Even John’s extensive culinary experience, which spans over 40 years, couldn’t have prepared him for his super busy start at Ellingham. We thought we’d treat him to a quick break, a brew and chat to find out how he’s finding his new role.

How’s things been since joining Ellingham?

Busy. Ha! It’s been great, busy, but really great.

Although we weren’t running as many weddings as usual for this time of year, things were just as busy behind the scenes. As well as investing in staff and new equipment, one of my first jobs was to create the new 2022 menus for all our couples. It was important I spoke with the team to get a real understanding of what we currently offered, and how we could really drive standards and give people the best wedding experience possible at the Hall.

Over the last month, the team and I have ran a number of tasting events where we’ve catered for over 70 couples, and I look forward to the Autumn when we will be running more of these experiences. I’ve also been working closely with producers to ensure my kitchen brigade have the highest quality of ingredients available to them – this year, we’re proud to say we’re working with more local suppliers than ever, driving our sustainability focus at the Hall.

Taking you back, how did you start your culinary career?

I started my career back when I was just 18 at college. I was privileged to receive an award at the Savoy London for ‘Outstanding Student of the Year’ twice. Following this I was appointed as an apprentice at the InterContinental Hotel in London’s Park Lane and the chain took me to France, Germany and Switzerland.

Moving back to Northumberland with my wife, I opened my own restaurant in Alnwick and owned The Tankerville Arms in Eglingham, before moving to Newcastle United to head up the kitchen brigade at The Magpie Room. In the role, I helped steer the restaurant to the Good Food Guide; the first Premier League club to reach the achievement. Since then, I have worked in several well-known restaurants and wedding venues locally, including The Cookie Jar in Alnwick.

What has been your proudest moment as a Chef?

I was chosen to cook for the Queen while I was at Newcastle United and that is the highlight of my career. She was in the region in 1997 and had just opened the Siemens factory and was received by Sir John Hall for lunch. She was a really nice person and it was such an honour to be chosen to cook for her.

With the 2022 menus now finalised, what would you say are your favourite dishes?

It’s a tough choice. For starters, I’d say the Cheese Soufflé, followed by the Cajun Fried Seabass. The one thing the team already know about me, is I’m a real sweet tooth. I love my desserts, so that’s the hardest to choice for me. I’d have to say Bakewell Tart, I could eat them all day and night!

What are you most looking forward to at Ellingham?

I’m looking forward to helping Ellingham Hall become bigger and better. I’m also so excited to be working with such a friendly team – there’s a real buzz about Ellingham, from the venue, to the staff and all the couples I’ve interacted with so far. The team here are lovely and it’s great to work with such a professional group of people who really care.

Even John’s extensive culinary experience, which spans over 40 years, couldn’t have prepared him for his super busy start at Ellingham. We thought we’d treat him to a quick break, a brew and chat to find out how he’s finding his new role.

How’s things been since joining Ellingham?

Busy. Ha! It’s been great, busy, but really great.

Although we weren’t running as many weddings as usual for this time of year, things were just as busy behind the scenes. As well as investing in staff and new equipment, one of my first jobs was to create the new 2022 menus for all our couples. It was important I spoke with the team to get a real understanding of what we currently offered, and how we could really drive standards and give people the best wedding experience possible at the Hall.

Over the last month, the team and I have ran a number of tasting events where we’ve catered for over 70 couples, and I look forward to the Autumn when we will be running more of these experiences. I’ve also been working closely with producers to ensure my kitchen brigade have the highest quality of ingredients available to them – this year, we’re proud to say we’re working with more local suppliers than ever, driving our sustainability focus at the Hall.

Taking you back, how did you start your culinary career?

I started my career back when I was just 18 at college. I was privileged to receive an award at the Savoy London for ‘Outstanding Student of the Year’ twice. Following this I was appointed as an apprentice at the InterContinental Hotel in London’s Park Lane and the chain took me to France, Germany and Switzerland.

Moving back to Northumberland with my wife, I opened my own restaurant in Alnwick and owned The Tankerville Arms in Eglingham, before moving to Newcastle United to head up the kitchen brigade at The Magpie Room. In the role, I helped steer the restaurant to the Good Food Guide; the first Premier League club to reach the achievement. Since then, I have worked in several well-known restaurants and wedding venues locally, including The Cookie Jar in Alnwick.

