I honestly wish I could leave a positive review because the planning process was handled well, and I was grateful for the help I received beforehand. Unfortunately, the actual wedding day and our guests’ stay at Manor of Grove were extremely disappointing.

There were far too many issues to list without writing an essay, but the biggest problem was the complete lack of professionalism, communication and support from the venue on the day.

The venue manager was unhelpful and, at times, extremely rude. He spent a lot of the time on his phone and refused to help with basic things such as moving extra chairs and tables that were left around the venue. We were repeatedly told that it was a “dry hire” and that we should ask the caterers, even when the items clearly belonged to the venue. Tables were left stacked in the corner of the room, which affected our wedding photos and videos, despite us asking for them to be moved.

There were also issues with the room manager, who left without speaking to us, our coordinator or the bride and groom. We were only told shortly before the ceremony that the usual room manager, Allison, would not be there.

The bar and kitchen were dirty and not in an acceptable condition. There was also a leak in the main room which meant we had to completely change our layout on the wedding day. Instead of the venue dealing with this properly, Jenan had to chase someone to actually seal the leak, which caused further delays and stress on an already very important day.

The accommodation was just as disappointing. Rooms 105 and 211 had no working bathroom lights. Reception was informed and said someone would come to fix the issue, but nobody did. Our guests therefore had to get ready and shower in the dark on the day of our wedding. I genuinely believe those guests should have been refunded for the room because this was completely unacceptable.

There was also a serious issue with a drink ordered by one of our guests. There appeared to be bits in the drink, and after asking for it to be re-poured, there was what appeared to be mould in the orange juice. This was raised with staff, but the response was extremely concerning. There was no proper apology or acknowledgement of how serious this was. When I tried to raise it again the following day, I was met with an incredibly dismissive attitude.

My parents were also given a key to a room that was already occupied, meaning they walked into someone else's room. This is an extremely serious security and privacy issue and should never happen in a hotel.

We also had guests struggling to get through to reception by phone. When we arrived to check in on the Thursday, there was actually nobody at reception and we had to knock on doors to find someone to help us.

Even during the civil ceremony, speakers that had been requested weren't ready and one of our guests had to chase this up.

What makes all of this even more disappointing is that there **were** members of staff who were genuinely helpful. Jordan was lovely and did his best to help with the microphone and sound, and the two cleaners and the gentleman working in the lobby were incredibly helpful throughout the day. They were friendly, proactive and actually tried to help us when we needed it. They deserve recognition because they were a stark contrast to some of the management and other staff we dealt with.

I put an enormous amount of time, effort and money into planning this wedding, and instead of being able to enjoy the day, I was constantly dealing with problems that should have been handled by the venue.

**Most disappointing of all is what happened afterwards.** I raised all of these concerns and explained exactly how badly the situation had affected me and my guests. Despite the seriousness of the complaints — including guests having to shower and get ready in the dark, a guest being served a drink containing what appeared to be mould, my parents being given access to an occupied room, the leak, the lack of support from management and the overall poor service — **nothing was done about it.**

There was no meaningful resolution, no proper accountability and no real attempt to make things right. After everything we experienced, I expected at the very least for our concerns to be taken seriously and properly addressed.

I am extremely disappointed and, quite honestly, embarrassed that my guests had to experience this after everything I had put into planning the wedding. Some things can’t be helped, but the sheer number of issues, the way they were handled and the lack of response afterwards is what makes this experience particularly frustrating.

I would strongly recommend anyone considering Manor of Grove for a wedding or event to think very carefully and ask exactly what support and management will actually be available on the day. For us, the experience fell far below what we expected, and the fact that our complaints were essentially ignored afterwards made it even worse.

Manor of Groves did an absolutely wonderful job hosting our wedding. I found all staff to be very attentive and helpful. It was a beautiful occassion and I cannot thank them enough for the part they played in our big day. A special mention to Vicki, Amelia and Matt, you were all brilliant and we are incredilbly grateful. Many Thanks, David & Annette x

The most beautiful venue made even better by the attentive staff all around

We got married at the weekend and it was perfect. Manor of Groves could not do enough for us in the lead up to the wedding which was really reassuring. On the actual day of the wedding all the staff were up early and helping to get the rooms ready, I didn't actually see any of this, but was told by a lot of guests and my husband that they were fantastic. Every detail was looked after, Charlotte and Stephen looked after us on the day and they were always there to make sure we were happy and our guests had everything they needed. It was simply a flawless and professionally run operation. I was really amazed. The rooms for us and the guests were beautiful and well looked after and the breakfast is outstanding! Please book this place for your wedding, it was the best decision we made.

My son, got married at The Manor of Groves last Saturday, 2nd February.

I would just like to express my sincere thanks to all of your staff, who helped to make it an extraordinarily special day.

I can't tell you what a perfect day it was and this was in large part because of the spectacular surroundings, the very comfortable rooms and the attentive and friendly staff the weather was wonderful too - which didn't hurt!!!.

I would have no hesitation in recommending The Manor of Groves to anyone contemplating a wedding, conference or any function.

From the moment we arrived to book our wedding to the second we left our wedding day was pure magic.

The staff were attentive yet discreet, the food magnificent and the, and the venue stunning. The stunning grounds, beautiful venue and stunning bridal suite created the perfect setting the best day of my life.

I could not have wished for anything more, thank you to everyone at the Manor of Groves for making this the most fantastic day of my life!