Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Page number 23 - May/June 2021 (Issue 86)

THE TRUSTY SERVANT INN, MINSTEAD 02380 812 137 | www.thetrustyservant.co.uk This quintessential country pub is nestled in the heart of the New Forest in picturesque Minstead, one of the oldest villages in the national park. With the famous local ponies and donkeys ambling past, it’s a picture-perfect location for a wedding celebration to remember. The 19th-century, red-brick inn is set in a prime position overlooking the village green. The historic Norman church is only a stone’s throw away and the stocks opposite make for one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Inside, the building oozes character with wooden floors and a spacious bar area, there’s also a separate dining room, which provides a light and airy space with exposed brick walls and large traditional windows providing great views of the green or vast back garden. The impressive outdoor space is a jewel in the crown, beautifully landscaped with a patio and stunning views. The Barn is ideal for receptions and can easily accommodate larger gatherings with a marquee attached. The garden immediately surrounding it is also sectioned off for al fresco drinks. The venue can cater for wedding breakfasts for anything from 40 to 80 people and up to 100 loved one for the evening celebration. There are five boutique en-suite rooms too, the largest has a king-size bed, brick exposed walls and overlooks the village green – perfect for honeymooners; with complimentary fizz of course! We love… the secret outside Cabin Bar hidden among the trees; magical decked with fairylights. BALMER LAWN HOTEL & SPA, BROCKENHURST 01590 625 779 | www.balmerlawnhotel.com Set in the heart of the New Forest, you can’t miss this landmark hotel. Set back behind the cricket pitch it’s a perfect mix of the traditional and contemporary. With sun-drenched terraces and beautiful gardens, you’ll be spoilt for choice for picture-perfect backdrops. Looking out over the lawn, the impressive building boasts a fascinating past and has been used as everything from a hunting lodge and a field hospital to an army staff college and coaching inn. A destination hotspot for weddings, you can marry outside in the garden’s oak-beamed Sylvan Pavilion or in the hotel’s Beaulieu Suite, joined by 140 loved ones. Set back from the main hotel, with its own entrance and facilities, you can host your whole day here in private. The suite includes the refurbished Beaulieu Room and two additional spaces, the Hamble, with its own bar and dancefloor, and the Avon for extra seating. There’s access to three outdoor terrace areas as well, including the hotel gardens, and come the evening you can party the night away with up to 220 family and friends. We love… the beautiful high-ceilinged Savernake Room, a light and airy space with a private decked terrace; ideal for the post-vows drinks and more intimate weddings. Images: www.kimberleygarrod.co.uk REGIONAL VENUES 23