Stanmer House Magazine 2015

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U E O Y E Y FRCOP

S TA N M E R H O US E

STANMER HOUSE USE T H E A N N UA L GU I D E TO T H E G R A D E I L I ST E D W E D D I N G V E N U E

STANMER MAGIC

T H E A N N UA L G U I D E T O T H E G R A D E I L I S T E D W E D D I N G V E N U E

Discover the history of our 18th century manor house

WONDERFUL WEDDINGS

The perfect setting to make all your dreams come true

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Enjoy some appetising menus and wine pairings

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Why your next big meeting will go off without a glitch

AISLE STYLE

Fabulous wedding dresses for every blushing bride

HONEYMOON ADVENTURE

How Africa is fast becoming a romantic getaway hotspot

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W E D D I N G S • FO O D • EV E N TS • B US I N E S S • T R AV E L

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STANMER HOUSE

Sam Yardley

THE PERFECT LOCATION

I

f you and your partner are looking to tie the knot, Stanmer House provides a wonderfully romantic backdrop. To capture the beauty of this 18th-century manor house, we’ve produced our very own annual guide, which will provide you with all the information you’ll need to book your ideal event and begin your marriage with the fairy tale start you deserve.

Set in acres of woodland and parkland in the heart of Sussex, Stanmer is nestled between the sea and the South Downs, just 1o minutes from the bustling centre of Brighton. To get your tour of the place started, we’ll be heading out and about around our magnificent grounds and exploring the building’s rich and fascinating history.

Whatever ideas you have for your wedding with us, the venue will surpass your expectations. Be it a simple, intimate ceremony followed by a drinks reception, or your whole day through wedding breakfast to evening party, our experienced Events Team will be on hand every step of the way to help you realise your vision. With that in mind, you’ll find some helpful guidelines in the following pages that will make all your prepping and planning a breeze.

Struggling to decide on what dress to wear on the big day?

No problem, as we’ll be exploring some of the latest trends to hit the catwalks. Elsewhere, we hear from some couples who have enjoyed an enchanting time with us, while also finding out about the different wedding fairs and events coming up, as well as some top decoration themes to consider.

With a strong emphasis on cuisine, our team of award-winning chefs create wedding breakfasts fit for royalty. All of our menus are prepared using only the freshest produce, while a variety of dietary requirements can be catered for, ensuring your meal is utterly delicious. If you fancy recreating one of our dishes at home, we’ve even provided a recipe for you to try, along with some handy wine pairing tips.

From business to honeymoons, there’s a wealth of additional features to look forward to in this inaugural issue of Stanmer House magazine. On behalf of the Events Team, I would like to formally welcome you to our beautiful Grade-I listed venue, so you can see for yourself why we’re the location of choice for so many couples and discover how we can turn your dreams into a reality.

Brian Keeley Whiting MD

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Contents 06 A BRIEF HISTORY Introducing our beautiful 18th-century wedding venue 09 MEET THE TEAM Say hello to some key Stanmer House players

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15 WEDDING TO-DO LIST Don’t forget that something borrowed, something b 20 A SLICE OF PARK LIFE Go for a scenic stroll around our captivating grounds 24 STYLE ON THE AISLE Fall in love with some picks from top dress designers 32 WEDDING FARE Appetising food and drink to enjoy with your guests 40 CELEBRATE IN STYLE You’ll feel like a VIP with our private dining spaces

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43 DAYS TO REMEMBER Real-life couples share their enchanting Stanmer stories 48 WILD NIGHTS AWAY Start married life with an exciting African honeymoon 53 EVENTS AT STANMER Important dates for your diary throughout the year 54 WEDDING PLANNER Key meetings to discuss your big day preparations 57 ROOM FOR ROMANCE Take the tour of some of our most impressive spaces

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62 SEASONAL STANMER Come rain or shine, we can bring your dreams to life

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STANMER HOUSE

65 A FAIR TO REMEMBER It’s all happening at our wedding open evenings 66 PRICES AND PACKAGES There’s an option to suit every need or requirement 70 DOWN TO BUSINESS How we can help with your next important conference 72 COMPANIES WE KEEP Why our corporate spaces will impress your clients 75 WHERE CAN I STAY? Nearby hotels for a perfect end to your perfect day 76 THE STUFF OF DREAMS Decorations that won’t fail to create that fairy tale look 79 A WORD FROM THE TOP MD Brian Whiting shares his thoughts on Stanmer House 81 HOW TO GET HERE Directions to ensure you arrive in time by car or train 82 GET IN TOUCH Essential contact details for booking your event with us

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Editor Frederick Latty flatty@markerstudy.com Studio Manager – Senior Designer Dom Prevost dprevost@markerstudy.com Production Co-ordinator Lauren Howe lhowe2@markerstudy.com Publishing Director Nick Moore nmoore@markerstudy.com Editorial Director Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com Contributors FitzGerald Photographic Kitebox - Sarah Marshall Carl O’Connell - Heather Shuker Jon Silver - Sam Yardley Tranzmission Photography Victoria Dawe

ONE MEDIA AND CREATIVE UK LTD Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1EN 01892 779 650 • www.one-media.co Stanmer House Magazine is owned by Whiting & Hammond Ltd and published/distributed by One Media and Creative UK Ltd. All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher. All prices are correct at the time of going to print. Neither the publisher nor the owner can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

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A Brief History of

Stanmer House CENTURIES BEFORE IT BECAME THE MAGNIFICENT WEDDING AND CONFERENCE VENUE IT IS TODAY, STANMER HAD ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A LONG AND FASCINATING HERITAGE. TO GIVE YOU A FLAVOUR OF WHAT THE PLACE IS LIKE, WE INTRODUCE THIS IDYLLIC GRADE I-LISTED MANSION AND REVEAL SOME OF THE SECRETS THAT LIE WITHIN

Stanmer House in 1815

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STANMER HOUSE

T

here are certain buildings that stop you in your tracks, their beauty and grandeur complemented by captivating grounds and a rich culture dating back hundreds of years. Stanmer House is no exception and has become one of the most prized additions to the Whiting & Hammond pub and restaurant group since being acquired in 2o11. Here, we provide a glimpse into the past of this fabulous building and meet some of the colourful characters who helped bring the place to life.

THE LOCATION Set in 5,ooo acres of stunning woodland and parkland in the heart of Sussex, Stanmer (deriving from ‘stony mere’, meaning ‘stony pond’) is a beautiful 18th-century manor house. The venue is located west of the village of Falmer and northeast of Brighton, offering guests and visitors a rural retreat just 1o minutes from the hustle and bustle of the popular seaside resort.

As a house steeped in history, it has been beautifully restored, encompassing stylish interiors and contemporary designs, while losing none of its ancient heritage and charm.

Stanmer Park provides a wonderfully scenic backdrop, with views looking out over the perfectly manicured lawns nearby, while Stanmer Church and Village further enhance the picturesque surroundings.

THE ARCHITECTURE Constructed by the French architect Nicholas Dubois in 1722, Stanmer was originally built in the fashionable Palladian style, a European concept derived from and inspired by the designs of Venetian architect, Andrea Palladio.

Indeed, the building itself boasts much inspiration from the architectural

movement, which was strongly based on the symmetry, perspective and values of the formal classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans.

THE HISTORY The house was made for the Pelham family, an English aristocratic dynasty headed by the Earl of Chichester. In 1713, Henry Pelham of Lewes bought Stanmer

Estate for £7,5oo; he was already the owner of Pelham House in Lewes, so Stanmer was to be seen as his country retreat. Upon his death in 1721, the house was left to his eldest son (also Henry), who commissioned Dubois to begin designing a new property the following year, incorporating the remains of an earlier building.

Inheritance of the house continued when Henry passed away in 1725, leaving it to his younger brother, Thomas. Carrying on the legacy, Thomas in turn bequeathed it to his own son, who inherited Stanmer at the young age of nine when his father died in 1737.

In 1942, Stanmer was requisitioned by the War Office and sustained considerable damage when used by the military for artillery practice. By the time World War Two ended, the Pelhams were badly hit by Inheritance Tax following the death of John Pelham, the Eighth Earl of Chichester, resulting in the house changing hands once more and being bought by Brighton Corporation in 1946.

From 1961 to 198o, the building was leased to the University of Sussex and, following years of later neglect, was purchased and renovated by private investors in 2oo4, who turned it into the breath-taking venue it is today.

A number of rooms in the house have subsequently been named after the various members of the Pelham family who have lived there, and while the place has been through a number of incarnations over the years, there can be no doubt that it will continue to endure through the ages as one of the great country houses in the South East of England.

To find out more about the background of Stanmer House, visit www.stanmerhouse.co.uk/stanmer-history

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Meet

the

Team

Behind the scenes at Stanmer House is a group of friendly, passionate professionals who are waiting to welcome you to our Grade-I listed venue. We introduce some key members of the Whiting & Hammond family and find out what an average day organising our biggest events entails

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Brian Keeley Whiting:

Simon McLoughlin:

Managing Director

Stanmer House General Manager and Head Chef

Brian started life in the hospitality industry as a young chef at The Savoy in London.

After two and a half years working there under Anton Edelmann, he went to other renowned London eateries before setting up a family restaurant in Melton Mowbray.

Eventually, Brian moved into front of house, working for Brunning and Price, which ran a group of award-winning pubs.

After 1o great years, it was time to move on and set up his own company, Whiting & Hammond, in 2oo3.

We have now grown the business to seven award-winning sites, including the beautiful Stanmer House. Whiting & Hammond have been acknowledged within the hospitality industry as leaders of their field and have won numerous awards, including: - 2o14 Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA) for Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year and Professional Business Owner - 2o14 Top 5o Gastro Pubs for Best Innovation of the Year - 2o14 Caterer Awards for Best Employer in Hospitality With ambitions to take Whiting & Hammond to 2o sites over the next 1o years, Brian aims to make us the number one hospitality group in the country.

Simon has the mighty job of running Stanmer House both front of house as the General Manager and as Head Chef in the kitchen.

His background in the catering industry began at The Grosvenor Hotel in London at the age of 15, where he worked part time while at college. After six years at the Michelin-starred, three Rosette awarded hotel, Simon’s career in hospitality catapulted, with positions such as Under Butler at Eton for the Duke of Westminster and winning Young Waiter of the Year when working at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

From here, he moved into management and was responsible for opening and running critically acclaimed hotels and restaurants, such as The Pheasant Inn, a multiple award-winning boutique hotel in Cheshire.

Moving on from overseeing other people’s businesses, Simon took his passion and expertise and set up his own fine dining restaurant, wine bar and brasserie called Got Wine, which he ran successfully for five years, winning two Rosettes.

Driving his career forward, Simon worked as Operations Manager for award-winning companies such as Urban and Country Leisure before joining Whiting & Hammond as General Manager in 2o12.

Rebecca Weller: Events and Marketing Manager

Rebecca moved to Brighton from Cornwall some 15 years ago to study at Brighton University and graduated with a BA in Interior Architecture in 2oo6. Her love of architecture led her to discover the grandeur of Stanmer House, where she took a job as a receptionist at the events venue while hoping to find work in architecture and design.

She was soon fast tracked from Receptionist to the Events Team and worked her way up to Senior Events Manager with Cherrywood Events Ltd. Whiting & Hammond acquired Stanmer and Rebecca in November 2o11, bringing the events business into the world of W&H. Under Rebecca’s leadership, the Events Team and business at Stanmer House has grown, as well as within Whiting & Hammond, and she now looks after the events and marketing for the whole group.

Bruce Simmons: Stanmer House Senior Deputy Manager

Having won a basketball scholarship, Bruce grew up in the USA and worked in retail from the age of 2o.

It was never his dream to enter the catering industry, but he instantly fell in love with the job.

Bruce worked for Simon at Got Wine and spent five years working his way up through the company to the position of Deputy Manager, while also building a great working relationship and friendship with Simon.

They parted ways and pursued careers in different sites, but fate was not too far away as they teamed up again at Stanmer House in 2o12, which Bruce feels has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

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STANMER HOUSE

Darren Somerton: Operations Manager

Darren began his career as a trainee chef at ‘Frederick’s Hotel’ in Seabrook, Hythe, which was co-owned by the then Captain of the British Chefs Team, Freddie Jones.

Following this, Darren went on to work at The Savoy under the watchful eye of Executive Chef, Anton Edelman; to this day, he always remembers it as a key time in his career in the hospitality industry.

After his stint at The Savoy, Darren had a spell working on the QE2 for Cunard, which included a world cruise. Upon returning from his adventures on the high seas, he moved to Nizels Golf Club in Hildenborough as Head Chef.

Six years later in August 2oo3, he left this very busy golf and wedding venue and took the role of Head Chef at The Chaser in Shipbourne, which was Whiting & Hammond’s first site. One thing led to another and, after a period running The Chaser , Darren became Operations Manager for Whiting & Hammond.

James Palmer-Rosser: Executive Chef

James is the company’s Executive Chef and qualified in Hospitality and Catering at West Kent College. On completing his course, he moved to London to work alongside the Roux Brothers, Richard Phillips and Marco Pierre White.

After time in some of the best London restaurants, James moved back to his hometown of Tunbridge Wells to open Thackeray’s restaurant. He spent two years there and played a part in attaining its first Michelin star.

