An Essex Wedding - July/August 2025 (Issue 123)

GREENWOODS LAUNCH NEW SUMMER WEDDING PACKAGE! Looking for a truly magical place to hold your wedding this year? There’s still time and availability to book a very special package at the stunning Greenwoods Hotel & Spa in the pretty village of Stock, this summer. The historic grade II listed building was originally a family-owned manor house and still has some of the original features including a walled garden, beautifully decorated rococo style bedrooms and a wood pannelled lounge and Library Suite where smaller weddings are held. Outside there’s a lovely terrace area, outside gazebo to hold your dream outside ceremony and the spectacular Garden Suite: a glass building with sparkling bar and chandelier style lighting that holds up to 250 guests seated. The special offer includes use of the Garden suite, with use of FX lighting, Chivari style chairs, cake stand and knife, easel, starlight backdrop as well as a floral pedestal to set the scene for a special day. You and your guests will be served a three-course wedding breakfast – you’ll be able to sample the food first at an exclusive tasting - toasting prosecco that can be served after your meal or together with your speeches. Enjoy a finger buffet with hot and cold options for day and evening guests and dance the night away to the venue’s award-winning resident DJ. This package also includes complimentary extras of decadent hot chocolate bar for your friends and family to enjoy with all the tempting trimmings! The couple can then spend the night in your choice of the stunning hotel suites and enjoy the spa facilities, too. There are also special discounts on accommodation for guests. Priced at a great value £8,450 based on 60 day guests and an additional 20 guests for evening with selected dates available until 30th September 2025. For more information to book a viewing call 01277 829990 or visit greenwoodshotel.com LIVE FROM THE LAWN & SUMMER SERIES RETURNS TO DOWN HALL HOTEL & SPA This summer, live music returns to the gardens of Down Hall Hotel & Spa, as the award-winning estate brings back its much-loved Live from the Lawn series, alongside the soulful sounds of its Sunday Jazz Brunch events. From laid-back Friday evenings with cocktails and acoustic sets, to relaxed Sunday brunches with smooth jazz and sparkling wine, Down Hall sets the scene for alfresco moments to savour. Running every Friday from 7pm to 9.30pm until 12th September 2025, the event transforms the picturesque country hotel’s elegant gardens into a vibrant open-air venue where music, cocktails, and balmy evenings take centre stage. The 2025 line-up includes returning favourites such as Greg the Sax, Lovelight DJ, Lula and Gary Winter, each bringing their own unique sound to the lawn – from Ibizastyle chill-out sets, soulful party anthems, jazz favourites and Motown classics. Guests can unwind with friends and family, sip on seasonal spritzes, and enjoy dishes from the relaxed al fresco menu. Highlights include crispy calamari with tartare sauce, garlic & chilli prawn tacos, buffalo wings, and a selection of stone-baked pizzas, fresh from the outdoor oven. Set against a backdrop of the 19th century Italianate mansion, rolling Essex parkland and under the night sky, expect sunset and stargazing sessions like no other. There’s no entry fee, though advance table reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot on the lawn. Larger groups of five or more will be asked for a £15 deposit per person, fully redeemable against food and drinks on the evening. For the full lineup, visit the website: www.downhall.co.uk/upcoming-events/live-from-the-lawn SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH Ramp up your Sunday brunch and enjoy the sounds of soulful jazz on Down Hall’s beautiful terrace. Available on 6th July, 3rd August and 7th September, guests can expect smooth, live jazz sounds, alongside brunch dishes such as smashed spiced avocado or waffles with berry compote and maple syrup, served with a basket of freshly baked pastries and a glass of Silver Reign English sparkling wine. Arrival from 10:30am, entertainment from 11am–1:00pm. The cost is £42.50 per adult and £21.25 per child inclusive of brunch, pastries and a glass of champagne for adults. To view the full Jazz Brunch line-up, visit the website here: www.downhall.co.uk/upcoming-events/jazz-brunch 10

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