From the moment we arrived at the open day we had a good feeling about Hilltop Country House. My now husband and I were taken by the beauty of the house, the fabulous organisation, how friendly and welcoming Clare, Martin and their family were and I was thrilled to be wine tasting. My husband LOVED the fact it was the only venue we had been to that catered to men with a wheelbarrow of peroni available to grab while we were walking around. We wanted a hotel wedding to make it easier for our guests, after a talk with Clare’s daughter in law, this was no longer a concern, we were sold.
Throughout the planning process Clare was there every step of the way. Every email was warm and friendly, we felt like we were part of the family. The food tasting was amazing, my sister in law attended one for her wedding and it was a room full of brides and grooms, we had Clare, Martin and Iain’s (the AMAZING chef) full attention as the only group in the venue at the time. Iain sat with us after the tasting and discussed our thoughts and plans, he actually encouraged us to order less for the evening and then, if needed, they would make more and invoice afterwards. I am lactose intolerant, this was no issue for Hilltop, my meal was exactly like everyone else’s but without the dicky tummy afterwards.
My bridesmaids and I arrived at 6am on the morning of the wedding, Clare was there to greet me with open arms and breakfast (we paid for breakfast in the morning, it was totally worth it). I’d dropped off the decorations, my dress and all the other bits and pieces the night before so I could relax. We got ready in the beautiful honeymoon suite, there was ample room for me, my bridesmaids, the hairdresser and makeup artist, and the helium balloons I insisted my bridesmaids and I were to blow up, Clare and Martin would have done it but I wanted to do something fun...it was!!
Before the ceremony began, Martin helped the men attach their boutonnières, straighten their ties and relax a little. We hired Clare and Martin’s son, Joe, as our photographer; his pictures were amazing and he knew the venue well. The day went beautifully and without any issues. After the ceremony we were greeted by Jordan, the bar manager, who had our drinks ready, she congratulated us and made sure everyone was catered to.
In the evening we hired the recommend DJ, Emil, he was great!! We put together a playlist and we had a ‘veto list’, he happily rejected songs that we had said no to and played a song when I asked (when you’re in a wedding dress everyone says yes). He stuck to the songs we wanted and didn’t play the usual wedding tracks (we have been to weddings where DJ’s have gone rogue). The boogie room was a hit with our family and friends, anyone who wanted to dance could and those who wanted to chat could talk to people without shouting. We couldn’t believe it when the last song was playing as the day/evening had gone so quickly.
Finally, I asked Clare if there was anyway she could put some sandwiches and cake in our room so we could relax and unwind; upon arrival to our room post wedding, the sandwiches, cake and some crisps were laid out for us.
We got married at Hilltop Country House almost a year ago, I contacted Clare to find out a couple of details and she was just as friendly and welcoming as before, even inviting me to come for a cup of tea and bring our baby to meet her. Clare and Martin were the most wonderful hosts, I would recommend Hilltop Country House to anyone who asked without a doubt!!