From Oliver Cromwell to Football Deep in the Heart of Darwen, Lancashire

By Sharon Henry

Nestled at the base of the Pennine Moors and situated on the outskirts of Darwen, near Blackburn, Lancashire stands the Whitehall Hotel, which now boasts its own gin and rum distillery.

AVictorian manor house built for a wealthy cotton mill owner in 1898, it was converted tastefully into a hotel in 1968. The Whitehall, is the oldest hotel in Blackburn with Darwen and it enjoys many period features from the sandstone frontage to the panelled sweeping staircase, decorative ceilings and an open fireplace complemented by an impressive 16-foot chandelier.

From the moment you drive up to The Whitehall Hotel in Darwen, you realise that the claim to be the perfect venue and retreat for any occasion is well-founded.

The Whitehall, is and has been a destination wedding venue for over 50 years. The current custodians, Neil and Tracy Bullows have retained the charm of the original features with a stunning events room which will accommodate wedding parties for 200 plus guests. There are several other smaller rooms which cater for bridal couples who prefer a more intimate setting. Several of the rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies with a team knowing how to recognise the sanctimony of marriage.

Adjacent to the main room there is a sizable Indian stoned patio area with comfortable seating for reception drinks and canapés. Surrounded by mature gardens, a bridal arch and Cinderella carriage provide the perfect backdrop for capturing that photographic moment in time to be treasured. The sitting room and public areas feature a balcony staircase with a stunning ornate chandelier. Either sit back and relax in the cosy sofa´s or explore the landscaped gardens, and the woodland beyond.

Not only a popular venue for weddings, the Whitehall caters for christenings, associations dinners, birthdays and an array of other occasions and events for both business and pleasure.

You can dine at the award-winning restaurant - recently named Best Hotel Restaurant in Lancashire. Menus incorporate the highest quality ingredients from farmers, growers and their own on-site distillery. Comprised of dishes that are easily recognizable and feel simple but eat complex. The hotel aims to make all guests feel the warmth of familiarity within its doors, from friendly and knowledgeable service, to the glow of a wood-fire stove, to the comforting aromas of home, coming from the restaurant.

The Whitehall also offers an extensive afternoon tea program that features a selection of sandwiches, fresh-baked cakes and scones from their kitchen.

There is a variety of guest bedroom styles which include a host of thoughtful extras. Bedrooms in the main house are more traditional in keeping with the heritage of the

house with several having four poster beds and spa baths. Modern rooms are located on the ground floor and include flat screen televisions with hospitality trays and peace and quiet as standard.

The Whitehall’s legendary service has set the stage for spectacular weddings and milestone celebrations. Whether hosting a black-tie gala in one of their timeless ballrooms or reciting your vows in the landscaped gardens, the indoor and outdoor venue is designed to inspire. You will also enjoy the expertise of a team dedicated to making your experience unforgettable.

The Hotel Features include:

• Complimentary high-speed wireless, high-bandwidth access • Recently refurbished en-suite luxury accommodation • On-site complimentary guest parking • Exclusive In-Room & Restaurant

Dining options • Walking distance to some of

Lancashire’s favourite walks

The Whitehall, has been family managed by Neil and Tracy since 2003 and their two children Matthew and Jenna, have both been involved. ‘’With over fifteen years working in four star hotels I became quite despondent with conflicting values and pressures and felt it was time to pursue an alternative career.’’

Neil said. ‘’We attended a friend’s wedding and following a high stool bar chat it was mentioned there was a hotel for sale in Darwen and we should take a look at.

We requested the particulars and arranged to view and immediately taken by the Whitehall’s grandeur. Tracy, had worked in banking and with her connections and alongside the kitchen sink we secured the bulk of the asking price. We were saddened as shortly afterwards our offer was rejected in favour of another. We looked at other hotels in the North West but non comparable to the vision we had for the Whitehall. A year to the day of viewing we were contacted by the sellers to inform us that several offers had fallen through and were we still interested?

The rest as we say is “Our” history.

We have enjoyed almost twenty years of hospitality and delighted that we have established an enviable reputation for service and standards. So many of our guests over the years have now become close friends and we feel that a professional and friendly service will see us through the challenging times ahead.’’

As with many in the hospitality industry the Whitehall continues to be challenged with the impact and after effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. “It was such an awful time trying assist our bridal couples with their wishes and that of being able to keep the business open” Tracy stated. “With rising costs and the current economic climate, we are still very much in the storm”, Neil affirmed.

The spirited couple have seen their fair share of challenges over the years and knew that they would

need to pivot the business to survive. This is where there innovation and determination has been awarded with their concept of moving into spirits distillation.

The Whitehall Distillery, was a concept conceived by their daughter Jenna during lockdown as her favourite tipple of choice. Neil contacted a childhood friend Paul Sheerin a master distiller based in Oldham, who is the owner of awarding winning Defiance Spirits. In November of 2020, under the watchful Zoom eye from Paul and his team the Whitehall’s Signature gin was completed.

The Whitehall, now has several hand-crafted gins available and awarded the contract to distil gin for Blackburn Rovers Football Club. There is a story behind the design of the label which features Darwen Tower but a wrap taken from Oliver Cromwell’s lace who stayed at the nearby Whitehall cottage. A bar has been opened up in his name featuring house gins and an extensive rum collection with gin inspired sharing food platters. Gin Making Experience classes are available to all and have become very popular especially with bridal couples making their own as personalised wedding gifts.

The Whitehall is open all year round serving the best of Northern Hospitality.

They are offering fantastic Christmas party nights throughout December and bookings are also being taken for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, for you to celebrate the festive season at the Whitehall where you and your family can experience a choice from a specially created menu to ensure your Christmas 2022 is one to remember.

Details of events can be found on their website and social media. M Ross Street, Park Road,

Darwen, Lancashire BB3 2JU N 01254 701595 E info@whitehallhotel.uk.com D www.whitehallhotel.uk.com F @whitehallhotel