From it’s fantastic location set high on the cliffs of Ravenscar overlooking the North Yorkshire Moors, historical hotel Raven Hall is this year holding Bonfire Night Festivities so get your scarf and mitts at the ready for a spectacular show. Read more...
If you’re looking for a wedding venue in the South East, then don’t miss this Sunday’s Wedding Fair at The Star in the historical village of Alfriston between 11 and 4pm. Read more...
Venue type:
Inn / Pub Description: Nestled in the Berkshire village of Hurley, a five minute walk from the River Thames and with a wild meadow garden leading to a bohemian army tent, is The Olde Bell – the first in a family of modern day coaching inns designed and created by the celebrated British designer Ilse Crawford (whose other works include Soho House New York and Grand Hotel Stockholm).
The Olde Bell has its own experienced wedding coordinator and two separate spaces from which to choose from, enabling bespoke weddings of any size and format. For larger weddings of up to 120 people there is the exposed beamed 16th Century Tithe Barn and for more intimate experiences there is the 18th Century Malthouse which can seat up to 40 friends and family. Both rooms are licensed to hold civil partnerships which is complimentary with the room hires.
Eating and drinking is integral to the inn and The Olde Bell has become renowned for its locally sourced, home-cooked, organic seasonal menus. Waitrose Food Magazine gave the food a 19/20 and advised “every chef who toiled in every Michelin-seeking, butter-laden, fussy, fiddly, too-clever-by-half, broccoli reduced jus of infused pomegranate diver-caught velouté of organic sea urchin-inspired eatery to come here to be given a lesson in what good food really is.”
Practicalities
Ceremony/Reception: Ceremony & reception Capacity for ceremony: 130
Additional details: For couples wanting a completely private experience the Malthouse, next door to the main Inn is perfect for exclusive hires. The Malthouse has 5 individually designed public spaces on the ground floor and 14 bedrooms spread across the three floors above (5 of which are suites with roll top baths in the bedrooms and enormous great beds), all the bedrooms have exposed oak furniture and bright red Roberts radios! Three of the public rooms on the ground floor open out onto the sunny walled garden while the Oak Room, with original oak panelling and the Library Room, with an original 18th Century hand painted wall and cocktail cabinet are more enclosed and intimate. The music room at the front has a grand piano in the window and the dining room has its own private bar.
Directions by public transport: The Olde Bell is a 10 minute taxi ride from Maidenhead Train station which has regular direct trains to Paddington, London and takes about half an hour.
Directions by car: From the M4 Leave the M4 at junction 8/9 and follow signs for A404. Leave the dual carriageway at the 3rd exit for Henley-on-Thames A4130, at the roundabout (Burchett’s Green) go straight over towards Hurley and Henley-on-Thames. Pass the Red Lyon on the left and the Temple Golf Club on your right and continue down the hill. At the bottom turn right into Hurley Village, The Olde Bell Inn is half a mile down the High Street on the right, the car park is opposite.
From the M40 Leave the M40 at junction 4 and proceed onto the A404 going in the direction of Maidenhead. At the first roundabout on the A404 continue straight towards Henley-on-Thames / Hurley. From the dual carriageway take the 1st exit Hurley/Henley-on-Thames A4310, at the roundabout (Burchett’s Green) go straight over t towards Hurley and Henley-on-Thames. Pass the Red Lyon on the left and the Temple Golf Club on your right and continue down the hill. At the bottom turn right into Hurley Village, The Olde Bell Inn is half a mile down the High Street on the right, the car park is opposite.
From Heathrow Normal journey time is less than 30 minutes
