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Gidleigh Park Has Been Awarded A Michelin Star

The award-winning luxury manor and wedding venue Gidleigh Park and its executive head chef Chris Eden is celebrating the news that Gidleigh Park in Devon has been awarded a Michelin star, following the release of the Michelin Guide 2023.

Chris Eden commented, “I’m incredibly proud to head up Gidleigh Park’s kitchen and to work with such passionate and hard-working people, whose dedication gives our guests the best experience. This award belongs to everyone at the hotel – as a team they deserve it. I’d also like to recognise our producers, who are at the heart of what we do at Gidleigh Park – each day we showcase the amazing produce we have in the west country, and realise how lucky we are to be located here”.

Simon Franks, the general manager of Gidleigh Park commented, “Chris has so much passion for everything he does in the kitchen, the ardent development of his team, our magical location, and the incredible produce of Devon, which all shines through into his menus. We are delighted that Gidleigh Park has been awarded a Michelin star, it is a fantastic reflection of what Chris and the whole team work so hard to deliver to our guests every day”.

Chris is a champion of local producers, handling ingredients with exceptional skill and care, with the seasonal bounty from the hotel’s kitchen garden also regularly informing the menus. The restaurant at Gidleigh Park is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.

Exclusive-use weddings take place at this hotel for up to 50 guests while daytime weddings can host an intimate 28 loved ones. There are 24 luxurious bedrooms and suites for guests to enjoy and 107 acres of mature gardens and woodland perched on the River Teign. During the summer months, guests can enjoy drinks and canapés on the terrace overlooking the hotel’s gardens and across to Meldon Moor beyond. The opportunity to capture memorable moments is endless, whether it’s in the Victorian Water Gardens just for two people or all of the guests gathered on the old stone steps in front of the house.

For further information or to book, visit www.gidleigh.co.uk

Nestled in 275 acres of rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park, luxury country house hotel Bovey Castle is home to 60 bedrooms, 22 self-catering country lodges, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, Smith’s Brasserie and the Elan Spa.

Pob Hotels Announce Updates

PoB Hotels, a collection of carefully curated rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning chefs and spas, invites guests to savour spring with seasonal flavours that showcase British homegrown produce. The Headland Hotel & Spa in Cornwall has just launched a new restaurant by the sea, RenMor, showcasing the freshest of flavours with locally-sourced produce and daily-caught fish in Cornish-style dishes, reflecting its surroundings. RenMor champions the true flavours of coastal Cornwall with a modern appreciation of the county’s food heritage. Executive chef, Fred Goodrich, uses the freshest, local ingredients in dishes. Working closely with local suppliers, ingredients are sustainably sourced with fish coming directly from the nearby fishing boats each day and produce from surrounding farms. Guests will enjoy honest Cornish cuisine cooked with flair whilst enjoying the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean overlooking Fistral Bay.

Couples can now get married on the cliffs overlooking the ocean at this five-star hotel. Positioned on a private headland, the majestic Victorian hotel has recently secured the licence to host outdoor wedding ceremonies on its lower lawns. In addition to this, it also boasts beautifully decorated, elegant private rooms oozing old-style grandeur and charm.

To find out more and to book, visit www.headlandhotel.co.uk

Outdoor ceremonies can enjoy The Summerhouse that’s set in a quiet corner of the grounds flanked by tall yew hedges and herbaceous borders. Inside, there’s a selection of stylish function suites including the Cathedral Room for between 80 and 120 guests, The Adam Room for between 18 to 30 loved ones and the Library for an intimate soiree of up to 14 people. Receptions take place in the Great Western, Art Decostyle suite for up to 120 guests, in the Bovey Room for up to 30 and in the Mulberry Room for an intimate 14 loved ones.

On-site experiences include falconry, archery, cider and sloe ginmaking plus the Off Road Driving Experience. This adrenaline-fuelled activity allows visitors to drive a 4x4 Land Rover 110 Defender around the tracks in the outer-estate woodlands, experiencing incredible views across the moors.

Seasonal offers include a one-hour off-road driving experience priced from £75 per person when sharing, or £150 for a solo drive. A two-night stay at Bovey Castle costs from £319 per room per night, based on two people sharing a classic room on a B&B basis including one dinner at Smith’s Brasserie with a £50 resort credit, available until 31st May. T&Cs apply.

To find out more and to book, call 01647 445 000 or visit www.boveycastle.com

MILLBROOK COTTAGES & ESTATE UNVEILS WEDDING PACKAGES

This beautifully scenic 32-acre private country estate in North Devon offers the perfect backdrop for an intimate outdoor wedding. The Summer House is licensed for elopement weddings just for couples, as well as ceremonies for up to six guests. The doors can open so that couples can enjoy a nearly alfresco wedding ceremony during the warmer months.

