The Cider Bar at Barns & Yard
Cocktails are on the menu for all our couples, and we’re extremely excited to be able to tell you about the launch of our latest project with The Watering Hole. After working with Ross and the team at The Watering Hole on several occasions, we were confident that our vision and passion for perfection were perfectly aligned – so it made sense to join forces and launch our in-house bar service!
Here at Barns & Yard, we continually strive to make the experience even better for our couples. Our custom-made, in-house bar sits perfectly in our Cider Barn and provides a top-notch bar service, which makes a fantastic addition to what we offer. An efficient and elegant bar service is crucial to the smooth running of any wedding day and with the expertise of the team at The Watering Hole, we have created a wonderfully functional bar, which blends perfectly with our aesthetics. Our couples now have the benefit of an experienced mixologist and trained bar staff, as well as a purpose-built bar and glass washing area for a seamless service.
Ross and his head mixologist, Jake, worked their cocktail magic to create our fabulous menu. The cocktails are delicious - they have been tried and tested! - and encapsulate our commitment to using fresh, sustainable, and local produce (the mint, basil and lavender comes from our herb garden). The unique mixes provide the wow factor for our guests, alongside personal favourites and timeless classics – allowing for plenty of ‘off menu’ choices too.
We are absolutely delighted to present our new bar to you, with thanks to Abul Shah from Gracious Photography for beautifully capturing the space.
Ross, Director, The Watering hole; ‘We designed the bar to blend perfectly with the rustic and contemporary features of the barns, maintaining the overall palate by incorporating raw oak and metal throughout.’
The Cider Barn is named after its original use as home to the huge stone cider press, removed long before the renovations began, it now sits beautifully in the grounds – filled with seasonal planting.
The Barn features a softly lit lath wall, which evolved during renovations – Lisi adds; ‘The wall was battened with oak laths, in preparation for rendering with lime plaster. It looked so beautiful as it was, we abandoned the idea of plastering over the laths and instead, carefully inserted lighting behind to illuminate the wall. The ancient tethering beam still stands in the middle of the room, complete with forged hooks, and the lighting was designed to utilise the central beam with its unique notches.’ The Cider Barn now offers comfortable seating for guests to relax, catch-up and rest aching feet during the day - Lisi adds; ‘We believe one of the vital ingredients to any great wedding is the provision of plenty of beautiful, relaxed areas for guests to linger in and enjoy.’
Rose gold features throughout the bar equipment to match the barn’s interior furnishings, including our fire extinguishers!
The bar is fully equipped to make the perfect cocktails at speed alongside a selection of wines, beer, cider, cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks. Packages can also be tailored to include a favourite ale on tap.
Lisi comments: ‘It was also important to us to have the right glassware - when you order your favourite drink, you expect it in a certain type of glass - you won’t find any plastic alternatives!’
Lisi continues: ‘We worked with The Watering Hole to create our three ‘Farm’ packages for our couples; The Perfect Pig, Tipsy Trotter and Lucky Swine are each tailored to suit a range of budgets and tastes. The bar is open all day for added flexibility and serves tea and coffee – in beautiful earthenware over-sized cups – which helps to reduce catering costs.’
Ross adds: ‘Our drink package comes with a wine list that couples can try at home or when attending tastings with your chosen caterer.
‘On the day we’ll be ready and waiting with drinks in the Courtyard, Lakeside or under the Stalls. Your choice of cocktails, prosecco, or bottled beers on ice can also be served from the restored, feeding troughs, which run the length of the Stalls, by our smartly dressed waiting staff – all with a friendly smile. Sparkling glassware will be presented on the tables and our expert team will be on hand to serve your chosen drinks throughout the day.’
Sustainability is very important to us and reducing wastage, recycling and a no plastic policy was a must. Our recycled black paper straws look fabulous with our cut glass, and we garnish with dehydrated fruit, rather than fresh fruit, which looks great and reduces waste. The herbs are cut straight from our veggie patch, and we’ll soon be adding homemade ingredients, such as infused syrups and unique garnishes… watch this space!
The Cider Bar has already played host to our first two weddings of the 2021 season and we can’t wait to show off our bar to more engaged couples. What’s your favourite tipple?