Nestled away in the Hertfordshire countryside, Brocket Hall is a wedding venue like no other, and that’s because it’s actually home to three very distinct venues. Whatever your budget or guest list, Brocket Hall has the solution from celebrations in The Melbourne Club’s Oak Room, to an opulent weekender in the Hall itself, or an intimate affair in foodie heaven at Auberge du Lac. Kelly Andrews went along to find out more. PANORAMIC VIEWS AT THE OAK ROOM Set within the glorious Brocket Hall Estate at The Melbourne Club, the Oak Room is a beautifully light and airy space for your wedding day. Contemporary with a rustic twist, it’s capable of holding 120 for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and 150 for the evening. The panoramic view across Broadwater Lake and picturesque Estate particularly captivated me; it forms a memorable backdrop to celebrations here, thanks to the space’s floor-to-ceiling windows. This room is a hidden gem on the estate with an open barn-like feel created by its high vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams. What’s more, the surrounding private terrace allows you and your loved ones to enjoy the best of the great outdoors as you step out to take in the views and mingle over a glass or two of bubbly. It’s the perfect spot to spend some time as the Oak Room is transformed from ceremony to celebrations, but fear not, if the weather is unkind, there’s a small adjoining marquee where guests can gather. Part of The Melbourne Club is the listed Coach House building, Melbourne Lodge, which has been lovingly converted into 16 luxury en-suite bedrooms – my home for the night. The rooms here have been decorated beautifully in keeping with the grand Hall it overlooks, complete with historical ambience and a sense of resting your head in a stately home. The Lodge is a real treat for you and your guests to retire to after a day and night spent partying in the Oak Room! In fact, a bridal suite here is included in this venue’s package. A FOODIE’S PARADISE AT AUBERGE DU LAC Formerly the 17th-century hunting lodge for the Estate, Auberge du Lac is now a tranquil waterside restaurant serving cuisine to die for. I was lucky enough to enjoy the seven-course tasting menu here, and can confirm that you and your guests are in for an enormous treat should you decide to tie the knot here! Offering Brocket Hall Estate’s most intimate wedding packages, Auberge du Lac is a charming space available on an exclusive-use basis for your big day. The nature of this venue guarantees you a dining experience like no other, allowing yourself and your nearest and dearest the privacy of Hertfordshire’s award-winning restaurant. Here, you’re welcome to host 40 guests for your “I dos” and the mouthwatering wedding breakfast, and 60 for the evening do. The restaurant’s chefs will create a bespoke menu for your big day using only the finest local and seasonal ingredients. To give you a taste of what’s to come, I started my meal with a tender beef tartare accompanied by a punchy emulsion bursting with flavour and a delightful mix of textures. The sea bass fish course was finished with a divine shellfish veloute that I could quite happily have enjoyed alone given a spoon! The melt-in-the-mouth lamb was beautifully presented and followed by a sharp and super-fresh palate cleanser of passionfruit Martini sorbet. The mille feuille dessert struck just the right balance to end the meal, not being too sweet and light enough to leave me feeling very pleasantly full. Huge compliments to the chef! HISTORY AND ELEGANCE AT BROCKET HALL For lovers of the romance of a bygone era, the grandeur of the Regency period Brocket Hall will be difficult to resist. The splendour of its ballroom, coupled with traditional butler service and glorious parkland surroundings, will transport you to your own world of elegance and luxury for the duration of your stay. Here, you have a choice of rooms to use for the various stages of the day and the team will work with you to bring your vision to life. Ceremony options include the Boardroom (150 guests), and Library (50 guests), while a wedding breakfast in the breathtaking Ballroom (150 guests) is an opportunity not to be missed. Alternatively, opt for something more intimate as up to 54 of you sit around the specially commissioned Prime Minister’s table. Your day will begin with arrival drinks and canapes served throughout three grand reception rooms, as you welcome guests to your new stately home-away-from-home. Then, after a celebration to remember, you’re able to retire upstairs to one of eight of the Hall’s grand bedrooms included in your wedding package. More guests? No problem, a further two floors and 22 bedrooms are also available as extra should you require. The Hall’s incredible caterers will take care of the day’s dining, but the venue is also available on a dry hire basis if preferred. Either way, working with the Hall’s recommended suppliers means you can shape the day of your dreams. FROM HOME Home away Three’s company at Brocket Hall with a trio of incredible wedding venues to consider FIND OUT MORE https://brocket-hall.co.uk |weddings@brockethall.co.uk 01707 368 700 | @brockethall www.shrigleyphotography.co.uk Scan to view video https://angelswithdirtyfaces photography.com REVIEW 89
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