon Pathfinder Trust to host new computer Skills For Life and digital photography courses, are also aiming to become recognised as the leading conference and business venue for North and Mid Devon.
Exmoor National Park spokesperson Julie Lovett said the judges had been impressed with the couple’s effort to attract business people to stay on Exmoor as well as tourists. “Most business people stay in the major towns and cities and The George has made outstanding efforts to encourage more and more business people to stay on Exmoor.”
The first ever Excellence Awards also recognised the best bed and breakfast, best self catering establishment, best attraction and tourism experience.
Julie explained: “Rob and Cathy and the other winners have shown exceptional customer care, an on-going investment in training as well as the fabric of the business, extensive use and promotion of local produce, support for the area through caring for the environment and encouraging guests to behave in a sustainable way by patronising local pubs, restaurants and attractions.”
Rob and Cathy have established The George as a busy all-year-round venue and have hosted numerous business conferences, seminars, training sessions and exhibitions. They have also developed their restaurant and, whenever possible, use and promote local produce, meats and fish.
They have this week also appointed David Bunn as Chef Consultant to help take the business forward to the next level. David was previously Head Chef at the prestigious Thurlestone Hotel near Salcombe, Devon and brings with him a wealth of experience in rosetted Hotels and Restaurants.
The couple organise a packed programme of entertainment that features live music six to eight times a month, along with lectures, quizzes and the ever popular Comedy Club. Top performers shortly to be seen here are Martin Carthy and John Tams, both winners of the Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year. (2005 and 2006)
The hotel provides an events list which is available on the hotel website. www.georgehotelsouthmolton.co.uk.
Ends
For further information please contact Rob or Cathy Doel on 01769 57251
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