NEARLYWED NEWS

Carringtons Catering is welcoming the return of its jam-packed events diary with dates already being booked up until 2025. Hitting record numbers in its 40-year history, the team look set to cater for up to 15 events a week during this next 12 months, with some wedding and private functions requiring more than 70 members of staff to facilitate them. It’s a stark contrast to the previous two years for the company’s directors Darren and Helen Wynn who were heavily hit by the pandemic and left with no choice but to put operations on hold until the easing of national restrictions. Master Chef of Great Britain and director Darren says, “We’re back to doing what we love with the venues we’re proud to work with – we’ve never been this busy.”

Carringtons Catering is one of the North West’s longest standing independent caterers, providing bespoke catering, event and hospitality services. The team has built an outstanding reputation for delivering culinary excellence and a professional service, together with a first-class dining experience.

Helen added, “It’s great to know that people are still planning for the future and that they haven’t been deterred by the events of the last few years. Many have been waiting years to have their dream days, so we feel very proud to have been chosen to make these happen. We have so many exciting things coming up in 2022 and beyond, and it’s great to be back.” Watch this space!

Check out www.carringtons-catering.co.uk

Nearlywed NEWS Catch up on the latest from around the region

ALL THAT GLITTERS A new generation of H Samuel shops has arrived on the high street, transforming the shopping experience for its customers. These concept stores offer an immersive retail experience where you can discover the latest trends and experiment with different looks through the curation of fashionable jewellery and watches.

The highlight of the new-look store features for us of course, is the design bar. A bespoke bridal and design experience provided by H Samuel’s style experts and master craftsman, you can add a personal touch to your jewellery with engraving, customise your own one-ofa-kind piece by selecting your stone, cut, setting and budget. You can even bring to life your design vision and create your own unique, bespoke item of jewellery.

Also in store, you’ll find the HS Loves trend bar where you can get the look by discovering design staples, leading fashion brands and new trends. Plus, the ear-piercing salon – a dedicated space for earpiercing with a selection of earrings to stack and create a look. Signet UK and Ireland managing director, Neil Old says, “We’ve come a long way since Harriet Samuel opened her first store in 1890, but with her customer-focused approach and appreciation of the value of jewellery, we think she’d approve.”

The new H Samuel stores being opened in the next few months will be at key UK locations including locally at Liverpool ONE.

WINNING WAYS Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa has been crowned Large Hotel of the Year in the Marketing Cheshire Awards. The Nantwich-based hotel, part of the Hand Picked Hotels collection, was also shortlisted for Wedding Venue of the Year.

The prestigious Marketing Cheshire awards recognises excellence and outstanding achievement by local businesses and individuals working in the county and Warrington’s visitor economy and has been running for 16 years.

Rookery Hall’s innovation and dedication to its guest experience helped it to scoop this accolade. During the pandemic it opened up its grounds to offer takeaway treats, as well as organising treasure hunts for families and create exciting al fresco dining opportunities. Having gone from strength to strength the hotel has also retained its four red-star rating from the AA and had achieved a second AA Rosette for its restaurant. In addition, it continues to be recognised as a five bubble spa by the Good Spa Guide.

For further information about hosting your wedding day at Rookery Hall, see www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall

Paul Chadwick

NEW VENUE ALERT!

Nestled in the heart of Warrington, Cheshire, the old Parr’s Bank has been transformed into the county’s newest wedding venue. The soonto-be hotel has retained its Victorian architecture to capture the essence of luxury, as well as paying tribute to the town’s history. Built in 1877 and Grade II listed, every detail in the building has been meticulously thought out. With the overall design leaning towards early 20th-century Art Deco, the oak flooring, glass ceilings, marble pillars and stunning central chandelier are sure to leave you in awe.

You and your guests are also able to access the venue’s Coffee Bar, Counters, which provides scrumptious Indian toastie boards, speciality coffee and smoky cocktails. With the hotel expected to be ready by the end of 2022, this is the ideal place to host your wedding and stay for that added level of comfort on your big day.

To request a brochure or show around simply email reservations@theparrsbank.co.uk. For further information in the meantime, head over to https://theparrsbank.co.uk DREAM TEAM Oddfellows Chester has appointed a new team to focus on driving the events side of the business forward post pandemic. Rebecca Taylor has taken on the role of coordinating events for the Georgian town house hotel, while Jade Bradbourn will support her in managing the food and beverage side of things.

