Washingborough Hall Country House Hotel

O.K. This is exciting for us. Really, it is. Lincolnshire has so few really good wedding venues that it’s depressing at the best of times. And this year the closure of one of them and staffing problems at others has left the County really short of venues we can recommend. But now there’s very definitely another one on the scene.
Of course, Washingborough Hall is not new to weddings. But in the past it was not only one of those venues we could not recommend, it was one of those venues we felt we could not cover. We hate seeing brides in tears or unhappy guests and that used to be the scenario at Washingborough.
But we’re now two new owners on from the bad old days and,my, how things have changed!
Gone is the squalid motel-style reception area, gone are the tired old carpets and furnishings, gone is the smell of decay and damp and – most noticeable of all, gone is the who-gives-a-damn attitude which pervaded every aspect of the ‘service’ at the old Washingborough Hall.
Visitors now walk into a beautifully decorated and renovated Reception Area which exudes both style and friendliness. The whole of the downstairs area maintains this immaculate, tasteful theme and exudes an atmosphere which makes guests feel at ease and at home. The renovation of the bedrooms (these were never as bad as the groundfloor) is already underway and should be completed by the end of winter.
I could rave on about Washingborough Hall now. The owners have set the standard for all their staff. Everyone is keen to help and determined to offer only the very best service, whilst he food is simply excellent!
If yours is a smaller wedding ( I believe the Dining Room holds 50 guests) and you are looking for an exclusive – and impressive- venue, then I can think of no better place to hold your reception in the Lincoln Area.

Visit Washingborough Hall’s website at www.washingboroughhall.com

The Reeds Hotel

We would be foolish to suggest that the Reeds Hotel hasn’t had its problems in the past. It has, and anyone who reads the local papers will know all about them. So why, when I claim to show only the very best local venues around here, do I feature The Reeds on the blog?

Simple. The problems they had are in the past and the future looks rosy. The treatment of couples on their wedding day has not been affected and, in the more than capable hands of Hilary, will not be affected in the future.

I know I’m getting to sound repetitive when I recommend venues because of the service you receive, but it really does make the difference between an enjoyable and a disappointing experience. The front-of-house co-ordinator is simply vital. So I’ve praised Emma at Branston Hall, Judith at Hemswell Court, Andy at The Barn – and now it’s the turn of Hilary at The Reeds. She is simply superb! She’s calm, efficient, organised and, above all, just plain nice-to-know. We’ve never yet done a wedding where Hilary’s been in charge where there’s even a hint of anything going wrong or where couples have told us afterwards that they have had anything other than praise for every aspect of their time spent at The Reeds. And after all, it’s not what we think, but what couples think that matters here.

For those of you who don’t know the venue already, it’s placed in an idyllic setting amongst the Reed marshes of The Humber. The grounds themselves are relatively modest but the views are fantastic and there are superb photo-opportunities here whatever the weather. If you’re getting married in the North of Lincolnshire or along the North bank of the Humber then this must be high on your list of possible venues.

The Lincoln Hotel

O.K., I’ve got to admit I’ve been tardy about mentioning The Lincoln Hotel. In fact I’ve been unfairly reluctant to cover them. And it’s my fault, not theirs.

The trouble is I still make the mental connection with the old and infamous Eastgate Hotel. This was a place which, like one or two other nicely located venues in the Lincoln area, we simply refused to cover as wedding photographers. The service was poor, the staff surly, the food barely edible etc etc.

We had heard that with new management, new staff and an injection of capital to improve the decor things were on the up recently. And this year we have experienced it first hand. Quite simply the venue is transformed.

I’ve commented in several of my other articles about how the main thing that matters on your wedding day is how you are treated. If you’re just another room occupant, just a fraction of a week’s income, just someone to be fed and then got rid of, then you’re not having a wedding, you’re involved in ritual self-sacrifice! And there are places – frightenly lots of them- who treat couples almost as minor irritations at best to be ignored, but often to be quickly and ignominiously dispatched. The Lincoln Hotel is NOT one of these.

We’ve now photographed at some 500 weddings. We’ve covered venues from the poshest hotels such as The Ritz to more modest village halls; we’ve photographed weddings where the overall expense goes well into six figures, at others where photography by Aurora Studio easily topped the priority of expenses; we’ve seen guest lists of 500 or guest lists as exclusive as 11. And you know what conclusions we’ve come to as to what makes a successful wedding? It’s choosing the right mix of people who are determined to make your day happy. That goes for the guests, of course. It goes for choosing the photographer and for all the other wedding vendors who can either treat you as cash cows or as lovely people for whom they want to give their utmost. But above all it goes for the Reception venue staff. A poorly motivated and disinterested team can ruin the best of weddings.  A good team will make an otherwise average wedding exceptional.

And that’s what The Lincoln Hotel now has. Marlen, the wedding co-ordinator, is simply superb. She is warm, friendly, always smiling and generally unflappable. But behind that she is cool, organised and efficient. Nothing ever just happens in life – it is made to happen. And Marlen is the sort of person to ensure that it does. As a Bride-to Be herself she’s  acutely aware of  people’s concerns and potential anxieties about their wedding arrangements. She’s assembled a team behind her who are simply lovely people with exactly the right balance of warmth, friendliness and professionalism you need to be properly looked after on your wedding day.

