Press Invite
Having worked previously in the wedding industry, I am always excited when I get the chance to visit a venue, especially one as stunning and steeped in history as Botleys Mansion, an exclusive use wedding venue in Surrey, just over one hour’s drive from London, but worlds away in its atmospheric setting, located at the end of a dramatic sweeping driveway that really does have you mouthing ‘wow’ on your approach.
I had been invited along to Botleys Mansion’s Tasting Event, which gives the chance for couples getting married at the venue in the next few months to try the food in the venue whilst it is all set up and dressed for the occasion. It is also a chance for them to meet the preferred suppliers for Botleys Mansion, who were in attendance, coming round to talk to us throughout the evening in a relaxed informal manner. The food was absolutely gorgeous, I could not fault it. I am notoriously fussy when it comes to menus, but I was able to give everything a try and my guest absolutely loved each and every dish and had no complaints when I wasn’t as keen on finishing some due to my own fussiness!
The evening started with a glass of champagne and canapés as we spoke to David Gough, COO for Harper Weddings and he then gave us a tour of the venue, which includes several beautiful rooms that can be used for a couples big day.
The main ceremony room, The Green Room, which was dressed for the occasion and was simply stunning, can accommodate 131 for the ceremony and would certainly fulfil a woman’s childhood dreams of a traditional English country manor wedding. The ornate white Chiavari chairs, high ceilings and pastel colouring added to the grandeur of the room – I can certainly see why so many brides and grooms opt for a wedding at Botleys Mansion on their first visit. There is also a garden area, offering outdoor ceremonies when the season and English weather permits!
Upstairs there are twelve bedrooms that are available for couples and their guests to stay overnight. It is important to note that Botleys is not a hotel venue, but I think it is fantastic that they do have the option for some limited accommodation for guests, and for the married couple on their wedding night with a truly gorgeous bridal suite complete with huge freestanding bath tub, rainforest shower, period fireplace and a four poster bed.
After our tour, it was time for us to be called for dinner in the Atrium (also available for bigger ceremonies with up to 288 guests), where we were all sat on individual tables around the room, which was just amazing, it certainly had the wow factor, with a more contemporary feel – an ornate staircase, high ceilings and twinkling lights all gave it a romantic, almost magical atmosphere. This room can be converted between a wedding breakfast and evening reception space depending on a couple’s requirements, guest numbers and preferences.
The staff were all very attentive throughout the evening, especially Daisy, the in-house sommelier, who treated us to plenty of tasty wines, all carefully paired to the three course meal we were enjoying. For each course we were given three plates to share between us. It was the perfect chance for the couples in attendance to try the food, but also to enjoy a relaxed date night in their wedding venue. I think it is a brilliant concept, and definitely something that more wedding venues should be offering.
As I said previously, we were visited at our table by the preferred suppliers, however none of them were pushy or sales like and all very accepting when we explained that I was there as press. I took their cards and would like to give special mention to the team at Rachel Clare Cake Design, who kindly provided us with two cupcakes that we enjoyed the next morning over coffee and were absolutely delightful, so soft, light and flavourful. My favourite was the chocolate salted caramel cupcake, but the lemon was also fantastic. We were also impressed with Dean Jorgensen, magician, who wowed us with some close up magic at the table. We still don’t understand where the lime or lemon appeared from!
I can’t talk about the evening without raving about the food a little more. Our favourites from the three courses would be the Ham Hock Terrine with toasted sourdough, piccalilli, shallot & parsley salad as a starter, followed by the Coffee Rubbed Short Rib of Beef, stuffed savoy cabbage, creamed potato and a red wine jus a the main and finished with the Warm Chocolate Brownie with vanilla ice cream and roasted white chocolate for dessert. I am still dreaming of that brownie, so yummy!
What I loved about speaking with David from Harper Weddings on the night was his passion for the venues in the portfolio, all of which have their own strong USPs, including that dramatic sweeping drive at Botleys Mansion, which has you fall in love with the venue before you even set one foot inside. I took a photo of the front of the building on arrival and it is just gorgeous, I can certainly see why so many brides and grooms fall for it right away. I am really interested in visiting the other exclusive use venues, Cain Manor and Notley Abbey, as they both sound incredible too.
I would like to extend my thanks to David and the whole team at Harper Weddings and Botleys Mansion for such a wonderful evening. Myself and my guest truly loved being a part of it, and were thoroughly treated all night by everybody working there. I would definitely recommend a visit to Botleys Mansion if you are currently engaged and looking for a venue in the Surrey/outskirts of London area. It is absolutely amazing, a total country gem.
I was invited along as a member of the press to the Harper Weddings Tasting Event at Botleys Mansion recently, however all words are my own.