Next, he worked with another multiple pub operator before deciding to join the Whiting & Hammond family as Head Chef at The Little Brown Jug in Chiddingstone Causeway. He eventually moved on to the flagship pub for the company, The Chaser Inn, as Head Chef, until taking on a new position for the company as Executive Chef.

Key W&H contact details can be found on p.82.

To learn more about the staff at Stanmer and Whiting & Hammond, visit www.stanmerhouse.co.uk or www.whitingandhammond.co.uk/the-company

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A Day in the Life of Stanmer House

EVENTS AND MARKETING MANAGER REBECCA WELLER TALKS US THROUGH WHAT IT TAKES TO PUT ON ONE OF THE VENUE’S SHOW-STOPPING FUNCTIONS Photography by Kitebox

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STANMER HOUSE

E

very member of the team at Stanmer is an integral part of any event. Each occasion starts as an enquiry, be it through a phone call, email or just someone popping by to ask a question. The Events Team deal with in excess of 1,ooo enquiries a year, so the office is always buzzing. Where possible, we always encourage potential clients to come down to the house for a look around and to discuss their event further. It really helps to chat about plans when you’re in the space the customer wants to use.

Our friendly Front of House team always welcome our guests with a smile and a cup of tea while they wait to be met by one of the Events Team for their viewing. Our ethos is to take the stress out of the planning, so from the moment our clients are met, right through to the big day, our team are calm, friendly and informative. Most people are sold from the moment they step into the beautiful grand lobby area, so after a look around the rest of the gorgeous rooms, it’s always a great feeling when we can confirm a booking.

From that moment on, the Events Team are in constant contact with our clients.

On average, we host 4oo+ events a year, so the phone calls and emails are constant.

Behind the scenes, our wonderful staff in the kitchen are tirelessly prepping for the multitude of meals, sometimes even doing six different events menus in one day!

Our Head Chef Simon McLoughlin has put together the divine wedding and function menus that we’re able to offer at Stanmer House, but should a client wish to have something a little different or have specific tastes, the team in the kitchen are always happy to help create something bespoke. Planning meetings with our customers are times when we go through all the finer details in a relaxed manner to reassure them everything is in hand.

The day of an event starts early. The Kitchen Porters are the first ones in at 8am.

They work solidly throughout the day in the busy kitchen and are often the last ones out at 1am to 2am after a wedding. Our cleaners will be busying around making the house spotless before the first arrivals.

Function rooms will have been set up the day or night before, ready for the first guests to arrive. Conference guests often come from early doors, greeted with fresh coffee and pastries. For our weddings, the morning of the function is used to finalise any decorations, co-ordinating with florists, cake deliveries and other suppliers that need access to the wedding rooms.

It’s all hands on deck for the final preparations, with the Front of House crew making sure all the glassware and cutlery is polished, tables are laid beautifully and every finer detail has been checked. Champagne and wines will already be chilling and the garden is checked and grass mown. Outside, tables are cleaned and umbrellas put up if it’s a sunny day.

Behind the scenes, the kitchen is a hive of activity. Depending on the menu, preparation may have started one or two days prior, as all our dishes are made freshly from scratch. Any smoking or curing is all done in house, so Chef will have planned out the schedule from the moment the menus are finalised four weeks before, allocating jobs through the ranks, including the Porters, Chef de Partie, Sous Chefs and Senior Sous Chefs. Whether they’re sending out delicate canapés for a drinks reception or a hearty buffet for a conference, each plate is checked thoroughly.

No matter the occasion, once guests are in our care, our staff are attentive to everyone’s needs. It may be relieving a customer of an empty glass, taking a lady’s coat or directing someone to the bathroom; the team are always ensuring they’re active but inconspicuous, so all guests can relax and feel at home.

When the time comes for our visitors to depart, we wave a fond farewell and set to the task of resetting the house, be it for another function the next day or just for general trade. It’s a long day for all, but the hospitality industry is most certainly about bringing pleasure and joy to customers and that feel-good factor makes it all worthwhile. No two days are the same and the anticipation for what tomorrow may bring spurs the team on and brings everyone together.

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STANMER HOUSE

C

ountdown to your

big day

So, he’s popped the question and you’ve said ‘yes’ – but now what? With so much to do, the prospect of a wedding can often seem like a daunting one. There’s no need to fret, however, as we’ve put together a handy guide with all you need to know and do before you say ‘I do’

F

irst, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feeling relaxed? Then we’ll begin. It’s official: you’re getting married! There can be few days as exciting or important as this one – your wedding marks the start of your new life with your partner, a sign of your commitment to one another and a chance to share your love with the people closest to you.

But before the big day arrives, there’s a lot to think about. The average wedding takes about a year to plan, during which time you’ll have a variety of things to organise and arrange, from appointing your best man and chief bridesmaid to deciding on menu and music preferences.

Here, we present our foolproof guide to getting your wedding just the way you want it.

In addition to talking you through some of the key roles and responsibilities, we’ve also come up with a checklist of things to do month by month. So, no matter your style or preferences, you’ll have everything covered in good time and can concentrate on enjoying your day at Stanmer House.

Make the most of your wedding party and delegate some duties!

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STANMER HOUSE

The Groom The role of the groom is to organise the legal side of the marriage, such as getting the licence, paying the fees and completing any necessary paperwork. Other vital requirements, apart from saying ‘I do’, are choosing the best man, buying the wedding rings, buying presents for the attendants, hiring the wedding transport and making a speech at the reception. He should also be involved in making decisions with his bride on matters such as service providers.

CHECKLIST ◆ Organise legal requirements ◆ Pay fees ◆ Complete paperwork ◆ Choose the best man ◆ Hire transport ◆ Make a speech at the reception The Chief Bridesmaid She’s your right-hand woman in the build-up to the wedding, so make sure it’s someone you can rely on! Her official duties are to arrange the hen night and accompany you on shopping trips. On the wedding day, the chief bridesmaid helps you put on your gown, organises the other bridesmaids and holds your bouquet during the service.

CHECKLIST ◆ Organise the hen party ◆ Help the bride choose her dress and the attendants’ outfits ◆ Help the bride get ready on the day ◆ Make sure the bride’s luggage is sent to the first night hotel ◆ Wait for the bride to arrive at the ceremony venue and look after younger bridesmaids ◆ Check the bride’s veil and train before she walks up the aisle ◆ Hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony The Best Man It’s an important role, so make sure that, as well as having a gift for making funny speeches, he’s also reliable and responsible. Prior to the wedding, his main task is to arrange the stag night. On the day, his list of wedding duties includes liaising with both sets of families to ensure everything is co-ordinated.

He should check transport arrangements for the bridal party and make sure all guests are able to get to and from the reception if you’re having your ceremony elsewhere. He accompanies the groom to the ceremony, instructs the ushers and hands over the rings. He also makes a speech at the wedding and reads out messages from any absent guests.

CHECKLIST ◆ Keep up-to-date with arrangements to co-ordinate the ushers ◆ Check that the buttonholes arrive and the order of service sheets are ready ◆ Make sure the outfits for himself, the groom and the ushers are collected ◆ Organise the stag night ◆ Look after the rings on the day and hand them to the groom/minister/registrar ◆ Check transport arrangements for guests ◆ Announce the speeches and the cutting of the cake ◆ Read out cards or messages at the reception and make the final speech The Ushers Male or female, ushers are friends or relatives who are there to make sure the day runs smoothly. They’re needed to help seat guests for the ceremony and reception. You can have as many ushers as you think you need (between four and eight is the norm), but if you’re having a large wedding, you may need many more.

CHECKLIST ◆ Arrive at the venue early and show guests to their seats ◆ Escort the bride’s mother and groom’s parents to their seats at the front ◆ Be on hand to seat latecomers ◆ Get guests together for photographs ◆ Help the best man with transport to the reception The Parents Traditionally, the bride’s parents used to pay for the majority of the wedding, but this is no longer the case in most modern marriages. The father of the bride leads her down the aisle to give her away and is expected to make a speech at the wedding reception.

CHECKLIST ◆ Arrange who will be paying for what ◆ If you’re the father, walk the bride down the aisle to give her away ◆ If you’re the mother, buy yourself a fabulous new outfit, hat and don’t forget to pack some tissues!

A FEW PLANNING TIPS ◆ Keep paperwork and cuttings in a file ◆ Open a special bank account to help manage your budget ◆ Ask friends and family for their recommendations ◆ Get written quotes from all your wedding suppliers ◆ Outline your budget and make sure you stick to it ◆ And finally, make time to spend alone with your partner

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Music & Entertainme nt agency with a real live beating heart!

www.joogleberry.com t 07930 160737

facebook.com/joogleberry twitter.com/joogleberry

''Spreading Joogleberry magic across the world... "

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1

acts@joogleberry.com

Bands, singers, cabaret, comedy, circus acts, magicians, walkabout, themes, unusual acts, everything you need for your event!

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STANMER HOUSE

YOUR

WEDDING TIMELINE AS YOU’VE MOST LIKELY FOUND OUT, WEDDINGS TAKE A LOT OF PLANNING AND THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF THINGS THAT YOU WILL NEED TO REMEMBER ALONG THE WAY. HERE’S A MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE OF THE ESSENTIALS TO MARK IN YOUR DIARY ONCE YOU’VE BOOKED YOUR DAY IN AT STANMER HOUSE

Straightaway - Decide on number of guests and draw up a list - Tell relatives and friends about your decision to marry and the date, so that they can diarise it - You can send ‘save the date’ cards - Set your budget and decide who is doing what (see our list of key players on the previous page) - Talk to the minister or registrar about what sort of ceremony you would like - Sign a copy of our terms and conditions and pay our holding fee 11 months to go - Decide who will be in your wedding party - Book appointments to try on wedding dresses 1o months to go - Make a decision on your dress, allowing at least six months for a made-to-measure gown - Think about where you would like to go for your honeymoon Nine months to go - Book your DJ/band and other entertainment you would like - Take your bridesmaids shopping for their dresses - Find a photographer/videographer Eight months to go - Order invitations, place names, ‘thank you’ cards and table planners - Book your transport Seven months to go - Find a florist - Select your buttonholes, bouquets and arrangements - Order your wedding cake - Think about favours for your guests

Six months to go - The groom, best man and ushers will need to get their suits - Think about ‘thank you’ gifts for members of your wedding party Five months to go - Book a consultation with your hairdresser and makeup artist - Send out invitations and keep a list of acceptances and refusals Four months to go - A meeting will be arranged by your Stanmer House Event Manager and you will need to decide on menu and wines - Arrange Order of Service and pick hymns/music.

- Please note that religious music is not allowed in civil ceremonies - Finalise your guest list - Go shopping for a gorgeous honeymoon wardrobe - Check for honeymoon visas or vaccinations - Talk to anyone you would like to make a speech, so they have time to prepare Three months to go - Book in your hairdresser - Organise a rehearsal time - Choose a company for your gift list and compile it Two months to go - Buy your wedding rings - Try on your wedding day outfit to make sure everything fits and nothing’s forgotten - Book in a pre-wedding massage or pamper day to ease stress - Reconfirm all bookings - Practise your first dance

Six weeks to go - Confirm seating plan and place cards - Give everyone involved a list of duties to be responsible for on your big day - Confirm final number of guests to your Stanmer House Event Manager - Confirm table plan and provide a copy - Provide us with a list of all items to be brought to the house by yourselves - Final bill will be sent out to be settled four weeks prior to the wedding One month to go - Discuss the playlist with the DJ/band - Let us know final numbers for catering - Give Notice of Marriage - Let your hair down on the hen and stag nights One week to go - Confirm all reception arrangements - Call all bookings, such as photographer, wedding cars, florist etc. and confirm times - Arrange a convenient time for you to drop off table decorations, favours etc.

On the day - Nominate someone to look after the gifts and get them home - Keep your driver’s number handy in the morning, in case there are problems with transport - If you’re the bride, don’t forget your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue - Prepare an emergency kit with extra makeup, safety pins, breath mints, hairspray and a comb - Most importantly, enjoy yourself and have a fabulous time on your magical day!

While the above is just a guideline, your Event Manager will be happy to answer any queries you may have.

Call o1273 68o 4oo or email events@stanmerhouse.co.uk to book your Event Manager and start planning your big day

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A slice of

Park Life In addition to the grand rooms and stunning architecture of Stanmer House, the surrounding grounds are equally impressive. Whether you’re out on a meandering walk or discovering some fascinating wildlife and beautiful plants, Stanmer Park is a hidden gem that’s well worth exploring

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STANMER HOUSE

W

hen you arrive at Stanmer House, you’ll no doubt be swept up by the striking Grade I-listed building and its magnificent Palladian style. Look a little further afield, however , and you’ll see that there’s just as much breathtaking scenery surrounding the venue.

Covering 5,ooo acres of gorgeous parkland and woodland, Stanmer Park is home to the village of Stanmer and Stanmer Church, which would once have been the estate of the house.

It’s now a Local Nature Reserve and the setting for a spectacular range of wildlife, in addition to providing the perfect excuse for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

Whatever your interests, you won’t want to miss one of Brighton’s best kept secrets, where you can soak up some natural beauty in a wonderfully tranquil setting. Read on to find out why it’s an unmissable part of any Stanmer House visit.