So, yes, I can talk about the fantastic location of the hotel with its views across to the cathedral. I can talk about the photo-opportunities in and around the hotel. or the quality of the decor. Or its food. Or its surprisingly competitive prices and extent of the acomodation it can offer for your guests. But somehow I don’t want to. These are all plus points for The Lincoln Hotel. But for me the real reason why you should consider this closely as a possible wedding venue is the welcome and the service you will receive there. Don’t be put off by The Eastgate’s unfortunate past. This is not the Eastgate. It is a new hotel with a very different outlook and a deservedly bright future.

Hemswell Court

Hemswell Court used to be Lincolnshire’s best-kept secret amongst the top venues. But now the word is out and you need to book early if you hope to secure a place.

If you know Hemswell itself then try to forget it. Forget the awful ribbon development. Forget the hideous car boot sales. Forget the hideous, tumble-down shacks selling tat on the former airfield.

Instead, think mock Georgian facade, think tasteful decor and antique furniture, think of quiet, understated elegance and beautifully-kept gardens. For that is Hemswell Court – a rich, welcoming oasis secluded from the surrounding desert.

The Court itself is the former Officers’ Mess for the Hemswell airbase. Built in the 1930′s it has now been tastefully converted into what we consider an ideal wedding venue.

Ideal is a big claim, and one we don’t make lightly. What makes it so special?

Well, the venue is tucked away – so well that many people aren’t aware of its existence. The peace of the place is tangible and, with no other hotel guests or different wedding parties to distract, each wedding really does develop a life of its own. This is something I can’t explain to myself and certainly can’t put into words for others but we notice it at every wedding we cover at Hemswell ( and we cover lots!). What we find happens here is that wedding guests seem more relaxed and at ease. We are never aware of silences within groups as people try to find something to say to each other. Small groups don’t wander away on their own. the laughter and chatter is more genuine. Somehow the stress-free atmosphere of Hemsell has oozed into their veins and they behave accordingly.

The atmosphere is created in part by the building. No, it’s not the prettiest of buildings externally – though the wisteria clad facade with Georgian-style portico is hugely superior to that of most Lincolnshire wedding venues. But the rooms are huge, the antiques genuine and there is space enough for the guests to explore and feel at ease. If its a normal British Saturday and is raining, then that’s no problem photographically – there are opportunities galore for your photographer to create some stunning images of you without having the distraction of your guests in the immediate vicinity.

And you don’t have to worry about finding rooms for your guests in nearby hotels. Hemswell Court now has 23 pleasant, newly-refurbished rooms for the exclusive use of your guests. Unlike a hotel, there’s no mingling with travelling salesmen or holidaymakers here – everything is geared solely around you, your relatives and your friends

Outside, the gardens are immaculate and free-flowering almost throughout the year. In summer, with guests wandering drinks in hand on the lawns or around the flowerbeds, maybe with a string quartet or a violinist playing in the background, then the atmosphere is more like that of a garden party at Glynbourn than a typical Lincolnshire wedding.

But, of course, I’ve left the best – the REAL reason for coming to Hemswell Court – till last. And that’s the staff and the service you receive. The Court is managed by Shaun, who is also your chef. On your wedding day itself you will see little of him: he works tirelessly backstage making sure everything is perfect for you. Hemswell is one of the two Lincolnshire venues we recommend totally and unreservedly for the quality of the cuisine. Quite simply, it is superb. Shaun is a man possessed with the concept of culinary perfection and every single platter of food leaving his kitchen will be cooked and presented to perfection. If you’re not really bothered about the food your guests receive then Hemswell is probably not the place for you. But if you want to impress, if you want them remembering their meal as yet another thoroughly enjoyable part of your wedding, then Hemswell should come high on your list of possible venues.

Front-of-House staff are led by Judith. Her warmth, her sense of humour and her superb efficiency are shared by all. Totally polite, courteous and professional the staff epitomise what good service is all about. Nothing is too much trouble and everything is geared around making the day as trouble-free, enjoyable and memorable as possible for you and your guests. The service, the cleanliness, the food – all is reflected by national awards. How many other venues in Lincolnshire can boast Hemswell’s five star AA award? Quite simply, it doesn’t get better than this!

So that’s Hemswell Court – lovely gardens, great atmosphere, superb service and fantastic food! I can’t find fault with this venue and if it’s within your budget and your location then I strongly recommend you make an appointment to look around. I doubt very much that you will be disappointed.

Forest Pines, Brigg

Forest Pines astounds us! This is a phoenix venue if ever there was one. If you’ve heard stories about outdated decor, poor service and a general down-market feel to Forest Pines then forget them. Such stories may have been justified three years ago but not now. Forest Pines has been reborn – and its beautiful!