What has been your proudest moment as a Chef?

I was chosen to cook for the Queen while I was at Newcastle United and that is the highlight of my career. She was in the region in 1997 and had just opened the Siemens factory and was received by Sir John Hall for lunch. She was a really nice person and it was such an honour to be chosen to cook for her.

With the 2022 menus now finalised, what would you say are your favourite dishes?

It’s a tough choice. For starters, I’d say the Cheese Soufflé, followed by the Cajun Fried Seabass. The one thing the team already know about me, is I’m a real sweet tooth. I love my desserts, so that’s the hardest to choice for me. I’d have to say Bakewell Tart, I could eat them all day and night!

What are you most looking forward to at Ellingham?

I’m looking forward to helping Ellingham Hall become bigger and better. I’m also so excited to be working with such a friendly team – there’s a real buzz about Ellingham, from the venue, to the staff and all the couples I’ve interacted with so far. The team here are lovely and it’s great to work with such a professional group of people who really care.

David is no stranger to the venue, as a small boy he often visited his Great Grandmother who lived in the village. David’s family also have strong connections with Ellingham, his uncle attended the Hall when it was formerly a Prep School and it wasn’t until his recent appointment with us that David learned his Nana and Grandad were actually married in the Chapel 62 years ago – talk about a small wedding world!

David explained; “Ellingham Hall is well-known in the industry as an unforgettable two-night wedding experience – a one I’ve always greatly admired. That combined with my family connections, love for the venue and value for customer service, means I’m thrilled to be part of such a dedicated and hard-working team.”

“I have a real passion for delivering first class customer service and providing couples with the most magical day of their lives; It’s so encouraging to know I’m joining a team who share my vision. Having only just started working at the venue this month, I’ve already been made to feel so welcome. It’s been a great few weeks and I already feel like part of the Ellingham Hall family.”

Anthony Hunter, said; “David couldn’t be more suited to working at Ellingham Hall. He prides himself on being customer focused and on delivering an award-winning wedding experience – all the things Team Ellingham continuously strive for.

Anthony had previously held the role of General Manager at the Hall for over 10 years. This month, Anthony has handed over the baton to David as he takes on a directorship role for the company. His new role is to further the growth, development and future direction of the business at Ellingham, alongside beginning work on our second wedding venue, launching in 2021.

David added; “I have known and respected Anthony for a long time and l am looking forward to combining our knowledge and experience to further develop the offering at the Hall, as well as working closely together on a number of upcoming exciting new projects.”

David is no stranger to the venue, as a small boy he often visited his Great Grandmother who lived in the village. David’s family also have strong connections with Ellingham, his uncle attended the Hall when it was formerly a Prep School and it wasn’t until his recent appointment with us that David learned his Nana and Grandad were actually married in the Chapel 62 years ago – talk about a small wedding world!

David explained; “Ellingham Hall is well-known in the industry as an unforgettable two-night wedding experience – a one I’ve always greatly admired. That combined with my family connections, love for the venue and value for customer service, means I’m thrilled to be part of such a dedicated and hard-working team.”

“I have a real passion for delivering first class customer service and providing couples with the most magical day of their lives; It’s so encouraging to know I’m joining a team who share my vision. Having only just started working at the venue this month, I’ve already been made to feel so welcome. It’s been a great few weeks and I already feel like part of the Ellingham Hall family.”

Anthony Hunter, said; “David couldn’t be more suited to working at Ellingham Hall. He prides himself on being customer focused and on delivering an award-winning wedding experience – all the things Team Ellingham continuously strive for.

Anthony had previously held the role of General Manager at the Hall for over 10 years. This month, Anthony has handed over the baton to David as he takes on a directorship role for the company. His new role is to further the growth, development and future direction of the business at Ellingham, alongside beginning work on our second wedding venue, launching in 2021.

David added; “I have known and respected Anthony for a long time and l am looking forward to combining our knowledge and experience to further develop the offering at the Hall, as well as working closely together on a number of upcoming exciting new projects.”