Stanmer Park Situated next to Sussex University on the outskirts of Brighton, Stanmer Park and Estate is an excellent example of the vast open countryside available in Brighton, and remains one of the town’s most visited parks.

Indeed, with its beautiful woodland walks and extensive open lands, the surrounding grounds of Stanmer House are just as perfect for a family picnic as they are for a kick about with your friends, or for those looking for a bracing walk over the Downs.

Today, the park is open to the public and there is a café in the village. Guided walks of the woods are sometimes available, including ‘bat walks’, where attendees are shown the considerable local bat population.

Elsewhere, a walk of elm trees is open to the public on Tuesdays, while the woods beyond the park to the north and west lead into Wild Park and the open South Downs countryside, which is part of the South Downs National Park.

Under the National Heritage Act 1983,

the park was placed by English Heritage on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England at Grade II level.

For lovers of flora and fauna, Stanmer Park is home to a varied range of plants and wildlife. Birds that have been spotted include buzzards, kestrels and owls, while mammals such as foxes, badgers and deer are also a common sight. You’ll even find an array of insect life, many species of fungi and chalk land plants such as orchids and cowslips.

Stanmer Church As well as the historic Stanmer House, the parkland is also home to the knapped flint Stanmer Church. The building in its current flint form was erected in 1838, but records of a church on this site date way back to the 13th century.

The church is open to visitors every Sunday (excluding Christmas Day when it falls on that day) from 2pm to 4pm during winter and 2pm to 5pm from when the clocks go forward in spring (around late March). The church is open to groups by arrangement and is now maintained by the Stanmer Preservation Society, which also runs Stanmer Rural Museum and the Donkey Wheel.

Stanmer Nurseries Just past Stanmer House, on the left, you’ll discover Stanmer Nurseries within the old walled kitchen garden of Stanmer Park. A highlight of the area, the nursery has been producing plants for our city’s parks since the 195os and now provides home-grown greenery for the general public to purchase.

Stanmer Organics and Earthship Brighton The park is also home to Earthship Brighton, a cutting-edge ‘green’ building, constructed using waste car tyres and other recycled materials. The Brighton Earthship was the first to be built in England and regular tours are available.

Earthship lies on the site of Stanmer Organics, a community non-profit organisation founded in 1997, which uses 17 acres of council land cultivated

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for horticultural, agricultural and educational purposes, using only organic growing techniques. Annual community events are held here, such as Apple Day every September, where visitors can discover all about apples through a range of fun activities and events.

For further information on Stanmer Park and the surrounding grounds, visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk, head to www.visitbrighton.com or check out www.stanmer.org.uk To find out more about Stanmer Organics or Earthship Brighton, see www.stanmerorganics.com or www.lowcarbon.co.uk/earthship-brighton

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STANMER HOUSE

tyle on the A isle

Picking the dress is without a doubt the most exciting job for any bride preparing for a wedding. To give you an idea of what’s out there, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite themes that will be turning heads throughout 2o15, so you can try out the eclectic range before finding that ideal look

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very bride deserves to feel gorgeous on their wedding day, which is why there are more trends available than ever before, offering a wealth of styles, colours, cuts and fabrics and ensuring you get the look you want.

This year is shaping up to be no exception, with all sorts of options from leading designers hitting the catwalks and being snapped up by blushing brides everywhere.

Whether you’re keen on colour or looking to bare a little more skin with a thigh-high slit or a backless number, there’s no shortage of dresses to suit your tastes and guarantee you look utterly stunning when exchanging your vows.

And for Stanmer brides, there couldn’t be a better place than Brighton to pick up your gown. With an abundance of boutiques littered throughout the town, you’ll be able to pick something up that will wow your friends and family, not to mention your hubby to be!

We’ll be guiding you through some options for your bridesmaids to consider too, meaning you can make a day of it, enjoy some Champagne and canapés and all emerge looking fabulous together.

So, before you and your entourage go traipsing around the shops, pour yourself a glass of something fizzy, sit back and relax as we guide you through a selection of the hottest bridal wear to look forward to over the coming months.

Off the shoulder In addition to being romantic and timeless, this option is sexy and flattering on the figure, creating a neckline so stunning that there’s no need to over accessorise with necklaces or jewellery.

Colour coded Gone are the days when brides had to wear white. Keep an eye out for splashes of colour when deciding on your look, with shades of blue and green making an eye catching impact.

A-list glamour The thigh-high slit will be making a big appearance this year. Glitzy and sexy in equal measure, it’s a look that will make you feel like a Hollywood starlet gracing the red carpet.

Back to back If you want to look fabulous from all angles, you’ll need to make sure your back is in tiptop condition, as a number of designers have started keeping this section entirely bare.

Light as a feather For a softer look on your big day, give breezy fabrics like tulle or feathers a try.

They’re go-to options for comfort and will leave you feeling fresh as a daisy.

Caped crusaders Donning a cape as you make your entrance will certainly turn some heads. It’s practical for brides who want to cover up, as well as dramatic, adding a unique twist to your gown.

Captivating collars There’s nothing more regal than a bride in a collar. It can be added to a high neckline and will create a majestic look, bringing a real sense of occasion to your outfit.

Fringe favourites Capture the glitz and glamour of the Roaring ‘2os and ‘3os with this playful addition. It makes for fantastic photos and means you’ll look great at the reception while dancing the night away.

Metallic magic As well as the more traditional golds, silvers and bronzes, designers have also opted for some more colourful variations, including blues, pinks and purples. You’ll look so radiant that you’ll be positively glowing.

Corset crazy With their curve hugging structures and lingerie inspired looks, corset bodices are coming back in a big way. They’re sophisticated and will also do wonders for your figure – just don’t forget to breathe!

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Wedding Open Evenings Tues / 21st April / 18th Aug / 20th Oct 2015

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Come along to see the house dressed for a wedding and give you some inspiration about how your perfect day could be!

Book your place with the Events Team now on: 01273 680400 or email events@stanmerhouse.co.uk

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Catherine Deane Diane Harbridge

Winnie Couture

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Yumi Katsura Simone Carvalli BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS The overall look of your wedding party can be just as important as the dress you choose. Here are some of our top trends for the most important ladies after the bride

MULTIWAY MAKEOVERS The trick to your bridesmaids getting the most out of their style scheme is dressing the same, but different.

These versatile dresses mean they can each pick different looks to suit their shape.

KEYHOLE BACKS Add a touch of glamour to your ladies’ look with this detailed, graceful choice. It’s the perfect combination of sexy and subtle, creating an air of pure elegance and class for the wearer.

BOHEMIAN CHIC You won’t want to miss another trend that’s taking a leaf out of the bride’s book. Available in a variety of lengths and styles, these alternative numbers will make your photos utterly unique.

RUFFLED UP They might not be for everyone, but ruffles will be making their mark in 2o15. If you’re not a fan of overly frilly dresses, some options feature more subtle hints without overdoing it.

EMBELLISHED ALL-STARS With a number of embellished wedding dresses being seen from key designers in recent months, the theme will continue into bridesmaids’ getups as well – the height of sophistication for you and your girls.

DRESS DESIGNERS AND COLLECTIONS Sophia Tolli Prinia - POA www.sophiatolli.co.uk

Catherine Deane Aurora - £3,3o1 www.catherinedeane.com

Diane Harbridge Geneva - £1,35o www.dianeharbridge.com

Winnie Couture Blush Label - POA www.winniecouture.com

Enzoani Jamila - £1,89o www.enzoani.com

Charlotte Balbier Iscoyd Park - £75o www.charlottebalbier.com

Yumi Katsura Hera Clear and Hera Silver - POA www.yumikatsuracouture.com

Simone Carvalli - POA www.simonecarvalli.com

Ian Stuart I Love Lucy - £1,918 www.ianstuart-bride.com

LouLou Agatha - £85o www.louloubridal.co.uk

Amanda Wyatt Adrianne - £1,185 www.amandawyatt.com 2015 - 29

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Flavours of the

Months Photography by Carl O'Connell and Sam Yardley

WITH OUR EVER-CHANGING MENUS AND SEASONAL PRODUCE, THE QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY OF THE FOOD AT STANMER WILL NEVER FAIL TO ENTICE AND DELIGHT THE SENSES. WE GUIDE YOU THROUGH SOME OF OUR MOST DELICIOUS DISHES, HEAR FROM THE HEAD CHEF AND OFFER UP A FAVOURITE RECIPE FOR YOU TO TRY AT HOME

F

ood and drink plays a big part in the success of any event at Stanmer House. Whether it’s a wedding or a conference, our team of talented chefs go above and beyond to create mouth-watering menus that will tantalise the taste buds and cater to all palates.

From tasty bar snacks to delectable three-course meals, we’ve always been proud of our company ethos to provide fresh, locally sourced produce to our customers. Brides and grooms can choose from a plethora of wedding day treats, such as smoked chicken and ham hock terrine with rhubarb purée and chargrilled baby onion salad, as well as pan seared sea bass served with chargrilled asparagus spears, celeriac purée and crab and prawn ravioli.

We get very excited about the great local produce available and make it our goal to source the very best ingredients available to us from some of the fantastic local suppliers in and around the area. Our practice of buying locally benefits everyone, putting something back into the community and supporting local business. There’s also the reduced impact on the environment, as our produce is only travelling a few miles to get to us rather than coming halfway around the world.

Indeed, food has always been at the forefront of our vision. By working with local suppliers, we’ve built a rapport with businesses that can provide consistently good quality meat, fish and fresh produce. The daily menu in the restaurant changes frequently to adapt to what’s in season, while the wedding options are just perfect for the time of year; light and fresh for the summer months and hearty and warming in winter.

There’s no shortage on the quality of our drinks either.

Whether you’re partial to a pint of our unique Parklife ale or fancy something a bit fruitier from the wine list, you can be sure to find a tipple to suit your meal. Specific wines have also been recommended to accompany certain dishes on our wedding menus, making them truly unforgettable for you and your guests.

Here, we provide you with some appetising samples of what to expect from our menus and wine pairings, alongside an interview with Head Chef Simon McLoughlin, who offers a delicious recipe for you to try at home.

No matter what your taste, the food and drink options available are guaranteed to make that special Stanmer event even more memorable.

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SUMMER WEDDING MENU Starters - Celeriac and Bramley apple velouté - Beetroot and marinated goat’s cheese salad with toasted pine nuts and pea shoots Mains - Tasting of lamb – braised baton of lamb and roasted lavender rump served with dauphinoise potatoes, wilted spinach and baby beets Wine pairing: Pinot Noir, Little Eden Wine Co. South Australia Seductive and silky initially, opening out with mouth filling and persistent flavour, and a finely balanced structure of firm acidity.

- Wild mushroom and white truffle risotto Wine pairing: Banfi Centine Rosso 2, Tuscany, Italy Looking for a Super Tuscan without a super price tag? Look no further.

This has bags of plum and raspberry flavours with notes of coffee and liquorice from a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Sangiovese.

Desserts - Sticky banoffee pudding served with mascarpone butterscotch sauce and clotted cream Wine pairing: Muscat de Rivesaltes, Els Pyreneus Lafage, France From the acclaimed Els Pyreneus range, this wine is a blend of Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains and Muscat d’Alexandrie, both of which are hand harvested. It’s a sweet wine with aromas and flavours of ripe fruit and gentle floral characters.

- Chocolate and praline brownie served with toffee sauce Wine pairing: Maury Granache Noir, Els Pyreneus, Lafage, Languedoc, France. This is a deliciously sweet red wine. The Grenache grapes deliver intense flavours of dark cherries, plums and cassis.

WINTER WEDDING MENU Starters - Pumpkin and butternut squash soup with toasted fennel seeds - Confit duck leg with wilted spinach, wild cep mushrooms and a honey beurre blanc Mains - Honey mustard glazed prime roasted sirloin – homemade rosemary infused Yorkshire pudding, roasted duck fat potatoes and roasted root vegetables with pan jus Wine pairing: Malbec Tilia, Mendoza, Argentina Brilliant rich Malbec made by the Catena winery. Plum blackberry and dark chocolate flavours with a hint of pepper and spice.

- Roasted pavé of salmon with wilted nutmeg spinach, butternut squash purée and toasted pumpkin seeds Wine pairing: Rioja Blanco Dinastia Vivanco, Rioja, Spain A modern styled Rioja with the focus firmly on bright, green apple, citrus and pear fruit flavours. Fragrant fruit and floral aromas, very mineral and would accompany all sorts of dishes.

Desserts - White chocolate and orange mousse served in a chocolate cup with vanilla and orange compote Wine pairing: Maury Granache Noir, Els Pyreneus, Lafage, Languedoc, France - Warm pecan and maple tart with maple and fudge ice cream Wine pairing: Muscat de Rivesaltes, Els Pyreneus Lafage, France For more information on our food and drink, visit www.stanmerhouse.co.uk/food-and-drink

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STANMER HOUSE

Meet the

Chef

GENERAL MANAGER AND HEAD CHEF SIMON MCLOUGHLIN SPILLS THE BEANS ON LIFE IN THE STANMER HOUSE KITCHEN

Tell us about your background and what made you want to become a chef I’ve always had a love and affiliation with food – from a very young age I was experimenting and concocting weird and sometimes not so wonderful dishes. Over the last 17 years, my tenures have been primarily front of house, but with Stanmer I have the best of both worlds.

