Widbrook Grange pizza-a relaxed wedding venue BA15
Widbrook Grange pizza
is a new concept for the country hotel on the edge of the Cotswolds in historic Bradford on Avon. While being a top venue for weddings, the catering side had been done by the main kitchen so in order to offer something a bit different, they approached us in May 2023 to build a simple outdoor kitchen area with a Four Grand-Mere F950 wood fired pizza oven and prep surfaces so they could offer a more relaxed style of dining.
“Just five minutes outside Bradford on Avon’s town centre, Widbrook Grange is in the perfect location to explore the local area, yet secluded enough for a relaxed and peaceful night’s slumber. Bradford on Avon is a magical little town on the River Avon, packed full of historic sights, traditional markets and independent boutiques. Whatever your interests, it’s sure to have something to satisfy your curiosity.” so says Widbrook Grange’s website and visiting the hotel is like walking back in time, approached by an unassuming track through fields to arrive at a Georgian farmhouse set in 11 acres of grounds.
We met up with the Wedding and Events manager Claire Morris to explore the possibilities and siting for the new cooking area and having surveyed the grounds, an area near the conservatory that had been recently paved was identified as the most convenient area to develop. Once the pricing and overall design had been agreed, we set to work to install the base units in July using a simple block and render that could be left as is or painted at a later date. The build went smoothly over the following week or two with fine sunny weather forecast for the duration with just a few days of rain here and there.
Once all the base units were built, our friends at P M Bines came out to template for the granite worktops as their workshop and factory are just a few miles away at Broughton Gifford. In order to get the granite delivered and the oven conditioned before the first planned wedding booked for September, a slightly unusual granite was ordered, one that came in at a reduced price and was in stock ready for production. The granite was ordered in the first week of August and was delivered and fitted two weeks later so the whole project was signed off in the third week ready for action. Widbrook Grange pizza is quite a thing as it is the only truly wood fired pizza offering in the town as other pizzerias have electric deck ovens.
Offering pizza as part of a more relaxed dining experience lets wedding guests enjoy themselves and makes it easier to move and circulate around without feeling stuck in a formal seating plan. Grab a slice of pizza and a beer and dance or sit around and chat as the mood takes, it keeps costs down on what has traditionally been the most expensive day of any couples life! I’m sure the new Widbrook Grange pizza oven will prove to be a hit especially in the summer months where people don’t want to be stuck indoors when its a nice balmy evening outside.
“Escape to the Farmhouse for a uniquely intimate “I do” experience, tailored just for the two of you or a select group of loved ones. Imagine whisking away in vintage convertibles for a scenic road trip through the Cotswolds, celebrating your love with a rustic flair. Envision a cozy private supper, your closest friends and family gathered around as you exchange vows by candlelight. Or, if you prefer the timeless charm of a traditional wedding, we can craft that experience on a more personal, micro scale. With us, scaling down doesn’t mean scaling back on the magic of your day.” Widbrook Grange website
Widbrook Grange pizza is a new concept for the country hotel on the edge of the Cotswolds in historic Bradford on Avon. While being a top venue for weddings, the catering side had been done by the main kitchen so in order to offer something a bit different, they approached us in May 2023 to […]