A Georgian love story at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding editor Kelly Andrews visited The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa to discover the delights it has to offer your wedding day.

Nestled in the heart of Bath and situated in the centre of its iconic Georgian crescent, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a five-star haven of elegance, excellence and tranquillity. Steeped in a history that spans more than 250 years, having first been occupied in 1775, the Hotel boasts bedrooms and function spaces uniquely designed with spectacular views. Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding editor Kelly Andrews spent a weekend there to find out more.

A WARM WELCOME

Bath is one of my favourite places on earth, so to have the chance to stay in one if its most memorable and historical locations was a dream come true, and didn't disappoint. I felt simultaneously naughty and smug as I drove into the Royal Crescent itself as a tour group looked on from its vantage point outside No.1. We were immediately and cheerfully welcomed by the concierge who took our luggage inside from the driving rain and situated us in the stylish, cosy lounge in front of a roaring fire while we waited to be checked in. The Hotel's incredibly chic and seamless blend of oh-so tasteful modern décor and romantic historical features struck me as soon as I set foot through the doors and was a characteristic I fell in love with more and more throughout my stay.

A WORLD OF OUR OWN

We were shown to our stunning suite in the Wedding Villa through the beautiful landscaped gardens next to the converted coach houses, where Montagu's Mews and the Spa are to be found. Hidden behind a gated wall, the Wedding Villa is a home-away-from-home for wedding couples here at The Royal Crescent Hotel, and can accommodate up to eight for the night. To the front of its impressive porticoed entrance lies the delightful secluded Wedding Garden, which our suite looked out over, a real treat. When booked exclusively, this entire section becomes yours for the day, your own private slice of Jane Austen or Bridgerton. The space can host 90 ceremony guests, 30 for a seated wedding breakfast and 80 standing.

ULTIMATE RELAXATION

Without any further ado, it was time for me to hit the spa! The Spa & Bath House offers a whole host of treatments to enjoy as well as a wealth of first-class facilities including a 12-metre pool, vitality pool with massage jets, sauna and fully-equipped fitness room. What made it special for me was the ambience, which given it's location in the heart of Bath very much offers that traditional rejuvenative atmosphere one might imagine of the Roman Baths. No doubt, this is largely thanks to the historical architecture on display in the shape of arched Georgian windows and bare stonework.

FOODIE PARADISE

With the rain kindly stopping long enough for us to enjoy a short evening stroll through the glorious gardens to Montagu's Mews, the evening's meal was highly anticipated – I'd heard great things about chef Martin Blake. Montagu's Mews, is renowned for serving stunning dishes curated with excellence and passion by award-winning Martin and his team. The 3AA Rosette farm-to-fork menu is all lovingly created with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Believe me, I'm no Jay Rayner, but if a Michelin Star doesn't follow soon, I'll be much surprised!

The food here is to die for, so if a fine-dining style wedding breakfast is top of your must-have list, you need look no further. Our meal began with black treacle soda bread, and was on an upward trajectory from there. My 30-day dry aged Herefordshire beef tartar starter, was served with Bath ale hollandaise and IP8 vinegar – the flavours were unbelievable. This was followed by roasted garlic gnocchi, served with artichoke, nasturtium and Roscoff onion velouté, and was the most pretty plate of food I've ever seen. Finally, the chocolate tainori with toasted barley and praline was beautifully indulgent without being outrageously heavy; the perfect end to the perfect meal.

For your big day Montagu's Mews Bar & Restaurant can host 100 guests standing, 60 seated at round tables, and 70 ceremony guests.

"I DO"

Having experienced the wedding spaces here first hand, I won't hesitate in telling you they're every bit as special as you'd imagine from such an iconic location. The Sir Percy Blakeney Suite, located on the first floor of the Mansion House is actually one of the Hotel's master suites and is licensed for beautifully intimate weddings with 40 standing, 33 seated at round tables, 22 at one table or 33 for the ceremony. The Library too offers a wonderful spot for intimate "I dos" with room for 30 standing, 20 for the vows and 12 seated at one table. It boasts romantic views of the picturesque acre of gardens.

Located on the lower ground floor of the Mansion House, The Sheridan can accommodate 40 standing, 33 seated at round tables, 22 on one table and 33 for the ceremony. Its private courtyard found just outside is the perfect setting for a post-meal drink offering the unique perspective of the Crescent. In fact, if the correct applications are made, permissions gained and fees paid, it's possible to enjoy an unforgettable drinks reception on the Royal Crescent lawn.

For larger affairs that require exclusive-use of the Hotel, a marquee pitched in the gardens could be for you. The space could hold up to 110 loved ones seated.

One thing's for certain, with 45 impeccably designed and decorated bedrooms and suites on site, you and your guests won't be short of a comfortable, classy place to rest your heads after a long day of celebrations.

FIND OUT MORE
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, 16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS
01225 823 333
events@royalcrescent.co.uk
www.royalcrescent.co.uk