How did you first get involved with the venue?

I’ve been here since 2o12. I was due out in Dubai, but my agent called me and said I had to meet with Brian Whiting. I guess you could say the rest is history; a cliché, but it became clear very quickly that I had to work for the company. It’s almost the last bastion of independence.

What’s your signature dish?

We don’t really have one – we revolve the menus on a daily basis, which gives us the autonomy to be as diverse as possible. The company’s ethos is about sustainability and local produce, which is key in the choices that we make regarding the content of the menus.

Which chef has had the biggest influence on you?

Charlie Trotter, who likened cooking to an improvisational jazz session; just as two riffs will never be the same, so too with food. Every time he plated, he was plating a mosaic. The way he intricately integrated the textures, contrasts and colours was truly out of this world.

Where do you see the food and menus at Stanmer going in the future?

We’re evolving on a daily basis and have such an eclectic mix of clientele, which is fabulous, but does have its quandaries, so we try to keep the menu invigorated and as true to our ethos as we can.

Read on to find out how to make one of Simon’s favourite dishes at home…

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MOROCCAN SPICED RUMP OF LAMB Serves 4 Marinade for 24 hours Preparation time: 3o minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes “This dish came about when Bruce Simmons [Deputy Manager at Stanmer House] and I were experimenting with cocktails for an up and coming wedding. We were both haggling (as we always do) over what cocktails would marry well with certain dishes, so I tasked him to come up with one that could be eaten with a lamb dish. Let’s just say I wasn’t prepared for his result – a chilli chocolate Martini jus. I was most disconcerted.

It was a tough call, to be frank, especially with the seasons being in somewhat of a transient mood, but with the rich, full flavour of lamb, it was a no-brainer and tasted absolutely delicious. Lamb really benefits from a kiss of smoke and fire like no other meat, since its higher fat content keeps it moist and juicy; the meat soaks up flavours like a sponge. I think the contrasting colours, textures and flavours of this dish marry well and hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed cooking them.”

INGREDIENTS For the marinade - o.5g fresh coriander seeds - 1tbsp cumin seeds - 2 cinnamon sticks - 2 cloves - 1 small, dried chilli - 2 cloves garlic, grated - 1tbsp fennel seeds - 3tbsp mixed spices - o.13g mace, grated - 2tsp turmeric powder - 3-4 cracked peppercorns - Vegetable oil - 4 rumps lamb For the Israeli couscous - 45oml chicken or vegetable stock - 3-4 pinches saffron strand - 25og couscous - 2 cloves garlic, grated - 1ooml sesame oil - 4tbsp toasted sesame seeds - 1tbsp ground nutmeg - 2 packs spinach For the burnt onion purée - 3 Spanish onions (if you can’t get these, any onions will do) - Single cream

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"LAMB REALLY BENEFITS FROM A KISS OF SMOKE AND FIRE LIKE NO OTHER MEAT" 2015 - XX StanmerHouse_Iss1_Food&Drink.indd 7

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For the Tzatziki - 1 cucumber - 1 bunch mint - 1 tub natural yoghurt - Juice of half a lemon For the chocolate Martini and chilli jus - Knorr bouillon - 1 splash red wine - 2 shots Absolut pepper vodka (5oml) - 2 ½ shots crème de cacao (1ooml) - 1 finely chopped bird’s eye chilli For the chocolate Martini (Serves 4) - 4 shots Absolut pepper vodka (1ooml) - 6 shots crème de cacao (15oml) - 2 bird’s eye chillies, finely chopped - 4 chillies for garnish DIRECTIONS • Preheat the oven to 18o°C. For the marinade, heat up a frying pan, adding the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, cloves and dried chilli. Allow to toast for a few minutes • Place the toasted spices in a pestle and mortar and grind to a powder. Add in all the other ingredients except the oil. Combine well • Next, mix half of the herbs and spices in with the oil and season with salt and pepper. The other half will be used for your dry rub • Score the fat on the four rumps and work your dry rub into the meat, ensuring that you get the marinade into all the nooks and crannies. This will break down the fabric of the meat, allowing all the flavours to seep in • For the oil marinade, ensure once again that the meat is entirely covered. Wrap tightly in cling film and leave in the fridge for 24 hours • Unwrap your rumps, seal on a skillet to give a smokey char flavour and finish in the preheated oven for six to eight minutes.

Remember, times are dependent on cookers, but this should come out medium rare. Allow the lamb to rest for at least eight minutes.

This ensures that the rumps relax and melt in your mouth • For the couscous, heat the stock and add in the saffron. Allow to soak for a few minutes before adding the stock to the couscous.

Cover with cling film and allow to stand for five to six minutes

• When soft and fluffy, fold in the grated garlic and sesame oil.

Add the sesame seeds and nutmeg • Place your three onions in the oven for approximately 15 minutes, with the skins on. After 1o to 12 minutes, take the onions out of the oven and take the skins off (be careful not to pull the onion apart). Once done, put back in the oven for the remaining three to five minutes until browned off. This will give your purée a beautiful sweetness and rusty colour • Take a blender and add your three onions. Purée the onions down and add cream to create a thick consistency. Be careful with the cream, as less is more • Pour the purée into a sieve and pass through. This will give it a smooth, velvety texture. Taste and season • To get the Tzatziki as coarse as possible, roughly chop the cucumber and mint leaves, bind with the yoghurt and add the lemon juice. Leave in the fridge for at least six hours to fully extract all the flavours • For your jus, Knorr do a great bouillon, which is ready to use in 1o minutes. Simply add hot water and a splash of red wine, then reduce down and simmer • Create your Martini for the jus and add to a hot saucepan (stand back as the Martini will ignite on contact, burning off the alcohol).

Add to your stock and reduce down until the stock becomes more of a liqueur • To finish, add a little sesame oil to a pan, add your spinach and blanche off until wilted. Add your couscous to the pan, stirring and folding occasionally. As this cooks, heat up your onion purée.

Be careful not to overheat, as the purée will become dry (to revive, just add a little water). Carve your pink lamb rump into three slices and serve • Chill four Martini glasses and place all ingredients into a Boston shaker. Shake vigorously and strain the ingredients into the Martini glasses, ensuring equal amounts. Garnish with chilli

ENJOY!

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Celebrate in Style

Getting together with friends and family is always a special time, which is why the private dining rooms at Stanmer House oďŹ&#x20AC;er the luxury you deserve without breaking the bank.

Allow us to remove the stress of hosting a dinner or party by introducing some of the options we have on oďŹ&#x20AC;er Photography by Carl O'Connell

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T

here’s nothing quite like the anticipation and excitement of an upcoming celebration with your nearest and dearest. It’s the perfect excuse to hit the shops for a new outfit, get all dressed up and enjoy a memorable afternoon or evening catching up with your loved ones.

And let’s not forget about the food and drink; indeed, no social function would be complete without a well-stocked bar and an appetising spread of tantalising dishes to see you through the day. For both formal dinners and more relaxed affairs alike, you’ll be treated to an equal level of privacy and exclusivity that you wouldn’t get in a public restaurant, allowing you to make the day your own and receive that VIP treatment.

So, the next time you’re planning a dinner or party, don’t miss out on the fabulous, secluded spaces available at Stanmer House, where we can make your next event a truly unforgettable one. Read on to find out more about what’s available…

Private Dining The King George IV Room and the Marlborough Room on the first floor of the house can be booked for lunch or for a private dining session, whether it’s to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, baby shower or christening.

Relish in the sumptuous surroundings and personal service you receive from our dedicated staff for the day. The Events Team will help create the perfect do, from Champagne or signature cocktails on arrival, followed by a delectable three-course meal, to an elegant afternoon tea served for you and your guests.

No matter the occasion, tables are clothed and linen napkins used to offer that magical touch. There are also added extras that can be included free of charge, such as a plasma screen for showing images or having a mock roaring fire on show and a music system to play your background music.

The rooms themselves have been tastefully decorated, but guests are always welcome to add their personal touch, such as flowers, balloons or chair covers and sashes.

Parties Everyone loves the opportunity to throw a stylish soirée; at Stanmer House, the Marquee is perfect for entertaining your guests throughout the year. It might be a birthday, anniversary, baby shower, hen night, or just a good excuse for a get-together – whatever your requirements, we can create a spectacular setting for you. The space is heated all year round too, so even parties on a winter’s night can be accommodated.

Not only does the Marquee have a beautiful position looking out to the fountain, but on a hot day the sides can be rolled up to allow a cool breeze to blow through, while guests can mingle in their private, picket fenced garden. There’s a reserved bar that can be stocked to suit everyone’s preferences, ensuring the drinks are kept flowing without having to leave the party.

With space for a DJ or a band, the layout of the Marquee means there’s a space for everyone, be it on the dance floor or propping up the bar. Catering can be provided if required, with hog roasts proving ever so popular, while the Events Team will be on hand to offer advice on all aspects of planning and aid in sourcing suppliers if so required.

To book a private dinner or party gathering, call o1273 68o 4oo or email events@stanmerhouse.co.uk

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STANMER HOUSE

Days at Stanmer

We’ve hosted a wide variety of weddings over the years, which have each been individually styled to suit the happy couple.

Here, two Stanmer brides – Kat Baldwin and Tania Clarke – tell the stories of how they and their husbands tied the knot in W&H style Photography by Heather Shuker, Brighton Photo - FitzGerald Photographic www.fitzgeraldphotographic.co.uk

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Kat and Mark Baldwin

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ark and I originally met on an internet dating site when living in London and arranged our first official meet at London’s Centre Point. It was literally ‘love at first sight’ and we’ve been inseparable ever since – proof that internet dating really works!

We have since moved out to the ‘sticks’ to a cute terraced cottage in Marden, Kent with our naughty Jack Russell ‘Winthorpe’ (AKA ‘Win’).

Mark works as a Creative Graphic Designer at iFour in Tunbridge Wells, while I run an e-learning business called Onclick in Marden.

For his proposal, Mark whisked me away for an anniversary celebration in Paris to see a spectacular Rufus Wainwright gig at La Cigalle; an artist that we originally bonded over during the early days of our relationship.

inspired, created by the friendly team at Tea and Trim, and all accessorised with beautiful, faux flower hairpieces, homemade by my bridesmaid and cousin, Vicky Giles.

Our guests were then transported in vintage open-top double-decker buses to the beautiful Stanmer House. We were lucky enough to have hired the whole venue; a real treat! On arrival, three-piece vintage harmony group The Doo Wop Dolls filled the lobby with retro harmonies while our 9o guests enjoyed Champagne and canapés.

We then held our wedding breakfast across the three adjoining restaurant rooms; an unconventional choice, as most parties this size might opt for the Marquee, but not making as much use of the beautiful ornate rooms as possible would have been an opportunity missed.

Our guests enjoyed a choice of three courses created by Stanmer’s then Head Chef, Richard Simmonds; starters of crab and prawn tian, ham hock terrine or duck and pomegranate salad; mains of marinated chicken, lavender smoked lamb or red

“The staff at Stanmer were an absolute delight. Nothing was ever too much trouble and everything was carried out while laughing and mingling well with our friends and family” Later that weekend, while strolling around the city, we ended up on the famous Le Pont Des Arts. As anyone who knows me is well aware, I’m a huge Sex and the City addict. This is the exact spot where Mr. Big tells Carrie she’s ‘the one’. Cheesy to some, I know, but perfect for me; as Mark got down on one knee on that famous bridge, the tears streamed…

Our wedding day was utterly spectacular.

After getting ready with the girls in the luxury of The Grand Hotel in Brighton, we kicked off the ceremony on the Brighton Bandstand under glorious sunshine.

Arriving in 196os campervan style, I wore a Candy Anthony 5os-style circle-skirt dress, layered with double petticoats, vintage ivory lace overlay, bow belt and Irregular Choice red, peep-toe shoes. Mark, meanwhile, wore a classic red mod suit from Brighton’s super cool Jump the Gun, complete with trilby and brogue boots.

My five bridesmaids wore a selection of cream, black and pink lace dresses from Warehouse, of all places, each of them wearing something unique to reflect their own personal style. Hairstyles were vintage

snapper; desserts of pear and chocolate trifle, sticky toffee pudding and fig frangipane tart.

Yum! Our evening of food tasting at Stanmer House was an utter delight and a difficult choice, to say the least.

The table plan design was influenced by our joint love of festivals, with each of the tables named after a Glastonbury stage. The layout was announced on a large, easel-propped board, imitating a typical festival lineup. Each table marked their stage with homemade flags, nestled within the jam jar flowers.

We rejected the idea of traditional wedding linen or chair covers and chose to stick with the rustic style of the wooden tables and mismatched chair upholstery. The look was perfect as it was and totally ‘us’.

The table decorations were kept quite simple; tea lights, layered, mismatched doilies and raffia-tied jam jars, filled with colourful roses from my step mum Jane’s garden. Place settings were created with handwritten brown luggage tags tied to everyone’s wine glass and the look was completed with a unique wedding favour from Winthorpe; a specially packaged bag of Salty Dog nuts.

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Continuing our Glastonbury theme, playing on the famous hillside sign, we built 6fthigh, patchwork covered ‘LOVE’ letters for the garden; perfect for cute photo opportunities. In the bar area, we used the plasma screen to advertise the schedule of the day with rolling, custom designed ads of key moments to come. Speeches were held casually in the garden and hilariously interrupted by a young guest choosing to go swimming in the pond.

