MUSSEL END FARM

If you are looking for a venue for a slightly larger wedding reception in Gloucestershire, and you want something a little bit different, come and see the banqueting room at Mussel End Farm.

Set amongst the rolling green meadows in the heart of the River Severn countryside, this building is the Winter home for the Mussel End Farm flock of 500 ewes and their new born lambs. But at the start of May, when all the sheep have gone out to their Summer grazing pastures, the building is transformed into a unique setting for a perfect reception and evening.

The idea to use the lambing shed, as we call it, for wedding receptions may sound odd at first, but it all started when the owners, Simon & Louise Middle, were looking for a venue for their own wedding, 21 years ago. They found it extremely difficult to find a venue in Gloucestershire that could accommodate larger functions, and the ones that could were often a bit cold and impersonal. Also, they wanted a venue where they could take their time with preparations, and where they could enjoy a relaxed evening late into the night with their family, friends and guests, without hotel staff closing the bar and encouraging them to leave before they were ready. They soon realised they would have to look closer to home.

Like all brides, Louise wanted only the best, and like all grooms, Simon knew he would have to come up with something extra special. So, the lambing shed and the farm were scrubbed spotlessly clean, and the lambing shed was lined to create a beautifully warm welcoming interior, with the colours chosen by Louise. The field next to the farm was mown to use as a car park and for overnight camping , and the bar, catering and entertainment were organised. Like all events at Mussel End Farm, it was a day to remember not just for the bride & groom, but for the guests too. Just don't mention the bread rolls.

Today, Simon, Louise & their family take the same personal care to ensure your wedding is extra special.

Here's what we offer:

• We are available anytime or day from mid May until the end of September

• Set on a multi- award winning working farm, we offer a unique rural setting, yet we're only 10 miles from Cheltenham, 11 miles from Tewkesbury and 4 miles from Gloucester, with easy access from the M5 junctions 9, 10, 11, 11A & 12, and the mainline railway stations in Cheltenham and Gloucester. We can even provide a place for you to land a helicopter or launch a hot air balloon!

• A venue that can seat 100-250 for the wedding breakfast, with enough space for 350 for evening functions, yet it is still warm and friendly. Children are welcome.

• There’s a dance floor at one end of the room with plenty of space for entertainment, a band and a disco to set up their equipment.

• There's plenty of parking right next to the venue.

• You can choose the colour scheme for your event, including the type and colour of the chairs to suit your taste and budget. And you can have plenty of time to decorate the venue to your liking if you want to do this yourself.

• Fully licensed late bar until 1am, with local friendly bar staff and club prices, and special rates if you want to provide a free bar for your guests.

• A large outdoor area close to the bar to enjoy an evening drink outside on a warm Summer's night, with an area for a relaxed smoke!

• All catering options are available. Once you have booked with us, you can do as much or as little of the catering organisation as you like.

• The farm has its own farm butchers shop which supplies the finest award winning meats from the livestock
reared on the farm. You may choose to use your own caterers, and we can supply them with melt- in- your- mouth traditional meat cuts, specific to your requirements, to make your wedding breakfast extra special. Or you may prefer to leave it all to us. If you do, you can be certain we will use local produce, cooked to perfection.

• We can supply wine for the tables, or you can supply your own

• A large covered area is available right outside the venue to park and unload vans etc.

• Three Bed & Breakfast rooms available in the farmhouse for you or your guests (www.musselendfarm.co.uk), with a full English Breakfast with eggs, bacon & sausages from the on farm butchers shop.

• Overnight camping is available under the stars in the field right next to the venue (£5/tent). The farm butchers shop can supply the eggs, bacon & sausages to sizzle in the pan for anyone who wants to cook their own breakfast in the fresh morning air.

• If your guests prefer more creature comforts for their overnight stay, there is plenty of local on farm Bed and Breakfast nearby, as well as plenty of hotel accommodation

• Finally, may we offer a bit of advice to the father of the bride. Don't tell anyone what good value all this is!

Dance the night away as the sun sets over                    a perfect day at Mussel End Farm	The best dressed car park attendant                     grabs a well earned break
Our fully trained staff are always available to help with any problems

When you arrive at the venue after the service, why not enjoy a few quiet moments together, just the two of you, while your guests arrive? You can sip champagne on a bench set on the top of the bank high above the farm, with stunning views over the Malverns, Winchcombe, Gloucester Cathedral, Coopers Hill and Painswick – a perfect start to your lives together. (Please note that there are times when this isn't available, such as when crops are growing in the field)