Wynyard Hall is looking to attract large-scale events to its Grade II-listed site – including the likes of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow – after securing a new premises licence allowing it to make use of the whole of the venue and its land.
The country house hotel has previously been approached by the cult BBC programme as a possible location, and can now be considered for such events through its new licence arrangements. Asian weddings, classical concerts and major large-scale corporate events can also now also be catered for, and are among the type of occasions Wynyard Hall is hoping to play host to.
Wynyard Hall is investing over £5.3m in developing its facilities, with a £1.6m walled rose garden – one of the largest rose gardens in Europe – set to be opened later this year, complete with a visitor centre, shop and café, which will stock local goods and produce.
The venue has already invested £1.7m in a Grand Marquee and management suite, to increase capacity for holding large-scale events, and future stages will include a £2m cookery school, children’s garden, and designated walks through the estate.
Paul Mackings, chief executive of Cameron Hall Developments, said: “These are very exciting times for Wynyard Hall and we are investing significantly in the whole historic estate. As well as the new facilities we are adding, which will really cement our place as one of the UK’s most desirable venues, our new licence now allows us to host and be considered for events on a scale we have never previously considered.
“Of course, everything we host will be absolutely in keeping with the Hall and its heritage, so we are looking at large-scale corporate events, car launches, classical concerts, and hopefully something like the Antiques Roadshow. We know they have looked at us before, as being a stately home we are in keeping with the kind of venue they choose, and that is something we would love to have here.
“Wynyard Hall is such a special place with its historic hall and parklands, and we are investing in bringing history to life through creating the likes of the rose garden, which is adding to what the Marquises of Londonderry created more than 200 years ago. Through being able to offer events on a scale we previously could not consider, we will be able to showcase this beautiful venue in new ways.”
The new premises licence was secured by Sarah Smith, Partner and Head of Licensing at Newcastle law firm Sintons.
She said: “Wynyard Hall is fast becoming regarded as one of the premium destinations to eat and to stay, not just in the North East but in the whole country. They are adding significantly to their already impressive facilities, and through their new licencing arrangements, are now able to accommodate events on a scale they previously could not. This is a hugely exciting time for Wynyard Hall and we are very pleased to be working with Paul and his team.”