Wonderful Cheshire Weddings

Author: Paula Brown

NEW Epic Super-Spa Opens At Carden Park
Your pre-wedding and hen party pamper options just ramped up a level with the arrival of the all-new super-spa at Carden Park in Cheshire.
Always a firm favourite on the ‘bride tribe’ bucket list, the new multi-million pound transformation has taken the spa from amazing to absolutely awe inspiring…
What Can You Expect…
The 4,500 sqm standalone spa is nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and is set within the 1,000-acre grounds of the privately owned, award-winning Carden Park Hotel and will offer superior service, world class facilities and a seamless spa experience. The indoor and outdoor spa facilities are amongst the most impressive in the UK and include two large vitality pools, an extensive thermal suite, a glamourous beauty lounge and a variety of soothing relaxation spaces.
The Spa at Carden also has one of the UK’s largest spa gardens offering an expansive multi-sensory experience of wellbeing with numerous thermal experiences and an all-weather Bollinger champagne bar. Developed to provide guests with a ‘nature reset’ whatever the weather, the extensive garden’s state-of-art features facilitate a journey to improved physical and mental well-being.
The Spa continues this flow of nature from the outside in, with its spacious interiors comprising warm earthly tones, feature living walls and contemporary statement furnishings that give a sophisticated but relaxing ambiance. The mood lit relaxation room complete with floor to ceiling windows offers unrivalled sweeping views over the Cheshire landscape, as does the elegant first floor restaurant.
Top-Class Treatments & Fabulous Facilities
The full range of face and body treatments have been designed by natural product house, Elemental Herbology and is based on the Five Element Theory in traditional Chinese Medicine, a belief that everything in life needs to work in harmony in order to achieve perfect equilibrium and even incorporates natural and freshly picked herbs from The Spa at Carden’s garden.
On the opening, Steve Ewing, Director of Spa at The Spa at Carden says “This is an incredibly exciting time for us and the end result has surpassed our expectations. The Spa at Carden is truly world-class bringing together the best facilities, new treatments and the highest level of service. We are now looking forward to welcoming guests from the North West and beyond and seeing them benefit from the enriching wellbeing experiences we have waiting for them.”
General Manager of Carden Park, Hamish Ferguson added “The arrival of the Spa at Carden is our biggest development yet and will firmly establish us as a world leading destination spa resort, fully complementing our other extensive leisure services. I am proud of the fantastic work all our staff and suppliers have undertaken to make the Spa at Carden truly magnificent.”
To find out about the full range of facilities or book your ultimate girlie pamper day, check out the website HERE and get ready to relax in style!
February 17, 2020
The Food Of Love
From turning the traditional wedding breakfast on its head to producing some of the most exquisite afternoon tea’s in the UK, our editor catches up with Hawkstone Hall’s Executive Chef Andrew Watts about what makes his taste-buds tick and what culinary creations we can expect from him in 2020…..
Way To A Girl’s Heart!
When I met Andrew to interview him in the sumptuous surroundings of Shropshire’s most talked about new wedding venue and hotel, Hawkstone Hall & Gardens, he was on to a winner from the start! When an exquisitely presented slate of delectable handmade cakes arrived, I knew this would be the interview of dreams.
Once he had talked me through his creations – all based on classic ‘retro’ cakes including a cherry and pistachio Battenberg as well as his own clever twist on a traditional teacake – we got down to business and I asked Andrew where his passion for cooking came from.
‘Hundred percent my Mum,’ said Andrew. ‘She was always baking with me when I was little. She taught me all the basics and really kicked off my interest in food.’
So did you always know you wanted to be a chef?
‘Yes I think I did really. The only subject I was really interested was Food Technology and when I got my first part-time job in a kitchen aged just 15 I was hooked.’
Starting at the bottom as a pot-washer, Andrew’s first job was for one of the current Directors of Hawkstone, a connection he nurtured throughout his career in food. He worked hard and honed his kitchen skills which helped him land a place at the prestigious Birmingham College of Food.
Once fully trained he landed a job working alongside renowned chef Nigel Smith. The pair travelled around Europe catering for some of the most prestigious events in the sporting calendar and fed a glittering array of guests from world class sporting stars to high-profile business leaders.
Back in the UK Andrew went straight back to work with Hawkstone Hall and West Park owners, the Distinctly Hospitable Group and its here that he has been able to unleash his full talent, securing the post of Group Executive Head Chef in 2019.
‘It’s such an amazing honour to be heading up the team back here where I started,’ commented Andrew. ‘The guys have been amazingly supportive of my career and now I feel I have the freedom to take the food offering at Hawkstone to a whole new level.’
So tell us a bit more about the food offering here at Hawkstone
‘Well first of all I have to say Shrophire is hands-down the best place to be a Chef right now. The local produce we have on our doorstep is on another level and we’ve got so many artisan specialists producing some world class products and ingredients.
‘Here on the estate itself we of one of the oldest and most acclaimed cheese producers in the UK Appleby’s and we have incredible beef farmers, organic veg and even an artisan flour mill literally minutes away from the Hall.’

