I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with Upthorpe Wood and it was an absolute nightmare from start to finish. My partner and I were set to tie the knot in September 2020, but due to the unforeseen circumstances of the pandemic, we had to postpone not once, but twice. What's particularly egregious is the lack of flexibility they showed compared to other venues in similar situations.
Unlike other venues that allowed couples to delay their weddings until 2023 to ensure safety from COVID-19, Upthorpe Wood only permitted us to postpone twice, with them dictating the available dates. This lack of consideration for our safety and well-being was appalling, to say the least. Additionally, they forced us to pay the full cost upfront, despite the uncertainty surrounding when our wedding could actually take place. It felt like they were more concerned about money than accommodating their clients during a global crisis.
Once we were locked into the contract, hidden costs started popping up left and right. For instance, while they advertised bar services, we were shocked to find out that if we wanted actual bartenders to serve drinks, not just empty bins and collect glasses it would come at an extra cost.
The lack of empathy and compassion from the staff was appalling. When we explained our situation, including important guests traveling from abroad and the need to postpone until 2023 for safety reasons, they callously responded with, "that's not our problem." Their refusal to accommodate our legitimate concerns and threats of legal action to keep our money only added insult to injury.
In summary, Upthorpe Wood Wedding Venue exemplifies everything wrong with profit-driven businesses. They prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of their clients, nickel and diming every step of the way while showing no regard for the challenges faced during a global pandemic. Steer clear of this heartless establishment if you value your sanity and want your special day to be memorable for the right reasons.