Millbrook’s Runaway Weddings are designed to ensure a couple’s wedding day is stress-free. The Runaway and Elopement packages start from £999 for two including a two-night stay at the award-winning accommodation Pulley Mill, a wedding ceremony in the Summer House and a bottle of champagne or non-alcoholic fizz (excludes registrar fees). Up to six guests can attend the ceremony for £50 each (including a glass of champagne). Extras including a photographer to capture memories of the special day, pamper treatments, cream tea and private dining can be added for a charge.

Pulley Mill features high, oak-beamed ceilings and fabulous views over the estate. The luxurious, spacious and light bedroom has a king-size bed and features an apex ceiling, enabling newlyweds to gaze at the night sky courtesy of a Galaxy Star gazing machine. The galleried kitchen with a balustrade balcony is picture-perfect and the bathroom with a blue feature wall has the real wow factor. In the open-plan lounge/dining room, there’s a fantastic window seat with fabulous views. Other accommodation options include Lake View, The Wheel Room, Corncott and Rose Cottage. For more information, call 01769 629 069 or visit www.millbrookcottages.co.uk

New Wedding Venue Little Silver Weddings Opens In Devon

Overlooking the Taw River valley in North Devon, guests are treated to ever-changing scenery and stunning countryside views at this new venue, whilst being immersed in nature. Hosting up to 12 people, ceremonies take place in a choice of seven licensed locations including in the Victorian grotto with two guests stood by the pond; on the lawn against the backdrop of the river; under the cover of the charming period verandah of the main house; in the atrium of Little Silver Nugget; in front of Little Silver Pheasant (the bright blue shepherd hut in the apple orchard) or in the Wivvy which is a smaller shepherd hut. Each space is unique allowing for versatility and a personalised element to the vows. To book call 01769 615 040, or visit https://littlesilverweddings.com

Turn to page 49 to see our exclusive styled shoot at the venue.

DEER’S LEAP RETREAT, SOUTH MOLTON, DEVON

This stunning wedding venue is surrounded by 15 acres of farmland, situated on the edge of Exmoor’s national park which provides stunning vistas of rolling fields and moorland from everywhere on the property. The stone barn features a private bar with comfy sofas and chairs, exposed wooden beams offset by cartwheels draped in fairylights, a large wood-burning fire, stone-flagged flooring and large doors opening out on to the sun-drenched, south-facing patio that overlooks the lake and gazebo.

The patio area provides a relaxed space for champagne and cocktails and garden games can be enjoyed on the large adjacent lawn. An extended terrace outside the barn and the column heaters and firepits provide warmth during the balmy evenings. At dusk, fairylights and festoon lighting lead guests down to the lantern-lit lake for fireworks reflecting in the water fired to the couple’s choice of song.

Outdoor ceremonies take place under the wooden lakeside gazebo perched on the side of the lake surrounded by rolling countryside. It accommodates up to 150 guests under a stretch canopy lit with romantic festoon lighting. Alternatively, the rustic-inspired barn with original stone walls offers an indoor option with its hand-crafted wooden fixtures and fittings adding to the ambience for up to 150 guests and receptions also take place here.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01398 341 407, www.deersleapweddings.co.uk

•We love… the large luxury farmhouse which sleeps 21 guests complete with a sauna, hot tub, large kitchen and lounges plus the glamping village and one-bedroom bridal suite with a conservatory and hot tub that are all set on a secluded site with complete privacy, surrounded by nature.

CUCKOO DOWN FARM GLAMPING, WEST HILL, DEVON

This beautiful and secluded farm located in East Devon with meadows and oak woodlands offers couples the opportunity to host a festival-style glamping wedding weekend with plenty of space to put up a tipi or marquee.

Ceremonies take place in the bluebell-filled wedding glade situated in the oak woods next to the wedding marquee or in the marquee that holds up to 150 guests. The seven-acre meadow provides space for glamping or camping (campervans welcome!) with five award-winning glamping tents available for wedding guests, each boasting a hot tub.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 07738 687 246 or 01404 811 714, https://cuckoodownfarm.co.uk

•We love… the opportunity to book the entire weekend for the wedding celebration with couples enjoying a free weekend glamping stay which they can either book before the wedding to get to know the venue and plan their day, or they can take it afterwards to celebrate their first anniversary.

With stunning panoramic views across Plymouth Sound and Dartmoor, Boringdon Park is an elegant and modern venue thats the perfect location for your special day.

Set in the heart of 200 acres of delightful grounds savour the magnificent vista as you approach our ever-popular venue up the impressive driveway – views that will give you a memorable backdrop to an unforgettable day.

