Less than a year after opening its doors, Kent wedding and events venue Chapel House Estate has been named as the Hospitality and Events Start Up of the Year at the South East finals of the StartUp Awards 2023.
Blending seamlessly into the Kentish countryside, Chapel House Estate is a luxury, leading, family-run independent wedding and events venue. Located in Minster, Kent, this 732-year-old chapel surrounded by 35 acres is a brand new luxury outdoor destination wedding, stays, and events venue that opened at the end of July 2022. Nestled in romantic gardens and orchards, it has fast become a popular destination for couples to wed, and this award recognises its successful first year of business.
Built from the ground up by owner Darren Ellis, Chapel House Estate has everything couples need for their perfect wedding day, from the lovingly converted old malt granary where they can hold their ceremony, to the sympathetically restored 13th century chapel which now boasts five-bedrooms of luxurious accommodation – ideal for housing the bridal party before or after the big day. The onsite No 9 Restaurant with a changing locally sourced menu provides catering for weddings and events, and there’s even nine hideaway lodges, enabling up to 34 people to stay at the estate.
The awards
The awards, which took place on June 1st 2023, recognised Chapel House Estate for its transformation and success in becoming a destination wedding and events venue.
“I’m so proud of everything my team and I have achieved in such a short space of time. This award goes to everyone involved in the project from contractors to front and back of house staff ,” says Darren Ellis, owner of Chapel House Estate.
“I feel very proud to open such a beautiful venue and to become a custodian of such a charming, precious and ancient Grade II listed Flint and Stone-built building now made available with some serious investment for weddings, events and stays. We can’t wait to welcome you to our now award-winning best wedding and events venue in Thanet, Kent!”
StartUp Awards 2023
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, creator of the awards, recognised businesses’ entrepreneurial spirit during tough times. He said:
“In the second year of the South East Startup Awards, we have seen yet again the incredible contribution of new businesses to job creation, innovation, and prosperity across the whole of this entrepreneurial nation. It’s been an honour and a pleasure to read the stories of those individuals from across the South East who have spotted the opportunity and taken the risk to launch their own venture, especially at a time when the economy is still fragile after the Covid pandemic.”
With lovely romantic gardens, a wild apple orchard for outdoor licenced ceremonies, Chapel House Estate emphasises elegance and rustic charm, showcasing the best Kent has to offer. Couples can choose to marry outside or in the lovely converted Old Malt Granary and then party in the purpose-built Thorne Barn for up to 150 seated guests or 200 standing.
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About Chapel House Estate
Blending seamlessly into the Kentish countryside, Chapel House Estate is a luxury, leading, family-run independent wedding and events venue. Located in Minster, Kent, this 732-year-old chapel surrounded by 35 acres is less than a mile from the picturesque East Kent Coast and yet from May 2023 only over an hour from London on the High Speed train.
About the National StartUp Awards
The StartUp Awards recognises the achievements of those amazing individuals who have had a great idea, spotted the opportunity and taken the risks to launch a new product or service. Already established and thriving in Wales, the StartUp Awards is now taking the passion and drive to celebrate new business and extending across the whole of the United Kingdom.
