Venue of the Month – The Frenchgate

Posted on 07. Oct, 2009 by Teri Powell in Venues

We’ve selected the our favourite venue from the magazine this month, and also caught up with the winners owner, David Todd to find out more about The Frenchgate Hotel, Richmond.

The hotel is magnificent, what inspired you to go into the hospitality trade?

The hotel today retains much of its original Georgian elegance, albeit blended beautifully with the stylish features and modern services demanded by the discerning traveller. I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the ultimate in design and style during my 25 years of travelling the world in the medical business. My inspiration comes from experiences, good and bad, as a customer-NOT as a hotelier or restaurateur.

Being from Pontefract, why did you choose Richmond as the location for your venue?

Although from Yorkshire I had never actually visited Richmond, but after doing so I immediately fell for it’s charming character – we just needed each other! It really is a very special town.

The Mousey Thompson Bridal Suite is truly remarkable – tell us about that bed!

I loathe “tired old four poster beds” and the “chintzy” bedrooms in which they too often reside. Dating from 1650, the first floor “Mousey Thompson Lounge” with its original Robert Thompson working fireplace was an obvious choice in which to create a stunning Bridal Suite – but I needed a statement bed!
The Internet proved fruitless so I designed my own, starting with a huge oak branch recovered from a salvage yard.  I then sourced a local renowned wood carver Steven Wass and the huge job began. Months of sweat and toil ensued and eventually one of the largest 1.5 ton Leviathan Four Poster Beds ever built was delivered and assembled in the Mousey Thompson Bridal Suite. Boasting a 15” memory foam mattress and huge duvet we had our statement bed!
This stunning bed was then “married” with a myriad of original oak antiques and designer fabrics and furnishings.
To complete a remarkable transformation we installed a luxurious en-suite, Turkish limestone walls, a Grohe remote control rain shower, spa bath with kinetic lighting and our vision was complete – old world charm with modern contemporary comforts.

What sets you apart as a wedding venue?

Our philosophy is simple – we go the extra mile. We sit and discuss every aspect to ensure perfection – on every level. We do not do big (just yet) but we do small and quality really well!

As a former beautiful three storey Georgian Gentleman’s residence, dating from 1750 (we have the wax sealed deeds going back to 1750!) we can now offer the splendour and luxury of a wealthy private residence to those looking for an exclusive venue to relax, enjoy and celebrate their special event.
No two weddings are the same – we just don’t do “wedding packages”. Do you really want the same as someone else, or do you want something truly unique and special to you?

What further plans, if any, are on the horizon for The Frenchgate Restaurant and Hotel?

Phase One was to put The Frenchgate on the map for food; we have held a coveted AA Rosette for   five years.
Phase Two was the room refurbishment, resulting in the creation of nine individual and stunning guest rooms and suites so achieving our Third Star.
Phase Three will be the creation of a new restaurant opening into the private rear gardens with an additional 30+ heated and lit outdoor covers, all connected through a covered walkway to the lawns, marquee and band stand.
A new central Champagne and Cocktail bar will ensure no one goes thirsty and an additional three guest rooms will mean more can stay and enjoy the hospitality of
The Frenchgate.

The Frenchgate is a must visit from Belle Bridal

More information and images over at: www.thefrenchgate.co.uk

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