One couple is considering this venue right now. Save your date
Did you like this supplier?
1 / 60
About
On Hitched.co.uk since 2022
Last update: December 2025
Nestled away in the beautiful outskirts of Alton, Hampshire, The Departure Lounge Café is a quaint and memorable venue for a countryside wedding celebration. With intriguing vintage décor and rustic elements, this unique setting is ideal for those with love for alternative styles. Close to enchanting churches and registry offices, this hidden café invites you to honour your union in a manner that best reflects you.
Facilities and Capacity
The Departure Lounge Café caters to a maximum capacity of 100 guests across its eclectic venue grounds. In this rural setting of sweeping fields. You can enjoy a marquee reception in a 40-foot-by-40-foot structure fit for 100 Adorned in linings and fairy lights, this blank canvas is awaiting your personal touch. There is also a designated area for a live band or disco. The café offers an intimate space filled with aged-wood features, quirky signage and a private bar: an inviting atmosphere for guests to dine and drink in comfort. An array of scenery provides all the backdrops needed for those memorable wedding photographs.
Services Offered
At The Departure Lounge Café, a team will be on-hand to assist you at every step of your booking. The staff are here to make your wedding a stress-free, enjoyable experience. The venue is fully licensed and also offers an afternoon tea option for an added touch of vintage. When it comes to the food, we can provide a wonderful range of catering options, including hog roasts and BBQ's.
Frequently asked questions
Venue type:
In the country
Unusual weddings
Marquees and tents
Woodland and festival
Outdoor license
Unique weddings
Ceremony options:
Fire ceremony
Civil ceremony licence
Religious ceremony license
Dining options:
Seated meal facilities
Private catering allowed
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering
Evening entertainment:
Marquee available
Dance floor
Entertainment licence
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities
Overnight accommodation:
Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests
Venue staff assistance:
Wedding coordinator
Venue leisure facilities:
Beautician
Other features:
Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Helipad
Confetti permitted
Changing room for wedding guests
Pet-friendly
Do you have any questions?
Reviews for Departure Lounge Cafe
Graham Sent on 12/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating
The perfect venue staff
The owner and staff couldn't possibly have been more accommodating to request or changes at last minute. Due to weather concerns, we changed our ceremony from outdoors to indoors with less than 24 hours notice and the venue made it happen without a single issue.
We used the venue for catering too, the food was high quality in great quantity.
We had nearly 100 guests, and for such a small team, it felt like their was an army working at the venue.
15* out of 10*, we had a perfect day!
We used the venue for catering too, the food was high quality in great quantity.
We had nearly 100 guests, and for such a small team, it felt like their was an army working at the venue.
15* out of 10*, we had a perfect day!
Regan Sent on 10/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Incredible perfect wedding day!
The Departure Lounge hosted our wedding in September 2025 - the wedding day was perfect. Simon and the team were more than happy to help with anything we needed. The planning of the wedding was almost totally stress free thanks to them. We had the most amazing day, the hog roast and evening buffet put on by the venue were perfect. We had so many compliments from our guests on the venue, and the pricing was so reasonable!! We were able to have the marquee/field space 3 days early to set up which took all the stress away, then the team even packed everything down for us after the wedding and tidied up! Thank you Simon and your wonderful team! Regan and Ed xxx
Cerri Sent on 02/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating
There are not enough words to describe how AMAZING Simon and his team!!!!
What an incredible day!!! We found the Departure Lounge over a year ahead of our wedding day, and Simon was amazing from day 1. He kept in contact with us throughout, and helped us with the planning of the day. Nothing was too much, and Simon and his team went above and beyond to make sure we had a smooth day. We had originally planned to have the ceremony outside, however due to the rain we decided on the day before that it would be best to have the ceremony inside the marquee. The professionalism of the team was impressive, and how they handled the change between the ceremony and reception was incredible. They were so quick, and made everything look perfect. The food was amazing, we had the afternoon tea and the hog roast in the evening. We just can't thank Simon and the team enough, it was such a fantastic and magical day and now The Departure Lounge has life long customers! Thank you again for making our wedding day as perfect as it was, we really appreciate everything you helped us with. Cerri & Graham
Georgia Sent on 13/08/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Fantastic venue
We got married at The Departure Lounge Cafe on Saturday and had an amazing day! The venue was perfect; outdoor ceremony in a great field, marquee we could decorate ourselves and the cafe as a bar/quiet area! The staff were so helpful and made the day flow exactly as we’d asked. Simon is fantastic and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Highly recommend…
Lizzie Sent on 09/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating
The perfect outdoor dream wedding!