It should be – over £14 million has been invested in the complex since Q hotels took it over. EVERYTHING has been changed. The entrance – which, with its iron girders on view used to look like a tired old railway station – is now modern and inviting. The foyer and conservatory area have been cleansed of the awful old chinzy furniture. All has been refurbished to the highest standards and brings chique to Brigg.

Weddings take place in the new modern building away from the general hustle and bustle of the busy hotel. The reception rooms are big enough to take the largest wedding party, but can be divided to cater for the more intimate weddings. Now the service is everything you would expect from a well-run, highly professional organization. Eyes are always watching to ensure no-one is left unattended, that empty plates are removed, that details are not missed – that everything goes smoothly and without a hitch. Following the pre-wedding meetings with Julie Nelson, the wedding co-ordinator, Velu, the banqueting manager, takes over on the day and plays his part perfectly. Always unruffled and calm, he works tirelessly in the background to ensure the synchronisation of all the elements of your day. We have covered weddings in many of the top venues around the country and we can honestly say that the level of service here equals them all. In some ways it’s better – there’s none of the obsequious (and blatantly hypocritical) fawning you encounter at places like The Ritz, for example. Here everyone is friendly, courteous and efficient.

Photographic opportunities? We LOVE this place. It’s a dream for us when it comes to getting pictures of the bride and groom alone. The interior decor is so modern, so moodily lit, so sumptuously minimalist (!!!) that it suits our style perfectly. We can’t rave about the photographic opportunities offered by the garden, I’m afraid, but Forest Pines’ decor and interior opportunities shouldn’t let this put you off.

Like everything to do with weddings, selection of venues is a very personal thing. We love this place. We also love the other good local venue – Hemswell Court. But these are very different places and each has a different appeal. If you like Hemswell then Forest Pines probably won’t appeal. If you like Forest Pines, you’ll hate Hemswell Court. Neither can be said to be BETTER than the other, but one or the other will be better for YOUR wedding. As with choosing a photographer – it’s all about horses for courses: what suits one couple won’t suit another. But this really is one brand spanking new course with huge potential that deserves your further investigation.

Branston Hall, Lincoln

O.K. Where do we start with talking about Branston Hall? EVERYONE knows Branston Hall. The gorgeous building, the extensive grounds, the lake……

But for us Branston is so much more than this. The venues we value most highly are those which share our concern that everything should be stress-free for the bride and groom: that they be treated as royalty on the day – not as objects on a conveyor belt to be passed from one processing stage to another as quickly as possible. Its the relationship between the staff and the wedding party that distinguishes a truly good venue – not the grounds, nor the building.

And this is why Branston Hall is one of our favourite venues. We know several other venues around the country that equal it, but none that can improve upon the way you, the bride and groom, are treated at all stages of your wedding.

The professionalism starts on your first consultation and show-around. Whichever member of staff you deal with you’ll find they are supremely efficient yet have an endearing warmth and friendliness. It’s a hard balance to achieve but it epitomizes Branston’s balance of professional expertise and human qualities.

On your day itself you will be looked after by either Pete or Emma. They’re both amazing wedding co-ordinators. They’re completely unflappable. A bomb could explode in the kitchen and you would know nothing about it – and you would still get superb food, served on time.

ALL the staff at Branston are simply superb. Everyone is incredibly friendly, courteous and efficient. The Head of Housekeeping is a lovely, warm-hearted lady who takes interest in each and every bride, making especially certain that everything is done to her wishes; the reception staff are quick, efficient and a perfect ‘front’ for the hotel, whilst all the serving staff become almost a part of the wedding, such is the professional rapport they build with the guests.

Good news too on the decor. There’s a staged refurbishment now well underway which means that by the time of your wedding – MUCH LESS PINK!!!!!

You’ve probably gathered my views on Branston by now. If you want to get married in Lincoln then don’t hesitate. Just get on the phone, make an appointment to look around, and imagine your wedding in that building, with those grounds and being looked after by those people! Where else is there in Lincoln to match a venue like this?

Bardney Hall – The New Venue for the More Intimate Wedding

This is a new venue to excite all you brides who are looking for an intimate and exclusive location for your wedding. Let’s face it – there are few enough good wedding venues in Lincolnshire anyway, but if you have a smaller wedding and want that cosiness matched in your surroundings then choices are few and far between.

Bardney Hall -situated in a sleepy little area of Barton on Humber ( and can you get anywhere sleepier than that?) ticks all the right boxes for couples looking for a quiet retreat in luxurious yet homely surroundings. The Hall has been extensively and, doubtless, expensively renovated to restore it to its former glory. Couples have exclusive use of the Hall and its grounds whilst being catered for to the highest standards by the Hall’s staff.

We haven’t covered a wedding here yet. We wrote the paragraph above some 18 months ago but since posting our initial excitement about this venue’s potential we understand that staffing changes and in particular changes of wedding co-ordinators have resulted in unfortunate difficulties and some disappointments. We have no personal experiences here- either good or bad- and it would be wrong of us to condemn on the grounds of heresay. We still believe there is enormous potential for the Hall to be a top wedding venue and we trust that any problems they have experienced are now behind them.