Following on from the popular refurbishment of our Drawing Room last year, we were pleased to start work on our Ceremony Room in January. Opened officially at our open day event last month, the room has been given a contemporary makeover injecting light and warmth into the space with freshly painted wall panelling, giving it a modern twist on the traditional country house. Combined with luxury stylings, including crushed velvet curtains and brushed gold touches, we’ve been inundated with great feedback by our couples over the past few weeks.

The Ceremony Room is one of two indoor spaces at Ellingham Hall where couples can host their wedding ceremonies, event organisers can host private dining sessions and corporate clients can run a series of activities with exclusive access to the Hall for the duration of their event.

Take a look at a picture of our newly refurbished space shot by Carn Patrick Photography at a wedding with us or come and view for yourself!

Wendy said, “I am thrilled and honoured, but also moved by being named the UK’s best Wedding Co-ordinator.

“When I got the news I just burst into tears. I really can’t quite believe it. It’s fantastic and such an honour to be part of so many couples’ special wedding celebrations.”

Wendy’s attention to detail, calmness under pressure and ability to lead during her time as Wedding Co-ordinator, were some of the reasons why she was promoted six months ago.

General Manager Anthony Hunter explained: “I am absolutely thrilled that Wendy has been given this award. She deserves it. Everyone in our team looks up to Wendy as she is diligent when it comes to our guests’ requests and unwavering in delivering a fantastic service. It is her commitment to the venue and the hospitality sector which makes her a real asset to the business.

“The team at Ellingham Hall know there’s something truly special about Wendy – and this award proves just how wonderful she is. I am proud and honoured to have Wendy as one of the Ellingham Hall family.”

Wendy said, “I am thrilled and honoured, but also moved by being named the UK’s best Wedding Co-ordinator.

“When I got the news I just burst into tears. I really can’t quite believe it. It’s fantastic and such an honour to be part of so many couples’ special wedding celebrations.”

Wendy’s attention to detail, calmness under pressure and ability to lead during her time as Wedding Co-ordinator, were some of the reasons why she was promoted six months ago.

General Manager Anthony Hunter explained: “I am absolutely thrilled that Wendy has been given this award. She deserves it. Everyone in our team looks up to Wendy as she is diligent when it comes to our guests’ requests and unwavering in delivering a fantastic service. It is her commitment to the venue and the hospitality sector which makes her a real asset to the business.

“The team at Ellingham Hall know there’s something truly special about Wendy – and this award proves just how wonderful she is. I am proud and honoured to have Wendy as one of the Ellingham Hall family.”

Wendy said, “I am thrilled and honoured, but also moved by being named the UK’s best Wedding Co-ordinator.

“When I got the news I just burst into tears. I really can’t quite believe it. It’s fantastic and such an honour to be part of so many couples’ special wedding celebrations.”

Wendy’s attention to detail, calmness under pressure and ability to lead during her time as Wedding Co-ordinator, were some of the reasons why she was promoted six months ago.

General Manager Anthony Hunter explained: “I am absolutely thrilled that Wendy has been given this award. She deserves it. Everyone in our team looks up to Wendy as she is diligent when it comes to our guests’ requests and unwavering in delivering a fantastic service. It is her commitment to the venue and the hospitality sector which makes her a real asset to the business.

“The team at Ellingham Hall know there’s something truly special about Wendy – and this award proves just how wonderful she is. I am proud and honoured to have Wendy as one of the Ellingham Hall family.”

Images by Katy Melling Photography

When it comes to flowers, opt for white anemone, blue thistles and the unmistakable brunia berries to create the dreamiest of bouquets. When Jenn and Ed married back in February, their chosen frosted pastel tones perfectly complimented the snow dusted grounds on the morning of their wedding. With florals by The Blossom Bee florist, the styling couldn’t have been any more perfect for the Winter.

Images by Helen Russell Photography

Crisp, classic styling

Looking for romantic and timeless styles, combining soft whites with natural organic hints of green gives the perfect fairy-tale seasonal wedding. These elegant and contemporary tones give a polished finish to all elements of a wedding day. Combining this colour palette with lots of textures and layers gives an overall luxurious feel to weddings in this season.

