Featuring one of the only lavender fields in the North East with panoramic views of the Beamish Valley countryside. The Black Horse Beamish and Orchard Marquee is set in 37 acres on Red Row Estate, featuring stunning lavender fields, woodland, filled with wildlife and farmyard antiques.

We talked to Grace Fountain, the Venue Manager at Black Horse Beamish (Red Row Estate) to find out more this unique and contemporary venue.

Tell us about yourself!

We are a family owned business and have been proudly welcoming our guests for over 20 years. Although the original 300 year old pub has been in my family for over 20 years and I’ve grown up listening to conversations about it around the dinner table, I officially started working for the company 10 years ago. Since then the business and building have undergone an extensive refurbishment, expansion and development programme. In my free time I love to walk my dog around our glorious 40 acre sprawl, the stunning lavender field is one of the only in the North East, we have woodland riddled with wildlife and lots of farmyard antiques!

What drew you to the wedding world?

I always had a passion for hospitality and once I completed my degree there was no question where I was going to work. I’ve had the privilege of working in numerous different roles including wedding coordinator and have been able to grow as the business has grown, which I think has been a fantastic and unique experience. Red Row Estate is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful areas of the North East so being able to market that and convert ideas into a reality is something I love.

What do you think makes your venue unique?

My colleagues are undoubtedly what makes our venue so special, we are a small close-knit team. The key to our success is planning, planning, planning! You have to be extremely organised, passionate, and have a keen attention to detail. One of the most important skills, which isn’t often taught in this industry, is to be an unofficial therapist, councillor and shoulder to cry on when needed. Weddings can be very emotional and stressful, and I pride myself on doing my upmost to put everyone’s mind at ease. Every wedding and special occasion is unique, and therefore every client relationship deserves as much time, attention and passion as possible so we can work together to make the big day perfect.

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How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

Our coordinators have their own mobile and are on hand to call/text/whatsapp/email at anytime during your wedding journey with us, we feel this gives a lot of comfort to couples. By the end of the wedding journey we really feel like we have made lasting relationships with our brides and grooms. We seem to have the most wonderful couples that come back to visit time and time again.

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What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

Amazing food, an open bar tab, memorable entertainment and of course a beautiful ceremony where you are surrounded by your family, friends and loved ones.

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

It’s your day, so don’t be afraid to be a bit selfish when it comes to the guestlist, things like your menu choices, drink selection and seating plans.

What do you love about Bridebook?

I love how easy it is to navigate, shortlist and contact suppliers and venues. It really is like your own little black book!

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had?

Our first wedding was in July 2012 and since then enquiries have never stopped rolling in! Every wedding has its own special moment so it’s difficult to single out a particular wedding. Most recently being a part my sisters wedding in The Orchard Marquee was very special. It was lovely to be a guest for the day and it’s safe to say she went all out making good use of our extensive list of local supplier contacts.

Why should a couple book Red Row Estate?

As a unique venue with extensive grounds and panoramic views over our peaceful valley, the setting could hardly be more idyllic. We provide an unforgettable setting for all styles of celebration, grand or intimate, indoors or out…it will be a unique and memorable celebration.

What’s the best photo spot at Red Row Estate?

Definitely the beautiful lavender fields in full bloom.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Our customer service to couples and guests. We pride ourselves in investing in our team to make sure we have only the best set of people to look after you on your journey with us. Our wedding team have a wealth of experience hosting weddings meaning you’re in very capable hands.

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

Technology has transformed how we now work and we have had to fully embrace new technology during the past 18 months of Covid. It has been an essential part of improving and streamlining our customer journey from the initial enquiry to ease of booking venue viewings. Zoom calls and facetime have enabled us to continue showing couples our beautiful venue and even resulted in couples booking from as far field as Dubai after only viewing on facetime.