Describe the best wedding that happened at The Barn at Cott Farm?
Well, I'm biased, but I'd have to say it was our own wedding! My now husband renovated an old barn on his family's farm to use for our wedding reception and that's how The Barn at Cott Farm became a wedding venue.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Work closely with your venue's wedding coordinator and don't try to do everything yourselves. We offer a balance, with us doing the 'boring bits', such as hiring equipment, leaving you to do the fun bits, like flowers.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
Ooo, that's a good one. Every wedding we've hosted has featured many beautiful, personal touches. We've had a brass band playing the bride and groom up the aisle to Beyonce's 'Crazy in Love', handmade woollen poms-poms, homemade wedding cakes (including our favourite ever cake), brides and grooms singing live, and tables decorated with greenery foraged from the local hedgerows. I couldn't possibly pick a favourite, but let's just say if I was getting married again, my wedding would more than likely feature a brass band, or a hot air balloon. Or both.
Describe The Barn at Cott Farm in 5 adjectives
Comfortable. Informal. Pretty. Rural... Amazing!
Where’s the best photo spot at The Barn at Cott Farm?
We're surrounded by gorgeous countryside, so couples and their photographers take their pick from many fab views.
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at The Barn at Cott Farm?
Not exactly. But watch this space...
What’s your favourite canapé?
Probably our chef's honey and mustard glazed pork sausages. Though I love anything bite sized when drinking bubbly!
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Woodfired pizzas.
What is The Barn at Cott Farm most unique feature?
Probably our location. Though our outdoor kitchen with wood fired pizza oven is much-admired, and so are our bell tents because we furnish them with proper king-sized beds and mattresses (no easy feat when they are in the middle of the camping field!). Or perhaps our luxury shepherd's hut loos, which we handbuilt from scratch.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our team. My husband, Ollie, and I are very much involved throughout each couple's journey from viewing the venue through to clearing away with couples on the Sunday. However, without our fab team of catering and bar staff and our chef, Cott Farm weddings wouldn't be known for great food and service.