From the moment that we chose this venue, Simon and his team helped us create the perfect outdoor wedding. The venue itself is absolutely stunning and this was helped by lovely weather on the day. Our guests were able to chose how they spent their time, either on the dance floor, by the bar, sat outside on the hay bales with fire pits or even playing rounders! The staff were so helpful throughout the day and the food was incredible! Being able to have the ceremony there was the icing on the cake for us. Everyone was able to be so relaxed led by Simon and his teams flexibility throughout the day. We could not have asked for a better day!
Mia T. Sent on 04/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Look no further! 10/10
From the moment we held our son’s christening here in 2022, I knew this is the place I’d get married. Simon and the team are the most accommodating, adaptable, friendly people and deserve a medal for putting up with us and our requests. No question went unanswered, no request was too much. Simon never ever left me waiting for a reply and encouraged us to visit the venue as often as we needed to set the scene. We had 3 whole days to set up (not that we needed it as Simon and the team were on hand to make everything look perfect before we arrived). He liaised with our suppliers and kept us updated constantly! He knew exactly what we wanted and exceeded all expectations! The following morning (with some sore heads) we arrived to undress the venue to find most of it had been done for us and our cards and gifts locked safely away. He even let my son have a ride on the lawn mower! My only regret from the day was not having our ceremony at the departure lounge as they make it look so beautiful! The highest recommendations go to Simon and the team at the departure lounge and we’re already looking for another excuse to throw a party here.
Lisa Sent on 09/10/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Amazing experience
All the team were able to meet our dreams of the perfect reception for us with professional, can do but caring attitudes that made all the difference.
We were able to bring our unique ideas and Simon and the team achieved them.
We had afternoon tea with amazing home made cakes, scones and sandwiches then in the evening BBQ for 100 that was again the best butchers quality meat, vegetarian options and delicious side dishes.
The value for money booking here is in the professional, kind team, beautiful setting, quality and the additional touches They all do!!
Chloe Sent on 02/09/2024
5 out of 5 rating
The wedding of our dreams
Wow. Where do I even begin? We got engaged 15 months ago and as soon as we viewed The Departure Lounge as a potential venue, we cancelled all other future venue viewings. From the moment we saw it, we just knew it was the one, and Simon was fantastic. Simon kept in regular contact, happy to answer any questions and amending the invoice as and when. We had exclusive access to the venue 3 days prior to decorate which was handy, and Simon and his team took all decorations down for us, so we didn’t need to stress about doing it! Our big day was yesterday, and it was honestly the most amazing, beautiful and smoothly run day. We have had so many compliments on the venue and food, which was absolutely delicious!!!!! I honestly cannot rave about this place enough, it was truly perfect, everything we ever imagined and SO much more. A massive thank you and shout out to Simon and his team, you are absolute angels and The Departure Lounge Cafe will always have a place in our hearts. 🤍
Rachel Sent on 25/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating
An amazing and accommodating wedding venue
We had our wedding at The Departure Lounge Cafe and it was the best decision we made! Simon was so accommodating to all our wishes and needs for the day, we were able to create the day we had hoped for! Being able to have the venue three days prior then if day was really ideal, we were able to decorate and take our time setting up our wedding the way we wanted, Simon and his team did do a lot to help too! Our guests have not stopped talking about how amazing our day was from the food to the location to the atmosphere. We also got the cutest handmade gift, which was placed at our table setting. Thank you Simon and your team for helping create the best day ever!
Kayleigh Sent on 16/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Amazing venue for an amazing day!
Absolutely stunning venue with the most amazing team making our special day flow without fault! Couldn't recommend more!
Dominique Sent on 26/06/2024
5 out of 5 rating
An absolute dream!
I can’t begin to explain how incredible the team at the departure lounge are! We met Simon and the team nearly a year ago when we found the DL online as a wedding venue. We knew as soon as we stepped foot there that it was the only place we wanted to get married. It was the best news for us when Simon got his licence for wedding ceremonies!
Everything leading up to the big day was so relaxed and easy to organise. Simon made the day so personalised to us, allowing us 3 days to decorate the marquee how we wanted, and giving us plenty of opportunities to meet to discuss any questions we had. They also packed everything away for us to pick up, making the day after the wedding so easy!