A real foodie paradise, Hawkstone Hall offers a myriad of dining opportunities from elegant afternoon tea’s and traditional Sunday roasts using all local ingredients to more inventive fine and taster options.
‘We wanted to make the food offering here accessible but very high quality,’ said Andrew. ‘It’s all about the flavours and quality ingredients for me,’ said Andrew. ‘I’ve got an amazing team here at Hawkstone with a wide range of skills so the menu development is very much a team effort.’
‘Our afternoon teas have been hugely well received. Everything is 100% handmade, including the bread and we are constantly evolving the offering to keep the cakes, fillings and jams, seasonal and ever-changing.’
‘We’ve also embraced recent food trends and have had amazing feedback on our 100% gluten free afternoon tea and we are working hard to perfect our vegan version.’
And what about the wedding food here? What can couples expect?
‘Again, the emphasis is really on quality. We’ve got a fantastic range of traditional wedding breakfast options but also some more unusual styles too. Our ‘street food’ style wok stations and smokehouse platters with home-smoked local lamb shoulder and our own pulled pork are a really cool option for evening receptions.’
‘For couples who have a specific theme in mind, we are also happy to create a bespoke menu filled with their favourite dishes, we can do just about anything really.’
A little bird tells us you are getting married soon! What would be your ultimate wedding breakfast menu?
‘Ha ha, yes, my fiancee and I are getting married here at Hawkstone in May. I think I’d base my wedding menu on a meal I had at Hells Kitchen in Las Vegas a few years ago. Pan fried scallops, perfectly cooked beef wellington and sticky toffee pudding with lashings of custard – what’s not to love about that!’
Tell Us About Your Favourite Foods!
Food heaven– chocolate, in all its forms!
Food hell– unseasoned button mushrooms. Just no!
Starter or desserts – desserts all the way. I am a pastry chef at heart!
Go to comfort food– sticky toffee pudding, toffee sauce, custard and ice cream
Ultimate drink at the end of service – got to be a rum old fashioned!
To find out more about the delicious food offering at Hawkstone Hall & Gardens, or to book lunch, dinner, Sunday lunch or Afternoon Tea please visit their website:
www.hawkstonehall.co.uk
February 4, 2020
Happily Ever Hygge
It’s meant to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and teach you to love the simple things in life; the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is already a popular source of home décor inspiration and life style choice that is fast making its mark on the wedding market…
Celebrating the simple things in life, enjoying cosy moments with your nearest and dearest and enjoying everything nature has to offer sums up hygge perfectly. With autumn upon us and winter just around the corner we in perfect hygge season, so sit back, grab a mug of hot chocolate and prepare for cosiness overload with our tips for pulling off the perfect hygge inspired big-day…
Back to Nature
Hygge is all about embracing nature and using beautiful things from the environment to enhance your life. This means floral touches should be kept natural with lots of greenery and seasonal blooms that are abundant in your chosen location. Keep table settings simple – vintage mismatched crockery and glassware with lots of tall candles, greenery and twinkling lights will create the perfect hygge vibe.
Atmospheric Lighting
Creating the perfect ambience with soft lighting, particularly candlelight is an absolute must. Festoon lighting, fire pits and more fairy lights that you can shake a stick at will also help get the hygge flowing.
Keep It Casual
Your bridal look and indeed what Mr wears should be kept as casual and personal as possible. Vintage dresses and cool accessories such as leather jackets, funky waistcoats and bow ties all work well. To be totally hygge you have to feel like you and be warm, cosy and comfortable at the same time so don’t be afraid to throw on your favourite cardigan or even a bit of vintage velvet to nail that statement Scandi look.
Food For The Soul
Like everything else at a hygge wedding, food should be kept as simple as possible. Think warming casseroles, roast meats and lots of seasonal trimmings. For a full-on winter feast an outdoor hog roast could be a great alternative to a buffet and a boozy hot chocolate stand or cookie and milk stations can be a cute alternative for a cosy dessert.
Choose The Perfect Venue
Rustic romance is the order of the day when choosing a venue. Obviously an outdoor wedding in a tent or tepee is bang on trend but a wedding barn or shabby-chic country pile can work just as well with a hygge theme.
February 3, 2020
Pentre Mawr Country House
Magical Location
Tucked away in a beautiful valley, surrounded by the awe-inspiring Clwydian Range, Pentre Mawr is an elegant country house set in a truly spellbinding location.
Just over the border from Cheshire and in easy reach of Liverpool, Manchester and all major transport links, Pentre Mawr is a wildly romantic slice of Welsh heaven just wanting to be discovered.
With its sweeping lawns and secret hidden gardens, it’s the perfect spot to get away from it all and celebrate your big day surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of the breath-taking Welsh countryside.
The Warmest of Welcomes
From the minute, you step foot inside this impressive country house, you know you arrived somewhere very special.
Owned by the same family for over 400 years, Graham and Bre, the current guardians will welcome you like old friends.
Totally unpretentious and homely, yet still grand and impressive, you will feel at home from your first slice of Bara Brith to the end of your wedding journey!
Lifelong hoteliers with hospitality in their blood, Graham, Bre and their hand-picked team go to extraordinary lengths to ensure couples get the day of their dreams.
Whatever request you have – from fairground rides to birds of prey, donkeys, doggies and just about everything in between, if it’s safe and legal, the answer will always be yes.
Exclusively Yours
Imagine hosting your special day at your own country house, surrounded by your loved ones with absolutely no one else around.
At Pentre Mawr, exclusive means exclusive. When you book your wedding here you get a minimum of two exclusive days to use the hall, its outbuildings, gardens and fantastic facilities for you and your guests – plus you can even drop essential items off the day before you arrive.