Ellingham Hall’s beautiful sage and stone colourings in the Chapel couldn’t be more perfect to complement this type of styling. Combine these colours with magic worked by The Whole Sch-Bang and you have your very own Mediterranean Winter right here in Northumberland.

Images Carn Patrick Photography

Pops of Colour

From pops of pink to vibrant purples, who says a winter wedding means your colours needs to be predominately white! From bouquets to bridesmaid dresses, we’ve seen some amazing pops of colours during these months. When it came to Olivia and Matthew’s wedding their bright colours injected bursts of beauty into the Hall and everywhere you looked, you saw a colourful array of arrangements to their mid-week winter wedding experience.

Images Rosie Davidson Photography

Textures and Layers

Adding layers is a simple, yet effective way to add elegance and style to the winter months. But where do you start? Would it be winter without a shawl? Although shawls and snugs are never a necessity during the season, they always add a touch of glamour on the day.

With a whole range to choose from including vintage capes which gives hint of romance, to the stylish and modern wraps which are perfect for the modern bride wanting to add that touch of warmth to day. Check out Accent Original in Newcastle’s Mosley Street, or Epernay Bridal in Melton Park Gosforth for style inspiration!

Wanting to add a luxurious finishing touches? Try finishing off your bouquets with hand tied delicate silk ribbons or even to complete your wedding cake – perfectly tying together elements of your wedding day into your scheme.

Magical lighting and Feel for Fire

As the nights draw in over the winter months, we guarantee you’ll want to get creative with lighting. Why not use fairy lights and copper LED’s to add glowing touches to centrepieces, glow up your favourite spirits or even dramatically light areas of the venue you love – who says fairy lights are just for Christmas time?

Due to the popularity of our weddings over the winter season, we’re pleased to offer atmospheric festoon lighting draped across our beautiful Chapel along with our fabulous firepit perfect for toasting marshmallows and for those show-stopping magical sparkler shots as optional extras. You can also enjoy festoon lighting in the Chapel terrace for an dramatic ambience along with the roaring fires in our homely Reception Rooms.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our Winter Real Weddings gallery HERE for more inspiration in the winter months, or speak to our team on securing your dream winter wedding date on sales@ellingham-hall.co.uk.

When specialist equine supplies company Bedmax needed a venue to carry out sales training they wanted a venue with no hurdles.

So they chose Ellingham Hall and managers were so impressed with their first visit they have vowed they will be back.

Bedmax, which produces horse bedding from its manufacturing facility in north Northumberland, needed somewhere with easy access for its UK sales team to carry out training.
As well as having use of a meeting room, the management team were delighted that they had exclusive use of the hall and the grounds for their staff.

Tilly Fuller, Head Office and HR Manager at Bedmax, emailed us to say: “Bedmax would like to express our sincere thanks to Lynn and the team at Ellingham Hall for hosting our sales training day.

“The location of the venue is stunning with fabulous décor to match. Our meeting room was perfect and it was lovely to have exclusive use of the additional reception rooms. Parking was plentiful and the staff very friendly and accommodating.

“Ellingham Hall offers a wonderful, competitively priced venue. We will be back!”

When specialist equine supplies company Bedmax needed a venue to carry out sales training they wanted a venue with no hurdles.

So they chose Ellingham Hall and managers were so impressed with their first visit they have vowed they will be back.

Bedmax, which produces horse bedding from its manufacturing facility in north Northumberland, needed somewhere with easy access for its UK sales team to carry out training.
As well as having use of a meeting room, the management team were delighted that they had exclusive use of the hall and the grounds for their staff.

Tilly Fuller, Head Office and HR Manager at Bedmax, emailed us to say: “Bedmax would like to express our sincere thanks to Lynn and the team at Ellingham Hall for hosting our sales training day.

“The location of the venue is stunning with fabulous décor to match. Our meeting room was perfect and it was lovely to have exclusive use of the additional reception rooms. Parking was plentiful and the staff very friendly and accommodating.

“Ellingham Hall offers a wonderful, competitively priced venue. We will be back!”