On the day and leading up to it, no favour was ever too big! The girls were so kind and accommodating and the whole team worked so hard to make sure the day ran smoothly. We opted for the hog roast which was so very tasty…many people commented on the high quality of food! I would not hesitate to recommend the DL as a wedding venue to anyone I know. We’ve had so many messages from our guests saying how beautiful the day was, and this is all thanks to the DL. On top of all that, Simon gifted us a beautiful personalised wooden house that the DL sell in the cafe. We loved our day and hope many others can have the best wedding experience like we did there.
We can’t wait to continue visiting for your amazing cakes and breakfasts!!
Harry and Dominique
Everything leading up to the big day was so relaxed and easy to organise. Simon made the day so personalised to us, allowing us 3 days to decorate the marquee how we wanted, and giving us plenty of opportunities to meet to discuss any questions we had. They also packed everything away for us to pick up, making the day after the wedding so easy!
On the day and leading up to it, no favour was ever too big! The girls were so kind and accommodating and the whole team worked so hard to make sure the day ran smoothly. We opted for the hog roast which was so very tasty…many people commented on the high quality of food! I would not hesitate to recommend the DL as a wedding venue to anyone I know. We’ve had so many messages from our guests saying how beautiful the day was, and this is all thanks to the DL. On top of all that, Simon gifted us a beautiful personalised wooden house that the DL sell in the cafe. We loved our day and hope many others can have the best wedding experience like we did there.
We can’t wait to continue visiting for your amazing cakes and breakfasts!!
Harry and Dominique
Rebecca Sent on 06/06/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Can’t fault it! Amazing!
We had our wedding celebration here and we could not have chosen a more perfect location. The staff were kind, happy and so helpful. Simon was easy to contact and made the whole experience really enjoyable. We will never forget our day here and cannot thank the team enough for their hospitality and the beautiful venue!
Sarah Sent on 20/01/2024
4.6 out of 5 rating
Wedding May 2023
We had our wedding reception at the departure lounge in May. From the first time we looked at the venue and met Simon, we were very excited about the opportunity to shape the venue exactly how we wanted and add lots of personal touches. Simon is cool calm and collected about any requests we could come up with, such as hanging a big hoop with disco balls off the pole of the marquee!
We had very wet weather but Simon took ownership of making sure everything still ran super smoothly between the cafe and the marquee for the hog roast, a roaming brass band, welcome drinks and everything in between. All ours friends and family said how lovely the food was and we were able to hire a food truck for the evening food.
If you want to put personal touches on your wedding day but still want to have a very accommodating venue manager, caterer and bar service we couldn't recommend enough! Thank you Simon and team!
We had very wet weather but Simon took ownership of making sure everything still ran super smoothly between the cafe and the marquee for the hog roast, a roaming brass band, welcome drinks and everything in between. All ours friends and family said how lovely the food was and we were able to hire a food truck for the evening food.
If you want to put personal touches on your wedding day but still want to have a very accommodating venue manager, caterer and bar service we couldn't recommend enough! Thank you Simon and team!
Samantha Sent on 06/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating
Had the best wedding, just disappointed its all over
From the initial viewing stage Simon was very relaxed and answered my many many questions that I kept firing at him, there was no rush to look and it had a very chilled atmosphere. When we confirmed he promptly sent us the invoice and we paid our deposit. We were allowed to go in a couple of days before the big day to set up the marquee how we wanted it and there were barely any limitations on what we could have. We had complete creative control which was nice. Fast forward to the day and it was beautiful the lawn looked lovely with our arch on and the hay bales. Once the ceremony was over the reception drinks were ready and Simon and his team discreetly took down our arch and moved the hay to around the fire pits. He checked in and you knew he was there if you needed him but he wasn't pushy or in your face. After lunch they quickly removed some tables and the Dj was moved in it was pretty seamless, the team they have there go out of there way to help when you need and always had a smile. At the end of the evening we didn't have to help tidy or take anything down it was all done and packed for us ready to collect Sunday morning when we went for breakfast. I cannot recommend them all enough.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to make your big decisions easier.
Badges
Did the reviews win you over?
Departure Lounge Cafe Real Weddings
Nicki & Jon
35 photos · 15/10/2022
Deals
Map
Basingstoke Road GU34 4BH Alton (Hampshire)
Would you like to schedule a visit?