‘Introducing’ is a new feature to my blog, I am really excited about it. I am going to be introducing you to some of the my favourite wedding suppliers and venues from across the north of the UK. These are all people and places that I have hand picked with you in mind, I know you will love them as much as I do. A massive thanks to each and everyone of them for taking the time to get to know me and being a part of this.

First up … I am thrilled to be introducing Healey Barn to you, a new wedding venue to Northumberland (just a stone throw from me) and one of the most beautiful I have come across to date. It is a gorgeous rustic barn nestled in the Tyne Valley countryside just beyond Corbridge. If you are currently looking for your wedding venue then you should certainly check this place out.

I will now pass you on to Leanne to tell you more about this gorgeous north east venue but I can tell you now, my pictures really don’t do it justice. It really is so lovely… 

How would you describe Healey Barn to a potential Bride and Groom ?

The venue is made up of a collection of traditional stone farm buildings surrounding a sheltered courtyard. The main building, the Long Barn, has a spectacular oak “raised cruck” roof, three giant candelabra, wall-mounted candle holders, a fairy-lit ceiling and, of course, a barn-sized stone fireplace. This creates an enchanting and romantic atmosphere, perfect for Civil Ceremonies or for the arrival point after a Church Wedding – and this later becomes the dance floor!

Joining the Long Barn is the Dining Room, the old cow byre, with another lovely oak roof, a glass wall looking into the Courtyard on one side, and windows to a fantastic Northumbrian view on the other. The Dining Room is spacious and luxurious for smaller numbers, but will accommodate higher numbers. At the end of the Dining Room is a copper-clad bar, which has a licence until 1am.

The Courtyard is sheltered by the buildings and is perfect for post-ceremony drinks on a mild day, and at night looks magical with fairy-lit trees, fire pits and lanterns. There are 3 giant oak planters with seats around them, 6 umbrella-topped trees, and various benches, cosy sun traps and planted troughs and borders. There is also a shelter with garden furniture; providing a covered outside area and a smokers’ refuge.

Completing the package is our inimitable menus. Our formula is “Buy the best, cook it simply, serve it generously”. We like to make our food dramatic as well as delicious, so there’s an 8-spit rotisserie visible through a glass screen from the Dining Room, and large mobile BBQ which can be moved in and out of sight as appropriate.

What is the best way for me to check for me to check that my date is available?

We have a live availability calendar on our website (www.crippshealey.com) – by hovering over the date you are looking at, you are able to see Barn Hire prices. If you then click on the date you will be taken to the catering quote section, where, in a few minutes, you can get a properly accurate idea of the price for your date, guest numbers, menu choices and drink choices through our online quote system.

Do you have public liability insurance?

Yes

How many people can you accommodate?

For civil ceremonies and the wedding breakfast the maximum number is 140. For the evening reception, we can accommodate up to 200.

What is included in the rental fee?

The venue hire price includes exclusive hire of the barn from 12.30pm on the day of the wedding until 1am the morning after. Included in the hire is tables, chairs, linen, cutlery, china, glassware, the use of an easel for your table plan, the use of a cake stand and knife and a PA system for background music during the day.

Do you have an in-house wedding co-coordinator/Is it included in the rental fee?

There is a Chef Manager and Front of House Manager who will assist in the planning and organizing of the day. On the day of your wedding, a member of the Front of House will act as the main contact and organise timings ensuring that your day runs smoothly.

 Can I hire my own vendors (caterer, coordinator, DJ, etc.), or must I select from a preferred vendor list?

Cripps Kitchen at Healey provides all food and drink at Healey Barn. As a member of Front of House will co-ordinate the day, we do not allow wedding planners. You are welcome to hire your own photographer, florist, cake maker, DJ and band etc.

Do you have an in house caterer?

Yes, Cripps Kitchen at Healey

Are there any decoration limitations? Can we use candles?

You can decorate with standing flower displays or trees but please note: no nails or screws in the walls – it damages the stone and mortar and there are hidden electrical cables; no nails or staples in the woodwork and no candles to be used in the decorations. We will provide all candles, including the candles in our 3 giant candelabras, candles in our wall mounted holders, tea lights on the tables and lanterns in the courtyard.

 Are there any noise restrictions?

No speakers are allowed outside the buildings. All amplified regulated entertainment can only take place within the Main Hall. Unamplified regulated entertainment can be used outside (but not exceed an LAeq (5 minute) of 28 dB at the boundary of the nearest noise sensitive premises), however this is restricted to the hours of 12.00 to 20.00, with no regulated entertainment, amplified or unamplified, taking place out with these times.

We provide our own PA system for light music with the volume controlled by our staff. Our PA system has a control measure, reaching a maximum noise level of 95 dB LAeq (5 minute).

In case of bad weather, is there a backup plan?

The Long barn (main hall) makes a beautiful space for your drinks reception in the case of bad weather

Is there ample parking? Will guests be charged for parking?

There is parking for around 80 cars without fee. Cars can be left overnight but Cripps Healey do not accept any responsibility for them. They must be collected by 10am the morning after the wedding.

Do you offer overnight accommodation?

We do not offer any accommodation but there are lots of options in the local vicinity.

Finally …. What is next for Healy Barn?

As a new venue, we are looking to build a reputation for providing a unique wedding venue, offering a relaxed and informal option to Brides and Grooms, with excellent food and drink.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my first ‘Introducing’ post, I hope you enjoyed getting to know Healey Barn and have fallen in love with it as much as I did.

Mel x

Film Lab: UK Film Lab