Your West Midlands Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 65)

THE HOLT FLEET 01905 620 286 | theholtfleet.co.uk Holt Fleet is set in 14 acres on the banks of the River Severn, just outside the picturesque village of Ombersley and only four miles from Worcester. This former hotel was rebuilt in 1937 but dates back to the late 18 th -century when it was a popular stop for Victorian riverside cruises to take in the now-famous Thomas Telford bridge, which was constructed in 1828. Today, it is still as impressive and popular for weddings and boasts private direct riverside access and gardens, including private woods. In February 2017, the venue had a refurbishment creating a new bar and bistro, but with a modern feel. The conservatory dining area got a makeover which overlooks the river and in the summer the shaded private patio area and riverside garden. Two years later, the beautiful wedding Function Suite was refurbished and upgraded to become part of the new feel of The Holt Fleet. Say ‘I do’ in The Conservatory alongside 60 guests with spectacular views of the river. Another ceremony space couples can pick is the Function Suite licensed for 150 loved ones with its undercover patio area for everyone to enjoy the views. It is also used for the reception and wedding breakfast with 120 of the lovebirds’ nearest and dearest. It has its private bar and facilities which leads out on to a seated riverside patio area and beautiful high vaulted ceilings with contrasting modern slate walls. STANBROOK ABBEY HOTEL 01905 832 940 | handpickedhotels.co.uk Standing at the foot of the Malvern Hills, Stanbrook Abbey Hotel in Worcester is located within a magnificent 26-acre estate. Its beautifully kept walled gardens include a path lined with weeping willows, leading to a tranquil and secluded private lake – creating the perfect setting. Dating back to the early 16 th -century, Stanbrook Abbey Hotel is a former Grade II listed monastery which has retained many of its original features. This includes dramatic stone cloisters, Gothic stained-glass windows, a 100ft bell-tower and the beautiful Callow Great Hall that’s Stanbrook Abbey’s former chapel at the very heart of the hotel. The Callow Great Hall is the ideal setting for couples looking for a wedding with a traditional look and feel with the venue’s captivating history forming part of the charm and added a wow factor. Ideal for up to 70 seated guests, St.Anne’s Hall provides the perfect backdrop for smaller wedding receptions. With the additional use of the Library Bar and balcony, guests can relax whilst enjoy the ambience of the reception close by. The East Room has an open fireplace and oak-beamed ceiling which is perfect for more intimate ceremonies with the capacity to host up to 30 guests. Connected to the church via a cloister and close to the tranquil garden of remembrance is the Brides Manor Lounge. This is a Georgian style manor house with private access and soft furnishings – the perfect venue for a cosy ceremony. A stone’s throw from the picturesque Willow Lake is The Garden Pavilion, Stanbrook Abbey’s largest reception room, which can seat up to 300 guests and offers views to a private garden area. The diverse venue is complete with a specially designed Brides Manor, the ultimate haven to stay the night before. The venue sits within the hotel’s grounds and offers five double bedroom suites, including a large bridal suite complete with a dressing room. There’s also an elegant drawing room, self-catering kitchen and powder room. Meanwhile, Papa’s Snug provides a wonderful space for the father to rehearse his speech, while the Groom’s Room offers an ideal retreat for ushers. Stanbrook Abbey Hotel boasts 70 beautifully appointed bedrooms which enable guests to get a glimpse of what life was once like in the abbey. Each of the stunning rooms has its special characteristics including stained-glass windows, wooden beams and fireplaces. The hotel’s 17 function spaces, including a wine cellar and games room, reignite the historic feel of the abbey. timelockphotography.co.uk timelockphotography.co.uk 18