Your Cheshire and Merseyside Wedding - September/October 2020 (Issue 53)

18 THE RACQUET CLUB HOTEL 0151 236 6676 | www.racquetclub.org.uk Located in the commercial district of Liverpool, the Racquet Club is conveniently positioned. Being close to the famous waterfront it’s also located in a scenic spot. Built in 1859 by Sir James Picton as the headquarters for Sir William Brown, an American shipping merchant, it showcases the style of an Italian palazzo. The carved plaques above the windows include Columbus, Bermejo a Spanish adventurer, Vespucci, Cortez, Queen Anacoana, Fransisco Pizarro, and Isabella I, who gave permission and funding for Columbus’ voyage. The venue is furnished with an eclectic mix of modern and traditional pieces, alongside an extensive collection of original artwork. The hotel is an intimate setting, with just eight bedrooms, each individually decorated in a combination of traditional and contemporary styles. The impressive period events floor is the location for wedding receptions, which encompasses the Main Room (130 ceremony, 138 reception guests), Club Room (25 ceremony, 40 reception guests), Private Dining Room (25 ceremony, 24 reception guests) and the Restaurant (100 ceremony and reception guests). The latter benefits from large arched windows in a fantastic airy space, with an adjacent intimate bar. Maximum capacity for the evening revelries is 250. NESS BOTANIC GARDENS 0151 795 6300 | www.liverpool.ac.uk/ness-gardens The superb gardens at Ness on the Wirral Peninsular, overlooking the Dee Estuary, were founded in 1898. From their earliest days, the gardens were open to the public and this tradition has continued since they were donated to the University of Liverpool in 1948 by the daughter of the founder. The gardens cover some 64 acres, with a distinctly maritime feel, and house a living collection of plants, many of which were early introductions from China, the Himalayas, Tibet and Burma. There’s the option to hold your ceremony in the beautiful Rock Garden, which you’ll enter via the sandstone bridge to meet your assembled guests. The “I dos,” will take place in the thatched Summer House next to the lily pond. There’s space for 100 standing guests who’ll be served drinks and canapes while you disappear for some photographs against the ample stunning backdrops. If the weather is less favourable or you prefer an indoor ceremony, The Hulme Room Conservatory offers the perfect alternative. This light and airy space overlooks the gardens and includes use of the impressive Hulme Deck area, ideal for a drinks reception. Neutrally decorated, it’s flexible and will also be home to your wedding breakfast and evening reception. It can host 100 nearest and dearest. www.mat thewrycraft.co.uk www.mat thewrycraft.co.uk www.emm ahillierphotography.com www.emm ahillierphotography.com