Best Venues- The Walled Garden at Cowdray
Friday, June 26th, 2009
If you are looking for a historically intriguing & ridiculously romantic venue for a summer wedding, then you will love the Walled Garden at Cowdray, West Sussex. I last visited on a sunny day at the beginning of June just as the roses were starting to unfurl their heavenly scents onto unsuspecting passers by. The derelict castle ruin & polo grounds are situated next to the Tudor walled garden, giving the place an air of glamour & making this the perfect place for you & your guests to sink bucketloads of chilled Champagne & Pimms. As well as holding a licence for Civil Ceremonies, the adjoining courtyard & castle rooms offer an intimate atmosphere for dining & dancing, and if you fancy making a grand entrance, you can even utilise the adjacent helicoptor pad.
Having recently spent a lovely afternoon wafting around the newly relaunched Kettners on Romilly Street in Soho, it struck me that it would make a fantastic venue for an urban wedding party. Interior design guru Ilse Crawford has sprinkled her magic across the chic restaurant, champagne bar & numerous private rooms, leaving it with a romantic, opulent vibe. Opened in 1867, in its heyday it attracted regulars such as Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie, Bing Crosby & King Edward VII. There are several private rooms available to hire, ranging from intimate salons (suitable for 12 diners) to the glamorous downstairs restaurant (which holds several hundred). Alternatively, invite 500 of your nearesr and dearest and hire out the whole place for the ultimate wedding party.
Although tucked away in the idyllic village of Petersham, many of the nursey’s loyal fans are happy to travel across london to breath in the fresh country air and relax in this little haven of tranquility. Surrounded by green pastures, grazing cows & a river, Petersham is a destination in itself. Time it right and you can pop into the shabby chic cafe for a posh alfresco sandwich, or if you fancy treating yourself, dine in style in the glass roofed restaurant. Remember to book ahead though as it gets very busy. The venue is available to hire for wedding receptions & parties, and is perfect for a relaxed summer soiree. Equally, you can just pop in to buy beautifully displayed plants & antique garden furniture, as well as picking up a few styling tips for your own little piece of paradise.