This was swiftly followed by local bluegrass and folk band Ouse Valley Collective performing in the sunny garden for an awesome foot stomping hoedown. We then kicked off a medley of indie disco with DJ Beach on a classy dance floor of candles, moody red up-lighting and subtle white cluster lasers in the glamorous Henry Pelham Room.

Although we’re both big music fans and regular gig-goers, the terror of the first dance concerned us. We felt the best way to combat the nerves was to do something unexpected, so rather than the traditional slow and smoochy number , we kicked off with an intro from Pulp Fiction’s ‘Jack Rabbit Slim’s Twist Contest’ scene and then leaped into a festival favourite of Diane Young

by Vampire Weekend. Although no one believed us, it was totally freestyle. We just let our hair down as we would at a sweaty gig and the result went down particularly well with the crowd! Later into the night, we served a selection of hot, posh sandwiches and fancy sausage rolls. Delish!

The day was utterly perfect, filled with laughter and dancing, and we had so many wonderful comments from our guests. The staff at Stanmer were an absolute delight. Nothing was ever too much trouble and everything was carried out while laughing and mingling well with our friends and family. Assistant Manager Bruce Simmons and Deputy Manager Mike Jones in particular were my adorable and dependable wingmen.

Soon after the wedding, Mark and I treated ourselves to six days in New York; an unbeatable week of finding film/TV hotspots (such as the Ghostbusters fire station and Carrie Bradshaw’s flat from Sex and the City), trying ‘real’ American burgers, catching a show on Broadway, a gig from Passion Pit on the Hudson River and experiencing the Yankees in full swing.

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Tania and Dave Clarke

M

y husband Dave grew up in Hailsham, East Sussex and at the age of 2o joined the RAF as an aircraft engineer.

I grew up in Crowborough, East Sussex and at the age of 22 joined Sussex Police as a police officer. Dave’s cousin Amy, who happens to be my best friend, tried to set us up early in 2oo9, but due to circumstances we never contacted each other and our first meeting was at Amy’s sister’s wedding on July 11 2oo9.

There was an instant connection between us at the wedding and I knew at that moment that this was a very special person who I wanted to get to know better. Having met for dinner, we began dating the following week.

After being together for two years, I became pregnant and we decided that we needed one last pre-child holiday of a lifetime, so settled on a cruise to Alaska.

We went in July 2o11 and, during a shore excursion, found a jeweller where we chose my engagement ring band and the diamond stone to be set in it.

We decided that Dave would have to find a time to surprise me with the proposal, so I was convinced that he would do it when our son was born, but just two days later on the cruise, Dave proposed. He kept trying to persuade me to go out for a walk on the deck, but, not realising his plan, I was finding every excuse not to as it was slightly chilly! Eventually he had to practically drag me outside before getting down on one knee and asking the question!

It was an absolute surprise as I had convinced myself that he would do it later in the year.

Dave was then posted to a new RAF base just a month before our son Jacob was born in November 2o11, but we soon got used to him being away from Monday to Friday, as well as dealing with overseas deployments for longer periods of time.

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I have always loved Whiting & Hammond’s Mark Cross Inn and Farm @ Friday Street restaurants and, after meeting Dave, I introduced him to them – with both of us being ‘foodies’, they quickly became our favourite places to eat. We often had conversations about wishing we could get married at one of them due to our love of their food, so we were so pleased to find out that they had taken over Stanmer House.

This solved our dilemma as it meant we could get married at a stunning venue, as well as being able to eat our favourite foods!

Our wedding was booked for September 2o13 in August 2o12 and, before we knew it, the year had passed and everything was in place, ready for the big day. Having had torrential rain the weekend before, I was dreading how the weather would be, but we were so lucky as the morning of our wedding dawned sunny and bright.

The big day was everything I expected and had hoped it would be. We had gone with a very simple theme, including keeping the eclectic mix of tables and chairs at Stanmer House, which we have always loved the look of, and keeping table decorations to a minimum, along with having only 38 guests to the ceremony and meal, with another 1oo invited to the evening.

A photo booth made our reception so much fun, allowing guests to keep a copy of their photo, while we got to treasure a memento so that we could make an album to remind us of a fantastic day. We also had a photo frame mounted on an easel, which contained photos of people special to us who couldn’t be there to share in our special day. This included my dad, who passed away in 2oo6. As a tribute to him, I had my wedding ring made using the stones from an eternity ring that he gave me for my 18th birthday. We also gave our now two-yearold son my dad’s miniature military national service medal to wear to the ceremony.

Dave’s two best men had us all in stitches with their speech and two of my favourite photos of the day, taken by our wonderful photographer Clare, are of the four of us walking away from the front of Stanmer House in the background, along with the photo of me with my best friend Amy, as without her intervention, I wouldn’t have the best husband and father to our son that I have now.

Kat and Mark’s Suppliers Dress: Candy Anthony (£1,5oo) www.candyanthony.com Suit: Jump the Gun (£4oo) www.jumpthegun.co.uk Bridesmaid Hairstyling: Tea and Trim www.teaandtrim.com Cake: Sara Autton (close family friend) Decorations: Jane Cunningham (step mum) Garden Cupcake Corner: Margaret Baldwin (Mark’s mum) Catering: Stanmer House Photography: Heather Shuker, Brighton Photo www.brighton-photo.com Music: Doo Wop Dolls www.thedoo-wopdolls.com Ouse Valley Collective www.facebook.com/TheOuseValleyCollective DJ Beach www.beachentertainments.co.uk Bouquet Flowers: Gunns Florist www.gunnsflorists.co.uk Table Flowers: Jane Cunningham (step mum) Bandstand Decoration: Lisa Fox, Wedding Dressings www.weddingdressings.co.uk Transport: VW Wedding Wheels (campervan) www.vwweddingwheels.co.uk South Coast Motors (vintage buses) www.southcoastmotorservices.co.uk

Tania and Dave’s Suppliers Dress: White One Tamara from Clare de Lune Bridal, South Street, Eastbourne (£825) Cake: Three tiered vanilla sponge with piped butter cream roses from Really Scrumptious Cake Company, Cornfield Road, Eastbourne Catering: Stanmer House Photography: FitzGerald Photographic Music: White Ice Sounds Flowers: Ladybird Flowers, Firle Road, Eastbourne Suits: Moss Bross Hire (£337.6o for groom, two best men and groom’s father) Photo Booth: Photo Booth Boutique, Brighton Soft play/toys: Happyjacks, Eastbourne Bouncy Castle: Crockerz Castles, Worthing

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Wild Nights Away for

Newlyweds

Rose petals on the bed and Champagne on ice by the Jacuzzi is all well and good, but if you’re looking to start married life a little more adventurously, there’s no better place than Botswana, Africa. Sarah Marshall heads to Sanctuary Baines’ Camp for a romantic honeymoon with a difference

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PA Photo/Sarah Marshall

I

PA Photo/Handout

wake up with a jolt, stirred by the crunching of fallen branches metres from my pillow. A heavy-footed intruder is on the prowl and he isn’t doing a very good job of disguising his tracks.

Since I fell asleep two hours ago, the beaming full moon has traced a perfect arc across the sky, like a ball-bearing swinging on a pendulum.

The thin gauze net wrapped around my four poster bed billows in the warm night breeze, offering the only protection between us and the lively savannah.

Sharing a bedroom with a herd of elephants may not be every newlywed couple’s idea of bliss, but for a growing number of honeymooners eschewing schmaltzy romance

PA Photo/Handout

for a spirit of adventure, it’s a match made in heaven. Besides, as guests at Sanctuary Baines’ Camp in Botswana’s wildlife-rich Okavango Delta, we’re hardly roughing it; sleeping under the stars on the deck of a luxury lodge is just one of the many intimate safari experiences at which this hotel excels.

Set on the banks of the Bora River, part of the Delta that spreads like a bony hand across north-west Botswana, the five-lodge camp has been constructed with minimal disruption to the environment and is staffed by local communities. The combination of top-class camps, diverse game viewing (the region is home to 45o birds and 9o mammal species) and far fewer tourists than neighbouring countries makes Botswana an appealing option for safari seekers.

The safari begins as soon as our light aircraft takes off from the airport of the region’s main town, Maun. During the 1o-minute ride, 15om above ground, we sight herds of elephant, zebra and wildebeest marching across parched scrubland, dotted with spore-like mounds of vegetation. We’re greeted at the airstrip by a welcoming committee of inquisitive buffalo, who raise their heads to catch our scent, and a procession of sombre marabou storks, cloaked in black.

Oddly, the Delta floods in dry season (peaking from June to August), reshaping the terrain, creating new islands and submerging tracks.

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PA Photo/Sarah Marshall

Our local guide, Tuello, expertly navigates our 4x4 truck through the ever-changing landscape, bumping over mud mounds and blasting through puddles almost a metre deep.

Jittery impala fly from the path of our vehicle, their hooves barely touching the ground. A family of baboons grapple with pendulous seed pods hanging from ubiquitous sausage trees, while the cacophonous call of a blacksmith bird adds an oddly industrial clatter to the soundscape. And all this before we’ve even reached the camp.

Wildlife viewing is the highlight of a visit to the Delta, but Baines’ Camp also provides

opportunities to learn about local ways of life and survival – from weaving baskets with river reeds, to harvesting water-lily roots to make a dense, earthy stew, and steering a traditional mokoro boat (dug-out canoe) through the labyrinth of shallow waterways.

Tuello regales us with stories of countless nights spent sleeping in the bush and using the red root of a star apple tree to clean his teeth. He demonstrates his ability to follow animal tracks on a frantic hunt for lions.

Weaving through bulbous baobab trees and towering termite mounds, he promises us with confidence that, despite the blistering midday heat, he’ll find two lions, reported

to be in the area. Hitting the brakes occasionally to examine faint paw prints on the ground, we drive in tense silence until Tuello casually points to a lioness and her juvenile cooling off in the water.

Of all the animals in the Delta, though, elephants prove to be the most charismatic.

More than a quarter of Africa’s 4oo,ooo elephant population live in Botswana, with 8o,ooo in the Delta – the largest concentration in the world. Eating up to 2ookg a day, these mighty creatures bulldoze their way through trees, bushes, bulrushes, water lilies and even safari lodges.

Run by the Living with Elephants foundation, the Walking with Elephants experience allows guests to learn more about the animals in a controlled environment. For the past 27 years, American zoologist Doug has dedicated his life to caring for three orphaned elephants – Thembi, Morula and Jabu. He eats what they eat (almost poisoning himself on occasion) and confesses he hasn’t left their side – even to visit the dentist – for two years.

PA Photo/Handout

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During our morning with the elephants, we learn about their behaviour (an emotional memory means they grieve just like humans) and intelligence (their sensitive trunks can pick up something as small as a pea or as large as a person). The session ends with a picnic shared with our new friends – they graze on tree twigs, we opt for chicken drumsticks.

As I leave, Jabu, the bull of the herd, wraps his trunk around my shoulder and plants a sloppy kiss on my cheek.

Of course, there are plenty of conventional opportunities for honeymooners to enjoy romantic moments at Baines’ Camp: join hippos on an early morning boat trip along the Boro River, orange sunlight dancing on the large papyrus reeds; or watch the sunset, sipping Champagne in an outdoor cast-iron bath overflowing with bubbles. But my most loving memory is that parting gift from Jabu. Who’d have thought a kiss from another male would be the highlight of a romantic holiday?

Head to www.flysaa.com for flight prices and availability with South African Airways.

For more information on what Sanctuary Baines’ Camp has to offer, visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com

HERE ARE THREE MORE ROMANTIC SAFARI EXPERIENCES TO TRY...

