SPOTLIGHT ON CHELTENHAM AND AROUND

PITTVILLE PUMP ROOM, CHELTENHAM

The Pittville Pump Room is a magnificently refined Grade I-listed wedding and events venue home to four stunning rooms including the magnificent main hall, built as a ballroom, featuring the famed central dome decorated with ornate plasterwork. Set in beautiful parkland in Cheltenham, it was the last, and largest of the spa buildings to be built in this Regency town, opening its doors in 1830. Outside, a covered colonnade lined with ionic pillars overlooks the sweeping lawns and lake of Pittville Park, offering a choice of beautiful settings for photographs.

Accommodating up to 240 guests for a seated dinner or 300 for a standing reception, the bespoke wedding packages ensure a special and memorable day. The choice of venues within The Cheltenham Trust that incorporates the Pittville Pump Room can accommodate between 10 and 400 guests for both a wedding ceremony and a reception celebration. They include Cheltenham Town Hall and Skillicorne Gardens, and the Wilson Art Gallery and Museum which all guarantee impeccable service with a choice of delicious menus to suit every style and taste. There are plenty of dining options, from buffets and barbecues to formal banqueting.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01242 528 764, www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/hire-us

We love... that the experienced team will deliver a seamless occasion.

ABC PAVILIONS, AROUND BOTH REGIONS

Based in the heart of the Cotswolds and with more than 20 years of experience providing marquees for weddings and events, ABC Pavilions hire in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, West Oxfordshire and neighbouring regions. The perfect pick for a garden party wedding or a festival-style celebration, structures include framed marquees, traditional styles and small ones perfect for more intimate weddings.

An entrance walkway with double doors, a reception entrance or a covered walkway can be added and couples can create a stunning themed interior with a choice of accessories including a black and white dancefloor, a divider to close off the dancefloor, staging for a band, statement chandeliers and round tables in various sizes or trestle tables. A free site visit is also available.

Ceremony licence? No Contact: 07873 403 589, www.abcpavilions.co.uk

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

Cheltenham Racecourse is the perfect venue for wedding receptions. The Centaur, which is 2,600m² in size is ideal for larger celebrations of more than 800 guests seated. With just a little imagination, it can be transformed into a stunning reception venue for when space is a key requirement accommodating up to 2,250 guests in total.

A popular space for a drinks reception with a maximum capacity of 300 guests seated for dinner, the Panoramic Suite offers a smaller alternative, while the Gold Cup function room, located off the Hall of Fame, is comprised of two rooms. The Festival and Gold Cup suites can host up to 400 guests for a drinks reception and seat up to 260 people for dinner.

The venue offers many features including: • Ample free parking for all guests • Multiple rooms and spaces available • Rooms with glorious views of the racecourse • Flexible dining and dancing options • Award-winning catering • The spectacular backdrop of Cleeve Hill • Total flexibility to make your dreams come to life

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/venue-hire/what-wedo/weddings

We love... that guests will love this iconic location.

Where to enjoy a staycation?

THE FLEECE, CIRENCESTER

Best for exploring the Cotswolds and rich in 17th-century character with 21st-century luxury is this Grade 11 listed coaching inn. Pub classics here are a cut above the rest – the team of talented chefs have crafted a menu to suit all taste buds. From the staple Thwaites beer-battered fish and chips to pan-fried gnocchi and seafood linguine, they use only the finest local produce. There’s also a great selection of wines as well as a choice of ales from local breweries and their award-winning Thwaites Ales.

With plenty of cosy areas to dine in as well as tables overlooking Cirencester’s picturesque centre, there isn’t a better table in town. We also welcome dogs in the bar area in case you have a spare chip or two!

THE FROGMILL, SHIPTON OLIFFE NEAR CHELTENHAM

This property has been named Best Pub in Gloucestershire by the National Pub & Bar Awards 2022. More than 500 British pubs nationwide entered the awards and each was subject to intensive judging covering overall best practices across several operational categories including interior design, outside space, customer service, menus and drinks lists.

The National Pub & Bar Awards aims to put exemplary on-trade businesses nationwide in the spotlight whilst showcasing the hospitality industry’s diversity, creativity and vital importance to the UK economy.

Tristan O’Hana, the editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the National Pub & Bar Awards, said, “This is an industry that never stands still – the operators of the best pubs have to be at the top of their game 100% of the time. Our 94 County Winners are shining examples of that energy and creativity. With visitor numbers increasing, it’s more important than ever for operators to deliver a standout service during every visit. These winners are wonderful examples of the brilliance of today’s modern trade and the team at The Frogmill are to be congratulated.”

The Frogmill is a stylish and spacious retreat of Cotswolds stone buildings with a 16th-century inn at its heart. Contemporary, rustic-inspired interiors contrast with exposed stone walls, flagstone floors and old oak beams. Outside, the terraces are edged by landscaped grounds and enjoy far-flung views over the quintessential Cotswolds countryside. Overnight guests can enjoy boutique hotel-style accommodation in its 28 bespoke, en-suite bedrooms.

The Frogmill’s general manager, Simon Stanbrook, said, “We are so excited to be named Best Pub in Gloucestershire by the National Pub & Bar Awards. We’ve worked hard to make The Frogmill both a wonderful destination pub and wedding venue and a welcoming local at the heart of the community.”

Weddings take place in the Mill Room with its high vaulted ceiling and French-style decadence. Exclusive use of this and The Snug is available from 9 am until midnight and the sun terrace is the perfect spot for a drinks reception.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01242 386 364, www.thefrogmill.co.uk

We love... that nine of the boutique bedrooms will be available on the night of the wedding including the sumptuous bridal suite.

Where to enjoy a staycation?

BRUERN COTTAGES

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, between Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford, Bruern is a collection of luxury cottages to welcome guests just as a hotel does. Available for two nights (sometimes even one) or an eight-week hire, they’re available during the week and at the weekend.

Because Bruern offers luxury self-catering, guests are not expected to provide for themselves on their first night, so when they arrive, there are essentials including milk, butter, eggs and sausages waiting along with a few little luxuries like champagne, homemade cakes and local artisan produce including cheese varieties.

Twice National Winners of VisitBritain’s England for Excellence Award for Luxury Self-Catering, and current holders of EnjoyEngland’s Gold Award for quality, these holiday cottages set a new benchmark for selfcatering.

Bruern Cottages offer the comfort and attention to detail of a good hotel, combined with the privacy, independence and space of home, amidst the civilised ease and style of English country house living.