For this, you will have exclusive hire of the farm. This includes the glamping accommodation, use of the three-acre woodland and additional festival-style pitch-your-own camping for guests. The farm is very much a blank canvas for your wedding. You can hire a marquee or tepee, organise your own bar and catering, book your own entertainment and devise your own ceremony.

THE VENUE AT COXLEIGH, BARNSTAPLE, DEVON

Situated in the heart of North Devon on a 400-acre family-run farm, this rustic and romantic setting is enveloped by scenic rolling hills with panoramic views across Exmoor. The secluded location offers a magical hideaway for a laid-back wedding in the rustic-inspired events venue where guests can explore the scenic woodland walks, spend a night star gazing or soak up the golden sunsets.

Blessings can take place outside overlooking the valley and sea, or by the lake. Receptions are usually held inside the stunning Nordic tipis which can accommodate up to 200 guests and provide a blank canvas for couples to style as they wish. Paired with bespoke tables and benches,

MOUNT EDGCUMBE HOUSE AND COUNTRY PARK, TORPOINT, DEVON

Mount Edgcumbe House is a beautifully-restored Tudor-style property with carved granite facings and round turrets at each corner. One of only three Grade I listed landscapes in the South West, Mount Edgcumbe covers more than 860 acres of landscape and boasts amazing views over Plymouth Sound.

Inside is a collection of antique furniture, oil paintings and porcelains collected over the centuries by members of the Edgcumbe family. There’s also a stunning staircase providing a grand entrance to the ceremony. There are three licensed rooms for ceremonies plus an outdoor Summer House. The Great Hall with the option of the gallery can accommodate between two and 120 guests while The Drawing Room is an elegantly furnished space with a grand piano and a marble fireplace for up to 80. The Library is an intimate area for up to 30 guests offering a spectacular vista across the tree-lined avenue as it rolls down to the sea.

The Earls Garden Summer House for outdoor ceremonies for up to 120 guests commands an elevated position overlooking the East Lawn with views stretching across Plymouth Sound towards Plymouth Hoe.

Receptions take place in the light and airy marquee seating up to 150 guests and accommodating more than 200 in the evening. It’s nestled in the exclusive Earl’s Garden offering the modern comforts of a reinforced glass structure with exclusive private gardens for guests to enjoy. This flexible option allows couples to plan their day as they wish with the caterers, bar and bands of their choice.

The second reception choice is the historic Orangery seating up to 120 guests overlooking the Italian Garden in the Lower Park. Camellia Catering provides all of the wedding catering and drinks and couples can have a band or DJ with up to 200 guests dancing the night away.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01752 822 236, www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk there’s also a dancefloor lit up by fairylights and guests can enjoy burning s’mores over the roaring firepits, or get cosy in the chill-out areas.

•We love… that a photo safari can be arranged for the happy couple and their photographer to explore some of the amazing places the park has to offer and capture some unforgettable moments on their special day. There’s a buggy service available for guests who arrive at the park on the foot ferry from Plymouth, bringing them through the stunning gardens to the ceremony at the house before whisking them to their reception venue at the Orangery afterwards.

Ceremony licence? No

Contact: 07775 880 398, https://thevenueatcoxleigh.com

•We love… that if couples choose the venue, they’ll have exclusivity for the entire weekend. The event packages are flexible and if couples book before August 2023, they’ll receive a 10% discount on their package.

HATCH MARQUEE HIRE, AVAILABLE ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST

These marquees offer the very latest in design and are tailor-made for each event. The team help couples choose a venue through their online marquee venue listing for both regions where a range of locations are offered, from field sites against the backdrop of spectacular coastal views to some of the finest country houses in the South West.

The frame or Clearspan marquees are free-standing structures without any centre poles or guy ropes which means that they fit into their own footprint and are great if a little tight on space. They can be installed onto a variety of surfaces and are the perfect equipment for exposed sites (coastal or hilltop) as frame marquees can withstand higher wind speeds which makes them the best option for both summer and winter weddings.

Frame marquees are available in three-metre, six-metre, nine-metre, 12-metre and 15-metre widths and can be designed to suit the number of guests and the layout required. The marquees interlock neatly giving enormous flexibility to create bespoke venues with separate spaces for dining reception and dance areas, bars, and catering tents. There’s also a broad range of equipment to style the structures with.

Clear roofs help define the different spaces within a marquee and are often used as a feature over a dancefloor, revealing the stars! Alternatively, they can be used to create a bar or reception area either as part of the main marquee or as a marquee bubble attached to the main marquee.

Ceremony licence? No, but couples use a marquee for a blessing or humanist service in which case we can provide a layout which allows space for ceremony seating.

Contact: 01548 550322, www.hatchmarqueehire.com

•We love… that couples can book a completely clear marquee for a uniquely different feel that lends itself to feature lighting and hanging decorations.