CHINZOMBO, ZAMBIA Widely recognised as one of the foremost tour operators in Zambia, the Norman Carr Safaris camp Chinzombo has been heralded as the first ‘wildly luxurious’ sustainable bush camp in the Luangwa Valley. Six villas with private plunge pools will appear to float above the landscape. www.normancarrsafaris.com SEGERA, KENYA This stunning six-villa lodge from the Wilderness Collection is set on the Laikipia Plateau, looking out to Mount Kenya. Combining luxury and adventure, the camp also has an excellent spa. Along with game drives, guests can take part in a number of conservation projects, such as planting indigenous trees or monitoring the endangered Patas Monkey. www.wilderness-collection.com HIPPO HOLLOW, SOUTH AFRICA Those on a budget should look no further than this comfortable property, a 10-minute drive from the Kruger National Park. Sip fine South African wines from a terrace while visiting hippos mow the lawns. www.virginholidays.co.uk

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EVENTS AT STANMER HOUSE Key dates to mark in your diary throughout 2o15 February

June Friday 5 – Midsummer Night’s Dream Party in aid of Chestnut Tree House Tuesday 16 – Wedding Open Evening Sunday 21 – Father’s Day Friday 26 to Sunday 28 – Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema Saturday 27 – Doggy Brunch Saturday

Saturday 28 – Doggy Brunch Saturday

March Monday 2 to Sunday 8 – British Pie Week Thursday 12 – Cyder vs Wine Night Sunday 15 – Mother’s Day Tuesday 17 – St Patrick’s Day Monday 23 – National Butcher’s Week Saturday 28 – Doggy Brunch Saturday

July Friday 3 to Sunday 5 – Stanmer House Beer Festival Saturday 25 – Doggy Brunch Saturday

April

August

Friday 3 to Monday 6 – Easter Weekend Friday 3 to Saturday 4 – Brighton and Hove Food Festival (New Road) Friday 1o – Race Night Tuesday 21 to Monday 27 - Great British Beef Week Tuesday 21 – Wedding Open Evening Thursday 23 – St George’s Day Saturday 25 – Doggy Brunch Saturday

Tuesday 18 – Wedding Open Evening Saturday 29 – Doggy Brunch Saturday

September Saturday 19 to Sunday 2o – Rugby World Cup Events Saturday 19 to Sunday October 4 – British Food Fortnight Saturday 26 – Doggy Brunch Saturday

October

May Monday 11 to Sunday 17 – British Sandwich Week Monday 18 to Sunday 24 – National Vegetarian Week Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 – English Wine Week Saturday 3o to Sunday 31 – Brighton and Hove Food Festival (Hove Lawns) Saturday 3o – Doggy Brunch Saturday

Tuesday 2o – Wedding Open Evening Saturday 31 – Halloween Murder Mystery Night Saturday 31 – ‘Ghoulish’ Doggy Brunch Saturday

November Monday 2 to Sunday 8 – British Sausage Week Saturday 28 – Doggy Brunch Saturday

December Tuesday 1 to Thursday 24 – Christmas Parties Friday 25 – Christmas Day Saturday 26 – Doggy Brunch Saturday Thursday 31 – New Year’s Eve

For more information on upcoming events at Stanmer, visit www.stanmerhouse.co.uk/events You can also keep up to date with what’s happening by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StanmerHouse or by following us on Twitter @StanmerHouse

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Your Stanmer House

Wedding Planner

With all the excitement and anticipation surrounding your wedding, you’ll no doubt need a helping hand in planning the logistics. From the costs and initial meetings to the final rundown of the big day’s itinerary, we take a look at the practical side of things to make sure it all runs smoothly

I

t’s no secret that weddings take a great deal of planning and time to arrange. Big or small, grand or intimate, it’s a momentous occasion that can often be a balancing act of precision, timing and organisation. Not that you’ll have to worry about any of that, as our friendly, professional and experienced Events Team are on hand to guide you through every element of your big day.

Here, we’ll be giving you a breakdown of all the essential information you’ll need and arrangements to make if you’re planning on tying the knot at Stanmer House. You’ll be assigned your very own wedding planner, who will book in four key meetings to discuss any specific ideas you have in mind.

You’ll also find some top tips on when to schedule each event throughout the day, from the cutting of the cake to your first dance together as a married couple. From start to finish, we’ll do all we can to make the ceremony and reception as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, so that all you have to do is enjoy your magical day and create memories that will last a lifetime.

MEETING 1

- A rough idea of the number of guests, adults and children (under 12) for both the day and evening - Full contact details, phone, email and address - A list of any questions regarding the venue

WHAT TO BRING: - Details of final numbers - A copy of the table plan - Contact details of your chosen suppliers

◆ After this meeting, we will put together a full proposal for you to take away and analyse, along with a copy of our terms and conditions. In order to confirm your booking, we will need the holding fee and a signed copy of the terms and conditions.

Music and photos - A list of all items brought into the house by yourselves - Information of any other special requirements you may have - Full catering details, any dietary requirements etc.

MEETING 2

◆ An invoice for the final amount will be sent to you after this meeting, with payment due one month prior to your wedding day.

We will contact you to arrange a meeting 16 weeks before the wedding to talk through all your plans to date, put together a running order for the day and answer any questions that you may have, as well as going through menus and finalising your menu choices.

WHAT TO BRING: - Details of the minimum number of guests expected - Information regarding any entertainment, suppliers and their requirements - Choice of lights for the house and Marquee - Instructions for the cake

To discuss your thoughts and ideas for your wedding day, have a look at the venue and run through our packages or, if more suitable, consider a bespoke package.

◆ After this meeting, we will send out an invoice for the remaining venue hire, due four months prior to your wedding day.

WHAT TO BRING: - An idea of a date or time of year you would like to get married

Approximately six weeks prior, we will arrange another meeting, where we will finalise all the details for the day.

MEETING 3

MEETING 4

One week prior, we will arrange for you to drop off any items needed on the day: - Table decorations - Favours - Gifts PAYMENTS

- £5oo non-refundable holding fee - Remainder of the venue hire due 16 weeks prior to the wedding - Final amount four weeks prior to the wedding As well as these set meetings, the Events Team are happy to answer any questions you may have throughout the planning process.

For further information, call o1273 68o 4oo or email events@stanmerhouse.co.uk

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Sam Yardley

RECOMMENDED WEDDING DAY TIMINGS AT STANMER HOUSE

13.3ohrs – Guests arrive 14.oohrs – Ceremony 14.3ohrs – Drinks reception and photographs 16.oohrs – Wedding breakfast served 18.oohrs – Speeches and toast 19.oohrs – Evening guests arrive and reception begins 2o.oohrs – Cake cutting 2o.15hrs – First dance 23.3ohrs – Bar closes 12.oohrs – Carriages STANMER HOUSE CAPACITY MARQUEE - Guests seated for wedding breakfast – 12o - Evening reception – 25o - Extra Marquee – up to 1,ooo HENRY PELHAM ROOM - Guests seated for ceremony – 1oo - Guests seated for wedding breakfast – 7o THOMAS PELHAM ROOM - Guests seated for wedding breakfast – 5o Rebecca Weller - Events and Marketing Manager

MARLBOROUGH ROOM - Guests seated for ceremony – 5o KING GEORGE IV ROOM - Guests seated for wedding breakfast – 2o

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Room for Romance The right setting can play an integral part in making your wedding truly memorable.

At Stanmer, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no shortage of beautiful spaces in which to tie the knot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the elegant Henry Pelham to the exquisite Lady Anne, we take you on a guided tour of some of the best rooms in the house

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n addition to its beautiful grounds and scenic location, Stanmer also boasts an assortment of rooms that are equally captivating. Each space tells its own story and many have been named after key figures who have played a part in the building’s rich and fascinating timeline.

As a manor house that was brought back from the brink of ruin, Stanmer has been beautifully restored and is not only steeped in history, but also encompasses stylish and contemporary designs. Once the home of the Pelham family and the Earls of Chichester, it’s a place that has also been frequented by the likes of Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria.

The Pelham family’s taste was excellent, the house and the estate exquisite, and Stanmer was a brilliant place for entertaining influential friends. As Brighton developed into a fashionable seaside resort, many people known to the Pelhams stayed there, with sumptuous banquets held during the summer and autumn seasons when distinguished guests came to visit and dine.

Brought into the modern day, discrete technology is present throughout the house to ensure that guests get to enjoy the luxury of such a grand building, but with the added bonus of mod cons. Speakers run throughout all of the ground floor and upper lobby to enable music to be played via the house Sonos system, whereby wedding ceremony music and background music can be controlled from a single handset. With free wi-fi throughout and large plasma screens available for showing images and films, Stanmer adds the comfort of the 21st century, without compromising on the history and grandeur that makes it so unique.

The King George IV Room

The Marquee

Read on to discover more about the beautiful rooms available at Stanmer House…

The Marquee Sitting elegantly in the grounds and staying up for the majority of the year, the Marquee overlooks the bubbling fountain adjacent to the main house. Its quintessentially British picket fence marks out the private garden area adorned with wide umbrellas, which are perfect for sipping a refreshing glass of Pimm’s under at a lovely summer wedding. It can seat up to 14o people for a wedding breakfast or up to 25o for a party, offering that little bit of extra space that the house function rooms can’t quite stretch to.

With its very own private bar and space for a DJ, the Marquee can accommodate

a complete reception under one roof. A blank canvas is offered as an events space and any colour or theme can be created to suit the clients’ dreams for their day; be it pompoms, balloons or subtle lighting, the Events Team can work to any brief to make a fantasy a reality.

The Marquee can be used all year round as a versatile space, with sides that roll up in the summer to create that wonderful inside/outside feel and to allow a cool breeze to blow through on hot days. A powerful heater is available for cooler days and nights, which means guests can be warm and cosy, even if it’s snowing outside.

When booking the Pelham rooms and Marquee together for an event, this space can be joined to the main house, leading into the Thomas Pelham Room by a covered walkway to complete the Stanmer House experience. The whole area can also be brought to life with fairy lights wound around the posts or pretty candles in jars dotted around on the tables.

Our lawn area is big enough to accommodate a marquee for in excess of 5oo people and can be hired in addition to the existing Marquee to allow for those larger events.

Figures: - 27m x 6m wide - Wedding breakfast – seats 14o (tables of 1o) - Theatre style – 18o - Drinks reception/informal setup – 25o

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The Henry Pelham Room This space was named after Henry Pelham of Lewes, who purchased Stanmer House in 1713. As a fine example of Palladian style architecture, it was originally the magnificent and opulent dining room, with two exquisitely detailed Corinthian columns, superb plaster detail and one of the finest ceilings of the period in England.

It also provides direct access onto our terrace and lawns and leads through to the Thomas Pelham Room.

Day to day sees this elegant room used as part of the three restaurant spaces of Stanmer. As the larger of two rooms that are licensed to hold civil wedding ceremonies, it can seat up to 1oo guests, with rows of five on each side and the option of having a red carpet running down the centre to the point between the pillars where couples say their vows.

Beautifully light and airy, with views out onto the lawns and parkland beyond, this room has witnessed hundreds of special moments and will do so for many more years to come.

The Henry Pelham Room

The room can also be transformed into a wedding breakfast dining space for up to 7o guests. There are options of using the rustic restaurant furniture with the lovely wooden tables and mismatched chairs, or adding a traditional touch with round banqueting tables of 1o and covered chairs with sashes. Many a wedding party has also had a stage set up between the pillars, with guests twirling around the dance floor as lights transform the place into a disco.

Figures: - 6.1m x 12.5m - Wedding breakfast – 7o - Theatre style/ceremony – 8o - Drinks reception/informal setup – 8o

The Thomas Pelham Room Here’s an elegant area that adjoins the Lady Anne Room and the Henry Pelham Room, complete with original French double doors opening out on to the terrace. Originally the drawing room of the house, it takes its name from Henry’s younger brother, Thomas, who inherited Stanmer when Henry died in 1725. His son was also named Thomas and was left the house at the young age of nine when his father passed away in 1737.

The room is home to a wondrous wine rack, which houses a fantastic collection of red, white and rosé wines and Champagnes. Decorated in a sumptuously deep red, the room has an original fireplace as a central focal point, which in

The Thomas Pelham Room

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Bell tent hire for your special day at Stanmer House We provide honeymoon suites and guest accommodation for weddings and events throughout the UK

A stunning backdrop to your wedding Our beautiful bell tents are the ideal accommodation for your guests. No waiting around for taxis or walking to the nearest B&B, you and your guests can camp under the stars in style surrounded by beautiful countryside.

We can accommodate over 150 guests with our Essentials and Blank Canvas Package and we offer considerable discounts for larger bookings. Please enquire for a quote.

''Thank you for being so great to us and providing such a good service" - Mr & Mrs Nightingale

"Thank you soooo much for the way you made it look. It was absolutely brilliant.

We felt so spoilt having a proper bed, lanterns, flowers and bubbles! It made us feel so special after such a magical day. I will not forget walking across the field to the tent with the stars overhead and all the candles lit... just perfect" - Mr & Mrs Foster

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The Marlborough Room

STANMER HOUSE

Figures: - 7.5m x 6m - Wedding breakfast – 3o - Theatre/ceremony – 5o - Drinks reception/informal setup – 4o

The King George IV Room the winter has a roaring fire keeping the room toasty and warm. It’s also part of the main restaurant and can be transformed into a bar and lounge area for a wedding, utilising sofas from the lounge and bringing in the events bar from the Marquee.

Up to 5o guests can be seated in this decorative room for a wedding breakfast or a family celebration. Its beauty means little has to be done to dress it for any event, but it will surely impress those that celebrate in it.

Figures: - 6m x 1o.5m - Wedding breakfast – 5o - Drinks reception/informal setup – 7o

The Lady Anne Room Once the little drawing room of Stanmer House, the Lady Anne Room was named after Thomas Pelham’s wife, Anne. She was the daughter and heir of Frederick Meinhard Frankland of Yorkshire, who had made his money from the East India Company.

This room is light and airy and contains gorgeous period panelling detail, as well as an exquisite and intimate space for you to greet your guests prior to moving through to the Pelham rooms. Situated just off the main lobby area, it provides the gateway through to the main function areas and is the perfect spot for a wedding cake to be displayed and guest book to be laid.

The Marlborough Room The Duke of Marlborough’s portrait once hung above the fireplace in the dining room of Stanmer House. His granddaughter, Lady Harriet Godolphin, became the wife of the Duke of Newcastle, who was a direct descendant of the original Henry Pelham.

Located on the first floor, the beautiful Marlborough Room overlooks the luscious green park and church at the front of the house. Tastefully decorated with period wallpaper and curtains, the elegant space is licensed for civil ceremonies and can seat up to 5o guests for a wedding, vows renewal, naming ceremony or blessing.