From the private pool area with its giant hot-tub, sun loungers and sunny conservatory, to the elegant drawing room and historic dining room – you can create a luxury mini-chateaux style event with pre-and post-wedding celebrations to delight your guests.
The day-before the wedding you are free to enjoy the grounds and on-site facilities with your chosen guests, relaxing and breathing the fresh Welsh air in preparation for the main event.
Bre and Graham can also prepare a delicious ‘wedding eve’ dinner with drinks served around a cosy fire-pit on the terrace in fine weather or in the elegant drawing room with a roaring fire on colder nights.
The whole set-up here is designed to ensure you enjoy every second of the lead up to your big day and your guests are made to feel super-welcome and relaxed as the two of your get ready to become one.
DON’T MISS
Say ‘I DO’ To An Extra Night of YOU Time!
So you’ve had the most amazing day and you just don’t want it to end. That’s fine. All couples are offered a complimentary, post-wedding stay* as part of the package just to relax, unwind and look back on the most magical day ever.
Wave your guests off, have a romantic walk around the grounds then retire to your lodge, cottage or suite for an extra night of pure bliss!!
*Subject to availability. Stay may be taken at a later date
Your Day, Your Way
From the magical walled garden marquee to the quirky and historical barn; the stunning new garden pagoda with its quirky bench style seating and the dreamy house itself, the setting options for your ceremony and wedding breakfast are as varied as the venue itself.
If dancing the night away surrounded by twinkling lights is your thing, or an elegant gathering in the new marquee complete with chivari chairs, chandeliers and ivory linings is more your idea of heaven, the unique spaces here at Pentre Mawr can be adapted to match your vision perfectly.
Festoon lighting, fire pits and a multitude of lanterns light the way for your evening reception and guests can get cosy in the family barn room, drawing room or garden marquee whilst watching the festivities with a glass or two of their favourite tipple.
Your Perfect Menu
Although Bre and the team offer delicious, home-cooked pre-wedding dinners, breakfasts and brunch during your stay (all with an obligatory glass of fizz or two) for the main event you are free to choose your own caterers.
The team do have several recommended ‘tried and tested’ partners but are happy to welcome your choice, in fact they positively encourage it.
Flexible, quirky and totally charming, a wedding at Pentre Mawr is as unique as you!
A Gorgeous Get-Away For Guests
A night under canvas in an authentic, luxury African lodge? A secret cottage with its own double hot-tub or a super-romantic four poster suite complete with its own Jacuzzi bath?
Whatever your idea of a luxury get-away is, the accommodation spaces here are absolutely unique.
With space for up to 32 of your chosen guests, every space has its own hot-tub or Jacuzzi bath, the comfiest of beds and fabulous facilities for you to enjoy throughout your celebrations.
Shhh – It’s a Secret!
One of the most magical things about Pentre Mawr is that the full scale of the venue can be revealed in carefully chosen stages to your guests.
With its secret walled gardens, hidden ceremony marquee, rambling barn and higgledy-piggledy outbuildings, every turn will reveal something new and you can save the ‘wow’ moments until you are ready for your guests to see them.
From the super-cool black and white dance floor complete with full-hit disco lights in the barn, to the ethereal hidden space that is the ceremony garden, you can take your guests on a magical wedding journey from the moment the arrive.
Those Little Added Extras
A super-cute candy cart complete with quirky jars and bunting, a photo booth wall, chocolate / cup-cake heart, Prosecco wall and a whole room filled with on-trend props, vases and décor – these guys really have thought of everything!
From personalising your big day (and saving a significant amount on your ‘extras’ budget) to adding a touch of DIY décor to your countryside celebrations, Bre and the team have collected a carefully curated selection of beautiful ‘finishing touches’ for you to use at no extra charge.

