Into the Woods

The 616 offers a unique and enjoyable venue for a multi-day event or team retreats in the heart of Sherwood Forest.

“This meant that, unlike a normal build, it didn’t necessarily go up in the order it should do. But we were pleased that we were able to work through COVID and, despite the very strange and unusual obstacles the pandemic brought, we managed to create something that we are very proud of.”

Built and designed specifically with exclusive use and meetings/events in mind, this excellent location lies down a long farm track which helps enhance the feeling of total privacy. Surrounded by fields, woodland, and livestock the complex is secluded, but is ideally placed with strong road, rail, and flight links.

All the bedrooms are en-suite with large, walk-in showers, the double rooms have king size beds, while five are furnished with twin beds. Each has its own private entrance.

Imagine a unique venue for a corporate gathering where you can meet, eat, relax, and even show off your best dance moves – all in the privacy of your own super complex. It might sound too good to be true, but there is one such destination complete with luxurious private rooms, meeting and banqueting rooms and even its very own nightclub!

Set in the heart of Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Forest, The 616 truly is a one-off, offering clients an opportunity to curate their own event far from the madding crowds.

Currently the site has room for 28 delegates in its luxury holiday rooms and a banqueting hall which seats 60. It also boasts two hot tubs and an 80s style games and arcade room.

If you've had enough of hotels where you and colleagues feel like just another guest or are left cold by the stuffy surroundings of a stately home then this is the place for you. This stunning complex is the creation of owners David and Gair and while the nightclub is undeniably the star attraction, it’s far from the only incredible thing about the venue. And theirs is a great success story of a small hospitality business opening after COVID.

Looking at it today, it’s hard to believe this ultimate corporate retreat was just a sprawling farm with outbuildings and land when it was purchased 20 years ago. But with vision, a huge amount of hard work and £2 million, the couple have transformed Chapel Farm into the impressive venue it is today. Like many in the sector the couple felt the full force of the pandemic, but look around the unusual limestone gabionwalled courtyard and it’s clear those two years were put to good use: “The first foundations went in the month before COVID started, so we could have timed things better,” said David. “Yet, we soldiered on by becoming very nimble, adapting on a daily basis. The running joke throughout the build and COVID was not ‘what are we doing today?’, but ‘what materials have we got?’.

Each room features a 55” flat screen TV, if you fancy putting your feet up and having a little time away from the main event. High quality bed linen and sustainable toiletries are provided throughout for that added touch of luxury

The all-important nightclub is in the basement and is much more than just an empty room with some speakers. The area features a built-in sound system and disco lights, as well as a bar area complete with beer taps. You’ll have to bring your own kegs, but even so, it’s a spectacular setting for an evening event.

Of course, there's hot tubs. But if that’s not how you like to relax, how about some fun in the 80s style games room, featuring air hockey and retro arcade machines?

If that’s not enough, there’s more surprises on offer with a beautiful Orangery and meeting room, which gives clients a second dining area. It can also be used as a boardroom, theatre, classroom, or even a cabaret.

In the central communal area, you can find an 88” HDMI smart TV in the central dining/living area which is perfect for holding presentations in comfort. In fact, there’s plenty of space for meetings and break out rooms complete with comfy sofas and chairs and all your needs can be catered for all, especially breakfast, dinner, and evening meals.

The venue offers options to add a private chef, an in-house barber, and spa treatments and even a live band when you feel like letting someone else entertain you. With plenty of parking for cars and coaches, there’s a full concierge service on request, but guests are welcome to bring their own food and entertainment. There’s a simple no corkage or cakeage policy!

Gair said: “The last two years have been very successful with the destination’s popularity growing, we’re attracting guests from as far away as Australia and the USA. Most of the feedback we get is about how large the property is and ‘how It’s a lot bigger than the photos show’. Guests say there’s plenty of room for large groups to gather and party and that’s what we want them to do. We don’t want to give away too much because we think there’s plenty of surprises around the venue.”

Such is The 616’s popularity that bookings are around six months in advance and special occasions like Christmas can be taken up to a year before.

The venue has just introduced a complimentary inclusive full English breakfast on the first morning after arrival: “Nobody wants to party all night and then have to cook breakfast for 28 guests plus washing up afterwards,” said David. “It allows our guests to slowly wake up and relax in preparation for the day ahead.” But there’s a lot more to come from the couple who are currently adding a new commercial kitchen and private dining area to offer guests a full dining experience. Work has also just started building eight more en-suite bedrooms which will soon bring the sleeping capacity up to 44 guests.

Alongside those there will be a swimming pool and a spa area boasting an Amazon jungle feel, complete with vines, canopy, and immersive sound experience. And there will be a few surprises in the new six metre aquarium which guests might not expect.

There are plans for extra attractions on the horizon, including expanding the games room with the addition of some new games, such as Time Crisis and Defender. And there are also plans for a casino in the works: “We want it to be a complete experience. The idea is that every time a guest turns a corner there’s an OMG moment,” added Gair. “It’s a simple idea, it’s your venue while you are here so you get to decide what you want and what you need.”

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