My partner and I had booked a wedding package with this outfit for July 2020. Despite frequent changes in coordinator (they currently dont have one at all) and very little in the way of communication we thought all was looking ok as the time approached (We initially started the booking in 2018)
When the lockdown began we realised we had backed the wrong horse. All efforts to reach them failed up until 2 months before the wedding when we managed to get in touch to be offered an alternative date. we stupidly agreed to move the wedding to the next year but had an uneasy feeling regarding the continued lack of communication or engagement from the coordinator regarding decoration, seating plans etc. Attempts to contact were fobbed of with claims that the person we wanted to speak to wasn't there or had left the business (seemingly a common occurrence for sporting lodge employees)
As the 30 people restrictions showed no sign of being lifted we enquired about costing up a smaller event, we were told that this would be fine and to expect a price the next week......2 weeks later I ask again, again, by the middle of next week you'll have the price.
My partner is a Nurse and I work in public transport so we have little time to be running after people to persuade them to let us spend money with them. So I asked to cancel in order to book a place that is actually geared up and has the staff to host wedding receptions.
This is where things got nasty. Despite guidelines from the government saying that weddings which are cancelled due to the coronavirus should be given a full refund of any advance payments, and even without the virus the government guidelines say there should be no retaining of deposits that dosent reflect actual costs incurred by the cancellation, we were told repeatedly that the overseas owners of this establishment refuse to adhere to this and will retain the substantial deposit. Attempts to ask how 2 meetings with 2 different wedding coordinators could possibly cost £600 were met with a week long silence followed by rude and dismissive conduct by the general manager (Dean Long).
So, to sum up, this venue is incredibly insensitive and would gladly screw over key workers for their own financial gain during a global pandemic. I genuinely hope no one else books with these unscrupulous characters and can only pray for the poor couples who'll have their money stolen if they need to cancel with the new 15 people limit in place.
May I add that every other supplier from Cars to photographers...even the kids entertainment have been nothing but helpful and understanding.Show less read more