Both have previously worked for the award-winning hotel restaurant and garden on the operations side, and jumped at the chance to front the event planning team. Rebecca originally joined Oddfellows after nine years with another iconic local wedding venue, Peckforton Castle. She says, “I’m excited about the opportunity to really get to know our clients, helping them plan their weddings and be creative with how we do it. Most of our couples choose Oddfellows because we’re a venue with personality and are known for our happy, friendly team. I can’t wait – it’s going to be a busy year ahead as we catch up on all the celebrations we missed over the last two years.”

Events at Oddfellows Chester can surpass 100 people, with the whole top floor of the design-led hotel encompassing a private three-room event space with separate bar and roof terrace. There are also smaller spaces such as the Tea Rooms, famous for its upside-down tea party hanging from the ceiling and the Secret Garden’s Potting Shed area, which is under cover and heated by glass panelled fires.

Check out www.oddfellowschester.com

OPERATION HEN

Following the turmoil of the past two years, it’s understandable that folk should be keen to make the most of special occasions in 2022 and truly spend quality time with friends, family and loved ones. For those looking to celebrate milestones and of course upcoming weddings, Spabreaks.com has revealed its top spas and hotels for group spa days and overnight retreats. So, grab Team Hen and check out Doubletree by Hilton Chester, where you and your best gals can experience the Afternoon Spa Retreat.

This luxurious spa experience includes a choice of one treatment from Signature full body massage, hot stones back of the body massage, Elemis Superfood facial, luxury manicure or luxury pedicure. You’ll also be delighted by a one-course meal from the Spa Choice menu and full use of the spa facilities, including the pool, sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool, meaning this will be the perfect way to spend an afternoon relaxing with your bride tribe.

The package starts from £89 per person, with afternoon sessions available from 1pm to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 2pm to 7pm Saturday and Sunday. Spabreaks.com’s expert team can also help to tailor the ideal celebratory or group getaway. Check out www.spabreaks.com TO A TEE The UK is known for some of the best golf courses in Europe and many golf fans will be looking to book a break away this summer to try their luck at some iconic courses. Indeed, if you or your intended are fans of the sport, you may even want to combine a golf and spa break for a relaxing hen, stag or sten break. You won’t be alone as a new study commissioned by the International Golf Travel Market claims more than 40 per cent of golfers name spa facilities to be key influencers when choosing a golf holiday.

Inspired to investigate the most picturesque locations for golf and spa getaways, golfsupport.com took to Instagram to get the answers. The best news is that the second most shared venue on the list, with a whopping 38,435 hashtags, is right on your doorstep – Champney’s Mottram Hall Hotel, Cheshire. Labelled the UK’s ‘original health spa’ Champney’s features multiple spa and golf rooms alongside a 7,006-yard golf course, which hosted the 2013 European Seniors’ PGA Championship. Mottram Hall recently had more than a 5,000 per cent search increase on Google Trends, making it the place to be right now.

To find out more about booking a break at Mottram Hall, head over to www.champneys.com/hotels/mottram-hall

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IN REMEMBRANCE

Liverpool Lighthouse Choir has released Abide With Me to mark the 33rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. The much-loved hymn had been sung by the choir’s predecessor, Love and Joy Gospel Choir, at the Hillsborough memorial service while the names of those who lost their lives during the tragedy on 15th April 1989 were read out. This was done every year for the past 20 years before the pandemic.

The choir recorded this track as part of a collection to pay tribute to those affected by the disaster, including several of its members, and to offer hope and healing to everyone affected by loss at this time. The effects of the past two years on people’s well-being have been wideranging and unprecedented, so it seemed natural for the Choir, which was formed during lockdown, to extend the dedication of its music to include all those who’ve suffered.

Abide With Me is free to stream on all platforms including Spotify and is 99p to download. All proceeds will go to Liverpool Lighthouse Charity, which supports music in the local community with a focus on disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

For further information, check out the website www.liverpoollighthouse.com/community-choir

Image courtesy of Liverpool Lighthouse Choir