New Generation…
Foxfields Country Hotel has a new owner, but it has still retained the unique family focus that delivers everything you could wish for, writes Carol Wilson
Couples looking to start a new life together need look no further than Foxfields – a country hotel that is embarking on its own new beginning.
David Haigh has kept the Billington venue in the family by becoming sole director following the decision of his parents, Charles and Jean, to sell their share of the business and retire after almost a decade in the Ribble Valley.
But while there has been a change of ownership, the focus for customers and guests will remain on family, particularly when it comes to weddings.
Couples have everything they could wish for at Foxfields – and more.
The outdoor space at the hotel – not least the woodland – makes for some incredible wedding photographs along with stunning surrounding scenery. However, no matter how organised and efficient your wedding plans are, one thing you cannot book is the weather.
There is a solution to that problem in the offing, with David planning to install a retractable glass roof to create a join across two parts of the hotel, among other ideas to put his own subtle stamp on things.
Attention to detail is key at Foxfields, and the flexibility it offers sets this hotel apart from other wedding venues in the area.
Light floods into the romantic ceremony room and adjoining dining area, which have been specifically decorated with neutral tones and furniture to allow couples the freedom to explore any colour palette they desire.
The same approach applies to food and drink. From traditional to something that tantalises the tastebuds, nothing is beyond the realms of possibility, with David determined to deliver on each couples’ specific requests and requirements and bring that bespoke and personal touch.
“If a bride and groom come through the door and they want something completely off the wall, I will sort it out,” said David.
“There is nothing set in stone that you have to have your ceremony a certain way. Anything they want, it’s not an issue.
“And there is no set menu. The food is such an important part of any wedding day, so myself and the chef will make ourselves available to couples to discuss whatever it is they want.
“There is no typical wedding. There is a standard way that some couples go with a ceremony, followed by a wedding breakfast followed by a buffet in the evening. But if someone just wanted an absolute party, they can have a party. If they wanted fish and chips or they wanted burgers, have it, it’s not a problem. If they want street food, we can sort that out.
“The wedding is about the couple and what they want. They bring their ideas to me and we figure out how we can make it work.”
The contemporary Artisan restaurant and bar makes Foxfields the ideal venue to extend the celebrations to a two or three-night stay. Or more! With Clitheroe and Pendle Hill on the doorstep there is plenty to see and do before and beyond the big day, and the space and comfort on offer in the 44 en-suite rooms makes it a home from home, each with a luxurious separate bedroom and lounge area, which features a small dining table and chairs, sofas, a wall-mounted television and even a fireplace in the majority of rooms.
For the bride, of the hotel’s 28 suites the piece de resistance is one big enough to accommodate the bridal party, with extra single beds for a sleepover the night before the wedding, and enough space to get ready for the big day together and make it even more memorable.
While Foxfields Country Hotel is a dream wedding venue, business trips, coach parties, leisure stays, family and social occasions are all catered for here, with a health club and spa, indoor swimming pool, conference and banqueting rooms and the popular Artisan restaurant and bar, which features a private dining area that is perfect for starting wedding celebrations the night before, or celebrating other family occasions.
Family is at the heart of Foxfields. After all, it is a special place for the Haigh family themselves.
“My parents previously owned Sparth House in Clayton-le-Moors, but my dad actually helped to build Foxfields in 1970, so when it came up for sale it was like a sign. It was meant to be,” David explained.
“They’re enjoying their retirement now and I am looking to expand on what has already been achieved here and really enhance the wedding experience.
“It’s still a family run hotel, it’s just a new generation.”
Foxfields Country Hotel
Whalley Road, Billington, Clitheroe BB7 9HY
01254 822556
foxfieldshotel.com
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