Hilltop Country House

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!!

Words can’t express how wonderful Hilltop is! As soon as I walked in I knew it was the place for us. Clare, Martin and the rest of the staff were just amazing they really looked after us through out the day and in the lead up to the wedding. Everything was so personal and Clare was always at the end of the phone whenever I had last minute questions. A brilliant venue run by a wonderful family. Thank you so much!

We cannot speak highly enough about our whole experience at Hilltop Country House. It's a family run business and you really feel welcomed by every member - its a lovely, seamless dynamic. Clare and Martin were simply wonderful from the start to the end. The made the experience fun and took away any stress - this came through in the relaxed nature of the wedding. We were concerned that it would be cold in the marque having it at the start of January but I can assure you that this was not that case - the temperature was spot on. Iain cooked a fantastic meal, you wouldn't have known that he was doing it on mass, every piece of lamb was perfectly pink and we got so many compliments. They also catered amazingly for those who are vegan (again multiple compliments about the vegan curry) and those with food allergies. The bar staff were super friendly and it was a big bonus them being able to make proper cocktails including decaffeinated expresso martinis for those who treasure their sleep! The boogie room worked perfectly as it allowed the elder generation to chat in the marque meaning that they stayed to the bitter end. A handful of us were able to stay over at the venue meaning those with children could put them to bed in the knowledge that they would be safe whilst they continued to party. It was an added bonus having breakfast with those who stayed over allowing us to reminisce about the night before. One added benefit was Martin giving us a memory stick at breakfast with additional photos that he had taken throughout the day to tide us over until we get the official photos. Massive brownie points for that thank you!

From the very first moment my now wife and I turned up half an hour late to our appointment to have a look around the venue, muddied boots and all, both Martin and Clare bent over backwards to accommodate our wishes (including hosing down my boots without even being asked) for what has been widely regarded by both our families as the "best wedding they've have in the last decade and a half", which is no mean feat! Our wedding had some fairly extensive customisation options, which other venues may have balked at; not so at Hilltop, who actively helped with the arrangements we proposed. Additional thanks are necessary for Iain, the head chef (a true master of his craft), along with all the remaining bar and serving staff, who were all especially friendly and approachable, not to mention patient with us as the night led up to the early hours. Our only regret is that we didn't learn all their names to thank them more personally. Daisy's breakfast the following morning was very enjoyable, too. All this at a lovely location, at a very reasonable price. I was impressed from the moment Martin greeted us, and I'm very happy to say, it only got better as time went on. We're almost sad we can't get married there again! It was simply a perfect day, and we couldn't ask for more. Two very happy newlyweds here, with some extremely fond memories looking back. :) Thank you all very much indeed, Ashley & James P.S.

We cannot speak highly enough about our whole experience at Hilltop Country House. It’s a family run business and you really feel welcomed by every member – its a lovely, seamless dynamic. Clare and Martin were simply wonderful from the start to the end. The made the experience fun and took away any stress – this came through in the relaxed nature of the wedding. We were concerned that it would be cold in the marque having it at the start of January but I can assure you that this was not that case – the temperature was spot on. Iain cooked a fantastic meal, you wouldn’t have known that he was doing it on mass, every piece of lamb was perfectly pink and we got so many compliments. They also catered amazingly for those who are vegan (again multiple compliments about the vegan curry) and those with food allergies. The bar staff were super friendly and it was a big bonus them being able to make proper cocktails including decaffeinated expresso martinis for those who treasure their sleep! The boogie room worked perfectly as it allowed the elder generation to chat in the marque meaning that they stayed to the bitter end. A handful of us were able to stay over at the venue meaning those with children could put them to bed in the knowledge that they would be safe whilst they continued to party. It was an added bonus having breakfast with those who stayed over allowing us to reminisce about the night before. One added benefit was Martin giving us a memory stick at breakfast with additional photos that he had taken throughout the day to tide us over until we get the official photos. Massive brownie points for that thank you!

We cannot thank the Gardner Family enough for their incredible support, dedication and professional attitude whilst remaining genuinely caring and personal in all our dealings with them. From our initial meeting Claire, Martin and family, made us feel at ease and nothing was too much trouble for them to help turn our vision into a reality for the big day. Hilltop is also a beautiful home and it was a privilege to be able to hold the best day of our lives at such an amazing, picturesque venue. The catering was first class, service was professional and smooth and it enabled us to have our perfect wedding, and thoroughly enjoyable day. If you want a stress free wedding, in a perfect setting totally supported by the most lovely family we have had the pleasure of meeting, then look no further.