It’s also a multifunctional room and is often used for private dining, from birthdays and anniversaries to corporate drinks receptions. The room can be dressed with formal dining furniture or simply with the recognisable, mismatched furniture from the main restaurant.

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton was originally built for King George IV in the early 18oos and his mistress used to live at Stanmer House. Painted a deep damson colour, the King George IV Room oozes opulence for private dining, seating up to 2o guests and looking out over the beautiful garden and parkland beyond.

Figures: - 6.1m x 6.2m - Wedding breakfast – 2o - Theatre/ceremony – 3o - Drinks reception/informal setup – 3o Further rooms available at Stanmer include the Churchill Room and the Upper Lobby for intimate wedding receptions, as well as the Amelia Room, the Norfolk Room and the Fitzherbert Room.

To find out more, call o1273 68o 4oo, email events@stanmerhouse.co.uk or visit www.stanmerhouse.co.uk

The Lady Anne Room

Figures: - 6m x 7.6m - Wedding breakfast – 3o - Drinks reception – 4o

SPRING 2015

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Seasonal

Stanmer Whatever the weather, you deserve the big day you’ve always dreamed of.

Here at Stanmer House, we can tailor the ceremony and reception to suit the elements, providing a warming winter backdrop or a wonderfully summery setting that will capture a mood you’ll never forget

N

o matter what time of year you might be thinking of holding your wedding, Stanmer House is the perfect venue. On a cold winter’s day, you can enter the house and instantly the smell of log fires in the air will evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation, while also creating a perfectly comfortable and cosy atmosphere.

Skip a few months down the line and on those sunshine filled summer days, you and your guests can stroll straight into our beautiful garden and breathe in the countryside air – with a refreshing glass of something bubbly in hand.

All of our rooms are suitable for use throughout the year, even the Marquee – fully heated, it can be a fantastic space to incorporate within your ceremony or reception. On a hot summer’s day, roll up the sides and welcome the outdoors in as you and your guests while away an afternoon in comfort and style. In

wintertime, step into the warm and inviting space, regardless of what the weather’s doing outside, and party the night away!

Our fantastic team of chefs have created seasonal menus for summer or winter, specifically designed to complement the time of year and produce available. From a warming pumpkin and butternut squash soup on a crisp autumnal day, to a fresh feta, watermelon and avocado salad when the sun is shining, you’re guaranteed to find something to your liking (and they’re just a couple of the starters!).

While you’re at it, team your perfectly selected meal with some appropriately tasty tipples. Go elegantly British with a glass or two of Pimm’s to refresh you in the summer, or even a signature cocktail such as a fresh and minty Mojito.

Alternatively, spice up your taste buds and keep your hands toasty with a mulled wine throughout the colder winter months.

And it’s not just the food and drink that can change with the seasons; your entertainment can also be located in various areas, dependent upon the type of day and time of year. What could be better when the sun is out than to relax and enjoy some beautiful music on the terrace? This is always such a fun and fantastic idea for a drinks reception.

Throughout the year, our Henry Pelham Room can become your very own ballroom, ideal for either a DJ or a live band. Alternatively, you can take the party into the Thomas Pelham Room, dancing long into the evening, with a roaring fire for extra warmth, comfort and atmosphere.

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STANMER HOUSE

So, whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always longed to be a summer bride or want to get married in an enchanting winter wonderland, Stanmer can cater to all your tastes and requirements â&#x20AC;&#x201C; quite literally come rain or shine.

For more information on our seasonal wedding offers, call o1273 68o 4oo, email events@stanmerhouse.co.uk or visit www.stanmerhouse.co.uk

Jon Silver Kitebox

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CORPORATE PORTRAITS

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STANMER HOUSE

A Fair to Remember It always helps to get a feel for where you’re planning on hosting your big day.

With our wedding fairs and open evenings, you’ll have the chance to find out more about this beautiful venue; from the rooms to the menus, you can discover how it will be brought to life to suit your personal tastes

T

here’s something magical about that moment before a wedding begins, when your dream venue is dressed and everything is perfect.

To give you an idea of what your ceremony and reception could look like, we’ll be inviting brides and grooms to join us at Stanmer House for one of our wonderful showcase evenings held every other month. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to view the function rooms you may like to use for your wedding at this magnificent venue.

On these magical evenings, you’ll find the Henry Pelham and Marlborough rooms dressed for a ceremony, while the Marquee will be made ready for a wedding breakfast and the upper lobby rooms will showcase the intimate wedding package arrangement. There will be some light entertainment, along with a handful of recommended local suppliers, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your wedding .

You’ll have the chance to sample some of the delectable options featured on our wine list and to discuss each one with our wine supplier , who has selected specific bottles to match up to the wedding menus on offer. To tantalise the taste buds further , the kitchen will be presenting some delicious canapés for guests to sample.

The Events Team will be on hand to show you around and discuss your plans, enabling you to bring the big day you’ve always wanted vividly to life.

Attendance is by invitation only, so email events@stanmerhouse.co.uk to be added to the guest list.

Dates for 2015

April 21 June 16 August 18 October 20

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Planning

Your Perfect Day No matter what you want from your ceremony and reception, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it covered.

OďŹ&#x20AC;ering an assortment of exclusive packages, we aim to ensure the wedding of your dreams comes true. Here are some of the silver, gold, platinum and bespoke services we have available from 2o15 into 2o16

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STANMER HOUSE

WEDDING PACKAGES 2015 to 2016 April to September All packages are based on 5o guests - minimum of 85 guests for a Saturday wedding Silver Packages: - Glass of Prosecco or Bucks Fizz drinks reception - Three-course menu with coffee and chocolates - Half a bottle of wine - Glass of Prosecco to toast • Marlborough Room and Marquee – £4,5oo • Henry Pelham Room and Marquee – £6,ooo • Henry Pelham Room, Thomas Pelham Room, Lady Anne Room and Marquee – £6,995 Additional guests at £55pp Gold Packages: - Glass of Laurent Perrier or signature cocktail drinks reception - Four canapés per person - Three-course menu with coffee and chocolates - Half a bottle of wine - Two glasses of mineral water - Glass of Laurent Perrier to toast - Evening buffet - Ivory chair covers • Marlborough Room and Marquee – £6,25o • Henry Pelham Room and Marquee – £7,65o • Henry Pelham Room, Thomas Pelham Room, Lady Anne Room and Marquee – £8,65o Additional guests at £85pp

Platinum Packages: - Two glasses of Laurent Perrier or signature cocktail drinks reception - Four canapés per person - Four-course menu with coffee and chocolates - Half a bottle of wine - Two glasses of mineral water - Glass of Laurent Perrier to toast - Evening buffet - Ivory chair covers and sash (colour of your choice) - DJ • Marlborough Room and Marquee – £7,5oo • Henry Pelham Room and Marquee – £8,95o • Henry Pelham Room, Thomas Pelham Room, Lady Anne Room and Marquee – £9,95o Additional guests at £1o5pp All packages include: - Use of public areas (lounge bar, lobby, garden and rooms not included in package) - Crockery, cutlery and service staff - White linen tablecloths and napkins - Dedicated Event Manager - Cake stand and knife - Use of Stanmer House music library - Use of plasma screens for photographs - Licence extended to midnight - Reserved parking

October to March All packages are based on 5o guests - minimum of 85 guests for a Saturday wedding Silver Packages: - Glass of Prosecco or Bucks Fizz drinks reception - Three-course menu with coffee and chocolates - Half a bottle of wine - Glass of Prosecco to toast • Marlborough Room and Marquee – £4,ooo • Henry Pelham Room and Marquee – £5,125 • Henry Pelham Room, Thomas Pelham Room, Lady Anne Room and Marquee – £5,87o Additional guests at £55pp Gold Packages: - Glass of Laurent Perrier or signature cocktail drinks reception - Four canapés per person - Three-course menu with coffee and chocolates - Half a bottle of wine - Two glasses of mineral water - Glass of Laurent Perrier to toast - Evening buffet - Ivory chair covers • Marlborough Room and Marquee – £5,75o • Henry Pelham Room and Marquee – £6,775 • Henry Pelham Room, Thomas Pelham Room, Lady Anne Room and Marquee – £7,525 Additional guests at £85pp

Platinum Packages: - Two glasses of Laurent Perrier or signature cocktail drinks reception - Four canapés per person - Four-course menu with coffee and chocolates - Half a bottle of wine - Two glasses of mineral water - Glass of Laurent Perrier to toast - Evening buffet - Ivory chair covers and sash (colour of your choice) - DJ • Marlborough Room and Marquee – £7,ooo • Henry Pelham Room and Marquee – £8,o75 • Henry Pelham Room, Thomas Pelham Room, Lady Anne Room and Marquee – £8,825 Additional guests at £1o5pp All packages include: - Use of public areas (lounge bar, lobby, garden and rooms not included in package) - Crockery, cutlery and service staff - White linen tablecloths and napkins - Dedicated Event Manager - Cake stand and knife - Use of Stanmer House music library - Use of plasma screens for photographs - Licence extended to midnight - Reserved parking

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STANMER HOUSE

Intimate Wedding Packages Maximum of 3o day guests (up to 8o evening guests)

• Marlborough Room for ceremony, wedding breakfast in Churchill Room and Upper Lobby for DJ/party – £995 • Silver Package – £55pp • Gold Package – £85pp • Platinum Package – £1o5pp (not inclusive of DJ for intimate weddings – see full wedding packages for details)

Bespoke venue hire prices All year • Wedding civil ceremony in Marlborough Room: £6oo (two-hour

October to March • Henry Pelham Room for wedding breakfast only (no evening

• Wedding ceremony in Marlborough Room with drinks reception

• Marquee for wedding breakfast and evening reception: £1,3oo • Use of Henry Pelham Room for wedding ceremony or wedding

time allocation from arrival to end). Registrar fees are paid directly – call o1273 294 421 for availability in Amelia Room and Upper Lobby (does not include any drinks): £75o (three-hour time allocation from arrival to end)

• King George IV Room on first floor for intimate wedding breakfast: £3oo April to September • Henry Pelham Room for wedding breakfast only (no evening

reception): Full day (to midnight) – £95o. Afternoon (until 6pm) – £75o

• Marquee for wedding breakfast and evening reception: £1,75o • Use of Henry Pelham Room for wedding ceremony or wedding breakfast and evening reception in Marquee: £3,5oo

• Use of Henry Pelham Room, Thomas Pelham Room, Lady Anne Room and Marquee for wedding ceremony and/or reception: £4,5oo

reception): Full day (to midnight) – £7oo. Afternoon (until 6pm) – £56o

breakfast and evening reception in Marquee: £2,625

• Use of Henry Pelham Room, Thomas Pelham Room, Lady Anne Room and Marquee for wedding ceremony and/or reception: £3,375

Bespoke package prices include: - Use of public areas (lounge bar , lobby, garden and rooms not included in package) - Crockery, cutlery and service staff - White linen tablecloths and napkins - Dedicated Event Manager - Cake stand and knife - Use of Stanmer House music library - Use of plasma screens for photographs - Licence extended to midnight - Reserved parking

To find out more about the wedding services available at Stanmer House, visit www.stanmerhouse.co.uk/stanmer-weddings

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Your Business, OUR PLEASURE AS WELL AS FABULOUS WEDDING PACKAGES, STANMER ALSO BOASTS CORPORATE MEETING AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES. THERE’S PLENTY OF SPACE AVAILABLE, BOTH INSIDE AND OUT, SO YOU CAN BOOK A ROOM THAT’S UNIQUELY TAILORED TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS. READ ON TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR DAY A SUCCESS

A

fruitful business meeting consists of many factors. It might be an impressive PowerPoint presentation, a firm handshake or a perfectly executed speech – whatever it is, there are a number of ways to wow your clients and secure that dream deal. And the setting can be crucial.

Built in a beautifully rural location, yet only minutes from the centre of Brighton, Stanmer House is the perfect venue for your banqueting and meeting room requirements. The building retains a sense of history, while the interiors have been beautifully restored, providing a stylish and contemporary setting, but losing none of the original splendour.

We have options to suit all budgets, including our popular delegate packages. We also offer meeting rooms, starting from £35 per hour for room hire only, with options to add refreshments and equipment hire. Free on-site parking is available as well.

No matter what you want from your important day, Stanmer has the space and the facilities to accommodate your every request.

CONFERENCES From intimate meeting spaces to theatre-style setups, we customise our rooms and technology to suit you, while a Lounge Bar is a comfortable pre-function space for networking, registration and refreshments.

TEAMBUILDING Acres of parkland make Stanmer the ideal backdrop against which to enjoy your teambuilding day. Be it a morning, afternoon or full day of activities, we can set you up with a base, refreshments and lunch, so that you can make the most of your bonding exercises and activities.

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STANMER HOUSE

FOOD AND BEVERAGE Lunch or dinner can be booked in the restaurant, where all tastes can be catered for, while the house and gardens provide a peaceful scene that enhances the productivity of your day.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 9am to 11pm for breakfast, coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The space spreads across three decorative rooms with views of the garden and park, plus guests are also welcome to come and relax by one of the open fires.