Our advice – the kettle is always on at Pentre Mawr, and there is usually a slice of cake on the go so get yourselves out there for a visit and see what this totally unique venue has to offer for yourselves. If you are anything like us – you will fall in love with the spaces, the setting, its owners and the whole package. It’s simply wonderful……
Find Us
Pentre Mawr
Llandyrnog
Denbigh
LL16 4LA
T: 01824
E: pmwv@icloud.com
W: www.unusualweddingvenueswales.com
February 3, 2020
Chester Racecourse
The Venue
Although it boasts the impressive title of the oldest racecourse in the world, you won’t be taking a gamble with this incredible, awe-inspiring venue. Set in over 30 acres of breath-taking green space but with the advantage of being a short walk from the beautiful and historic city of Chester, Chester Racecourse combines stunning modern interiors with rich history to give you the perfect venue for your big day.
The Spaces
With a range of impressive rooms on offer from the atmospheric Leverhulme Stand, Paddock Room and Long Room to the stunning Pavilion Suite (which holds up to 650 evening guests) there really is a space to suit every style and size of celebration. From spaces rich in racing heritage to contemporary character-filled suites with stunning views out across the sweeping green racecourse to the River Dee and beyond, this venue is a truly magnificent setting.

SAY ‘I DO’ – To a Winning Day Of Celebrations
There are no less than 6 licensed ceremony spaces at the racecourse, from small and intimate to large and lavish, so you can choose to host your whole day in one location. Great for guests, and a magnificent setting in which to exchange your vows.
Food for Thought
You and your other half have the chance to create a sumptuous bespoke menu from the mouth-watering options provided by the racecourse’s award-winning in-house caterers, Horseradish. This slick, professional and talented team have decades of combined experience meaning they can create the perfect menu for your big day. Choose from a mouth-watering selection of dishes or add your own twist with something a bit more unique and choose the style that suits your own individual taste. To ensure your chosen menu hits the spot with your guests, Horseradish offer full tasting session so you can give your culinary seal of approval on all the dishes served.
Picture Perfect
Fabulous open spaces, unusual backdrops and quirky nooks and crannies make Chester Racecourse perfect for more unusual wedding shots. Strike a pose by the ancient city walls or walk hand-in-hand by the winning post – whatever your style, there is a stunning backdrop just waiting to be snapped.
Planning Your Big Day
The Racecourse also plays host to regular Wedding Open Days where you and your ‘Maids can explore rooms of bride squad treats, inspiration for the big day and answer any burning questions with their experienced and efficient wedding coordinators. These Open Days provide the perfect opportunity to further swoon over this unforgettable venue.

Find Us
The Roodee
Chester Racecourse
Chester
CH1 2LY
T: 01244 304 600
E: enquiries@chester-races.com
W: www.chester-races.com/
January 20, 2020