We understand that there can be a lot to take in and organise when planning a wedding. We have outlined some of our most frequently asked questions about food & drink below but please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further queries.
FAQs - Catering
Do we have to use your caterers?
Yes and this is to ensure the very highest of standards. Our highly-skilled and passionate catering team are ready to create your dream wedding menu which will leave you and your guests totally blown away! Our in house catering team will take care of everything from planning your menu to how each dish will be served on your wedding, let us guide you every step of the way.
Can we supply the food for our Evening Buffet?
We’re afraid not. To ensure the very highest of standards in both culinary excellence and hygiene. With our competitive prices and the very best advice on your evening catering, you will not be disappointed.
Can we supply our own Wedding Cake?
Whilst we do require you to use our in house caterers for your day and evening food your wedding cake is an exception. We have a recommended list of suppliers who can make your cake dreams come to true but you are free to choose the right person for you.
Please Note: We may ask you to sign a disclaimer should a non professional, family member or friend create your wedding cake.
FAQs - No Corkage Policy
What is No Corkage?
Our No Corkage Policy allows you to provide your own daytime drinks (Drinks Reception & Wedding Breakfast) without incurring any extra charges for us storing and serving them. It also gives you the creative freedom to serve drinks that represent you as a couple, as you’re not tied to any formal drinks packages.
When does the no corkage period begin and end?
Our No Corkage Period begins after the Ceremony and ends after your Wedding Breakfast or Speeches depending on which way around you choose to do things. Your leftover drinks, should there be any left, will be stored away for you to collect the following day and further drinks will then be served and purchased from The West Mill Pay Bar.
Can we serve alcoholic arrival drinks before the Ceremony?
As your no corkage begins after the ceremony, we are unable to serve drinks/alcohol beforehand. We have Kilner jar dispensers which we fill with iced water and this is available throughout the day. We will also serve a small selection of your soft drinks that you may have provided before the ceremony. We ask that you invite your guests to the venue half an hour before the ceremony which gives them the perfect amount of time for them to freshen up, mingle and grab a refreshing drink.
Can we serve cocktails for the Drinks Reception?
Yes of course, cocktail bars are a popular choice and our wooden drinks reception bar on The Gallery Floor or our Horsebox Bar in the courtyard is the perfect place to serve them from. We do ask that cocktails are long drinks which consist of mixers and spirits and can be made in larger quantities.
Popular drinks include: Mojitos, G&T cocktails with a twist, Pimms, Mulled Wine and Prosecco based cocktails.
Unfortunately, we are unable to shake up individual cocktails, if this is something you’d like you are welcome to hire in a mixologist to shake up your drinks reception – Please get in touch should this be something you are considering.
Can we have beer/ale kegs for the drinks reception?
Absolutely, we love it when couples get creative with their drink offerings. Your beer supplier will be able to access the venue from 10.30am on the day of your wedding to set up the kegs ready for the drinks reception.
Do you have props for styling the drinks reception?
Absolutely, we have the following items available to use that will jazz up your drinks reception perfectly.
Vintage look apple crates
Handcrafted Wooden Bar
Bespoke Made Light Up Wooden Star
An assortment of Lanterns
Two Kilner Jar Drinks Dispensers (8L)
Vintage Wooden Easel
A converted horsebox bar outside in the courtyard
Can we have spirits on the Wedding Breakfast tables during dinner?
Unfortunately we cannot allow spirits on the tables as it’s part of our policy to promote responsible drinking. Should you wish to have spirits and mixers available throughout the wedding breakfast we would recommend opening up the bar earlier. There is a surcharge for this option and the details of which can be discussed with our in house caterers.
Can we have alcoholic favours?
This is no problem at all. We can allow miniature spirits or standard size bottles of beer.
For any clarification on the above please do get in touch with the events team.
FAQs -The West Mill Pay Bar
What time does The West Mill Bar open and close?