Mouthwatering food is cooked by our team of award-winning chefs using locally sourced ingredients. The grand bar is also a suitable place to unwind after a meeting, with an extensive wine list and an excellent selection of whiskeys.

FLEXIBLE SERVICES Stanmer welcomes those wanting to meet a colleague or have a get-together without the need for booking a conference room. Our facilities are well-suited for meetings of two to 5o in the house, or you can utilise our Marquee for meetings of up to 1oo.

So, whether you’re looking to make a strong impression on those all-important clients or bring your staff closer together with a productive teambuilding afternoon, you’ll find everything you need at Stanmer, where flexible corporate and event spaces are designed to give you everything you need.

For more information on business and conference services at Stanmer, visit www.stanmerhouse.co.uk/stanmer-conferences

DAY DELEGATE PACKAGE FREE PLASMA SCREEN FREE FLIP CHART AND PENS FREE WIRELESS INTERNET FREE CAR PARKING ONSITE I.T. ASSISTANCE ARRIVAL, MORNING AND AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS DELEGATE LUNCH

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The Companies

We Keep

Practical corporate requirements are one thing, but what about those extra ďŹ&#x201A;ourishes that will really put your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stamp on that unforgettable event? Whatever the size or nature of your commercial needs, our breath-taking interiors and enchanting grounds will help capture the magic Photography by Tranzmission and Victoria Dawe

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STANMER HOUSE

M

ore and more in today’s world of corporate finance and lucrative business, companies are demanding high standards from where they choose to stage their most important functions and events.

Of course, the right setting can be crucial; far from just a whiteboard and an overhead projector, the ambience of your preferred location can make all the difference when impressing your clients with an all-round ‘wow’ factor.

If you’re looking for a venue that will enchant at that next corporate do, Stanmer House is just the place. From solicitors and banks to charities and schools, we’ve hosted a multitude of events for a variety of customers, as the versatility of the available spaces mean the Events Team can work with you to create the perfect backdrop. So, whether it’s an intimate dinner for 2o distinguished guests, a drinks reception for 4o or a dinner dance for 2oo, no occasion is beyond the personal touch that the team has to offer.

The available rooms include the smaller spaces on the first floor,which boast views out and across the 5,ooo acres of Stanmer’s parkland setting. Additionally, the main function rooms on the ground floor have high ceilings and opulent chandeliers, while the Marquee features picket fencing set in the beautiful gardens. Each space has its own special qualities, so whatever your priorities are, we’re sure we can accommodate your requests.

Outside, a plethora of entertainment has been seen in the garden over the years, such as fire dancers, dodgems and ice cream vans. The Marquee can be extended to host more guests and has even stretched across the garden, with the fountain as the centrepiece, to host a gathering for 1,ooo delegates.

In all its grandeur, the house also attends to the modern needs of the corporate world with free wi-fi throughout.

Discreet speakers on the ground floor and upper lobby are controlled centrally by a SONOS system, or clients may wish to make full use of an abundance of plasma screens throughout the house, which can be used for presentations, slideshows and videos.

Food and beverage will no doubt be an important part of your day, so the Events Team and Head Chef are more than happy to put together the right menu to fit with your tastes. No meal is beyond our team of awardwinning chefs, be it tasty mouthfuls of our carefully crafted canapés or something a little more substantial, but no less delicate. Wine can be selected from the well planned wine list and there’s a great selection of real ales for those who prefer their drinks more hoppy.

No matter what you want from your important day, we can cater to every need and ensure all of your preferences are met, so you can focus on delivering the knockout, show-stopping event that your clients expect and deserve.

To find out more about our corporate facilities and services, call o1273 68o 4oo or email events@stanmerhouse.co.uk

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1

ij-1 }1~ ~1'{11@&1!<' ~ ll:G~~lJ~ .Mil3©£:r J ~'D1H, B~Dmi+ ~'D!P MUflW tD'U'O/llMfD Acoustic Duo and band based in East Sussex. Using Guitars, vocals and Percussion to bring you some of the best music both current and classic greats to get your toes tappmg & th1ghs thwackmg!

MUMFORD & SONS, FLEETWOOD MAC, BEN HOWARD, GEORGE EZRA, SAM SMITH, ED SHEERAN, and more. We are available as a duo, for intimate occasions or up to a five piece band for larger parties.

Tel: 07932 972 961 or 07563 703721 Email:-thespookywagons@yahoo.co.uk

Local Event & Venue Decorators offering a friendly and personalised service, including delivery and set up.

Let us take care of your Chair covers & Sashes and Centrepi eces.

Wow your guest s with a SWeet Wheel or Cart and don't forget the Post Box for your cards!

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www.brightonupyourday.co.uk

01273 930021 info@brightonupyourday.co.uk

13/02/2015 13:56

STANMER HOUSE

Where Can I Stay?

If you want to sleep in style in the heart of Brighton, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in luck, as there are a number of hotel concessions in the area.

Read on for all the details youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to book a room Seattle Hotel Waterfront, Brighton Marina Village, East Sussex BN2 5WA www.hotelseattlebrighton.com 01273 679 799

Hotel du Vin Brighton 2 Ship Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1AD www.hotelduvin.com/locations/brighton 0844 736 4251

23 minutes (5.9 miles) from Stanmer

24 minutes (5.3 miles) from Stanmer

My Hotel 17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1GE www.myhotels.com/my-hotel-brighton 01273 900 300

Jurys Inn Hotel 101 Stroudley Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 4DJ www.jurysinn.com/brighton 01273 862 121

24 minutes (4.45 miles) from Stanmer

20 minutes (6.1 miles) from Stanmer

Drakes Boutique Hotel 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1PE www.drakesofbrighton.com 01273 696 934

Old Ship Hotel Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1NR www.oldshiphotel-brighton.co.uk 01273 329 001

23 minutes (5.4 miles) from Stanmer

27 minutes (7.4 miles) from Stanmer

Pelham House St Andrews Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1UW www.pelhamhouse.com 01273 485 632 23 minutes (4.2 miles) from Stanmer

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Such Stuff as are Made On

Dreams

Regardless of your taste, decorations set the tone and highlight key themes of any wedding.

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re after cascading floral arrangements or a quintessentially British reception, we explore some top trends that will be adding a touch of class to any ceremony throughout 2o15

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STANMER HOUSE

T

here are so many elements that go into creating the perfect wedding.

From the music to the food, the lighting to the invites, the bride and groom should leave no stone unturned when deciding on their favourite styles and options for their dream day.

Decorations are no exception, as they play an integral role in tying everything together. You might be partial to particular colours and floral arrangements, or there may be a specific fabric or material you would like to use for your dining tables.

The year ahead is set to favour more rustic options, as informal and unconventional weddings create a personal, intimate atmosphere. Which isn’t to say there’s no room for traditional embellishments; the cakes are going back to basics, while there’s still a place for the classic look among your floral flourishes too.

Whatever your style, these top picks will mean you can arrange your day just the way you like it, creating unforgettable photo opportunities and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Hanging high From billowing ribbons to flowing foliage, the coming months will be all about hanging your decorations. While some couples might opt for more conventional table centrepieces, the only way is up for many.

Invitation innovation Start the excitement with some eye catching invites. They could be studded with gems, tied up with ribbons or could even feature your very own selfie, setting the tone long before the big day.

Cake basics Less is more this year for artisan cake decorators, as whites, subtle creams and ivories are making their mark once more.

Alternatively, you can add green foliage or flowers to keep it interesting.

Triumphant tables This year, watch out for bold patterns, luxurious textures and floral designs adorning your tables. By splashing out more on these materials, you won’t need to spend as much on flowers and décor.

Flower crowns There’s no reason your decorations should be limited to just the venue. This rustic look is perfectly in keeping with the current bohemian chic favourite and a brilliant way to accessorise your dress.

Something blue With varying shades of blue becoming bestsellers in the worlds of interior design and fashion, this versatile colour can be soft and cool for spring receptions or bold and vibrant for summer ceremonies.

Copper creations More than ever before, this metal is really making a statement. Whether it’s centrepieces or invitation fonts, it gives off a vintage vibe and creates an ultra-glam mood that won’t fail to impress.

Enchanting lighting Create some magic at your wedding with the use of twinkle lights, fairy lights and pin spot lighting, which are on trend to set the tone for a soft, romantic and captivating feel.

British alfresco Ever since Will and Kate’s wedding in 2o11, we’ve seen our fair share of patriotism. Tea on the lawn and garden parties are popular options, adding a touch of royalty to any occasion.

Edible favours Nothing says ‘thank you’ like some delicious treats. Get creative by putting together a small food kit or snack box selection – it’s a great way to get to your guests’ hearts!

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

No wedding would be complete without some beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements. Here are some terrific themes that are sure to take your guests’ breath away on the day Romantic luxury If you want lots of colour, make sure your flowers are plentiful and well presented.

By avoiding foliage and exposed stems, blooms like hydrangea, hyacinths and orchids will be able to shine through.

Gorgeous gardens The gentle tones of flowers that come from your garden will be big in 2o15.

Sweet peas, garden roses and tulips are great options, as are woodland inspired plants like ferns and foxgloves.

Classic and clean Wildflowers are all well and good, but there’s plenty to be said for traditional bouquets. Give whites and ivories a go, or try roses and calla lilies for an equally attractive feel.

Winter wonderland For a more bohemian theme, natural, earthy materials like wool products are becoming increasingly popular throughout the UK. Shades of ivory and soft grey will look fabulous as part of any winter wedding.

Pastel power A summer wedding is ideal for some muted colours, which create a soft, creamy palette, enhanced by large open flowers.

Soft whites will help bring your ceremony to life in the warmer months.

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STANMER HOUSE

A Word

from the Top

I

hope you’ve enjoyed reading our inaugural edition of Stanmer House magazine – we’ve truly enjoyed putting it together and rediscovering the venue’s wonderful history. I personally find Stanmer an enchanting, magical place and really did fall in love at first ‘site’.

Our years together have made us grow stronger and I feel confident that, whatever occasion you choose to enjoy with us, be it a wedding, conference, party or just a bite to eat, we can not only meet your expectations, but exceed them.

We’ve put together a fantastic team to guide you through your event from start to finish, with the aim of taking all the pressures away so that you can enjoy your moment and create fabulous memories.

Your next step is to contact our Events Team on o1273 68o 4oo or email events@stanmerhouse.co.uk - we will be only too happy to help and start planning your event.

Brain Keeley Whiting Managing Director

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STANMER HOUSE

How to get to Stanmer House Whether you’re travelling by road or by train, finding your way to our venue couldn’t be easier

BY ROAD Travelling from the nearest motorway (M23) – heading south: You will join the A23 and follow this route until you meet a large roundabout, just after a flyover. There will be a petrol station on the right.

Turn left at this roundabout and follow directions for the A27 (Lewes direction) – this will be heading east. (Therefore, left at the roundabout, remain in the right lane, over the next roundabout, over the A27, right at the next roundabout, then this slip road will take you onto the A27). *Be aware, the turning for Stanmer will be coming up soon.

While on the A27, keep an eye out for the turning to the Hollingbury Industrial Estate/Stanmer Park; this will be the second turning off the A27.

Follow the slip road to go over a roundabout and follow the ascending, then descending hill (be aware of the speed camera on the left as you reach the foot of the hill).

Travelling from the A27 – heading east: After the turning for the A23 London/Brighton on the A27, look for turnings for Hollingbury and Stanmer Park. Follow the instructions from the * Travelling from the A27 – heading west: If approaching from Lewes, head along the A27. After the turning for Woodingdean and Falmer, you will see a signpost for Stanmer Park on a short slip road on the right-hand side – be vigilant and fast, as it arrives quickly. From here, you will cut across traffic and continue to follow the instructions at *

PARKING Within the large grounds at Stanmer Park, there are a number of allocated parking areas. As you approach Stanmer, there will be a turning immediately on the left before the house, where you can securely park free of charge.

BY RAIL The nearest station to Stanmer Park is Falmer Station, which serves The University of Sussex and is a satellite station. Brighton is the nearest mainline station, located 15 minutes away from the park by taxi.

After a couple of minutes, you will reach a T junction. Turn left, in the direction of Lewes and The University of Sussex. The turning for Stanmer Park is on the left-hand side after about 1oo metres, just around a bend.

This will meander to the entrance of the park itself, which is between two white residential buildings. On arriving within the park, continue ahead within the park grounds for about one mile. Stanmer Park will appear on the left-hand side among the forest, with the village church on the right.

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MAKING THAT BOOKING How to get in touch with Stanmer House when planning your special event

Rebecca Weller Events and Marketing Manager for Whiting & Hammond events@whitingandhammond.co.uk o1273 68o 4oo

Stanmer House Stanmer Park, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QA o1273 68o 4oo events@stanmerhouse.co.uk www.stanmerhouse.co.uk www.facebook.com/StanmerHouse @StanmerHouse

Whiting & Hammond The Little Brown Jug Chiddingstone Causeway Tonbridge Kent TN11 8J J o1892 871 o42 office@whitingandhammond.co.uk

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13/02/2015 14:02

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76/78, High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, kent TN1 1YB Telephone: (01892) 534018 Fax: (01892) 510536 76/78 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells - Tel: 01892 534018 email: info@gcollinsandsons.com www.gcollinsandsons.com www.gcollinsandsons.com - info@gcollinsandsons.com

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