The pay bar facility opens at the end of your Wedding Breakfast/speeches and closes at Midnight. We’ll call last order around 11.45pm
Can we open The West Mill Bar earlier in the day?
Yes, with prior arrangement the bar can be made available throughout the day. There is a surcharge for this option, please speak to the team for more details.
Does The West Mill Bar accept card payments?
Yes, we accept both cash and card payments.
Can I make The West Mill Bar an ‘Open Bar’?
Yes, there are a few options here. You can decide to make the bar free to your guests all evening or alternatively put a spend limit on it.
You can also choose to specify what drinks are part of the free bar e.g. everything except double measures and large bottles of wine/fizz. Just speak to your Event Manager or the bar staff on the day.
Please Note: Unless specified the bar open as a standard pay bar and all tabs must be settled on the night of the wedding.
Can we set up a drinks tab for suppliers?
Yes absolutely, and this is recommended. Suppliers such as your band or photographer may get a little thirsty during the evening so setting up a tab is the best way to make sure your suppliers are kept refreshed. You can always put a spend limit on this too, just speak to your West Mill Event Manager or the bar staff on the day.
Please Note: All tabs must be settled on the night of the wedding.
Can we request specific drinks behind the bar?
As always, we want to do our best to make sure you have the best day ever and put your stamp on the venue. There could be the possibility to buy in specialist spirits to stock behind the bar however there may be a surcharge for this for this option and the details of which can be discussed with a member of the team.
FAQs - Ordering Drinks
How do we place a drinks order through Darley Abbey Wines?
Simply get in touch with Andy & Nichol via email or call – 01332 207 066
Can we purchase drinks through Darley Abbey Wines and also provide our own drinks?
Of course, please feel free to mix & match. Whether you decide to provide your own drinks for the drinks reception but buy the wine for Wedding Breakfast through Darley Abbey Wines, it’s no trouble at all.
Will we get a chance to try the wines?
Yes, when you attend a West Mill Tasting Event there’ll be a wine tasting table set up with a wide range of drinks available to purchase through Darley Abbey Wines. Andy & Nichol will be on hand to answer your questions about the wines available. Alternatively, you can arrange a tasting at the Wine bar to chat all things wine and fizz.
Can we get other external companies to deliver our drinks?
Unfortunately not, you are welcome to purchase your drinks through a wine merchant or online but you must take delivery of them before bringing them to the venue. This is to ensure everything is present and correct and delivered in good time.
The only exception is by using Darley Abbey Wines who will hand deliver your order to us at the venue.
How will our drinks be stored and do you chill them?
Upon drop off we will check your Drinks Inventory Log, label all items and then we’ll store your drinks appropriately. Many items will go in our walk in chiller and others like red wine and ale will be kept in our store room along with your other decor pieces.
FAQs - Taster Events
When will our Taster Event be?
We have around 6 taster events spread throughout the year and you’ll typically be invited to an event around 6-12 months ahead of your wedding day.
How many people can we bring along?
You are able to bring along an additional 4 guests.
How much does the Taster Event cost?
The taster evening is complimentary for our West Mill couples and £30 a head for each additional guest.
We’ve already had our catering meeting, will we be eating the menu we have chosen?
Not always, as there is such a wide choice of menu options available, the food served will be a sample menu of some of the most popular and seasonal dishes.
We’ve already confirmed our menu will we be able to change our mind?
Of course, you are welcome to change your menu up to 21 days ahead of your wedding day, just get in touch with your Catering Wedding Coordinator to discuss your changes.
When will get to update you with all our other wedding details?
You’ll be invited to your planning meeting around 2/3 months before your wedding day and it’s at this point you’ll be assigned your dedicated event manager. In the meantime do not hesitate to contact any of the events team with any queries you may have or feel free to book another visit to the venue.
Please be aware that if your Wedding Day falls within nine months of booking The West Mill it may not be possible to attend a Tasting Day.
Please do get in touch should you have any queries regarding our food and drink policies.
events@thewestmillvenue.com | 01332 229 029
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