Bucks couples left upset at venue closure
The Dairy at Waddesdon Manor have cancelled bookings for 2021.
Couples across Buckinghamshire have had emotional mornings, after finding out their wedding venue has had to close.
The Dairy at Waddesdon Manor have cancelled all weddings for 2021, after the company running it had their lease terminated.
This bride-to-be told us she was shocked, as it's such a popular place:
"I mean I haven't really slept, all night.
"I feel a bit selfish to be upset about this because it's just a wedding and they can be postponed or re-booked, but our venue apparently won't be doing any weddings at all now, they have completely closed their doors."
Couples were told by email on Tuesday afternoon.
The bride told us it came as a shock, after being reassured at their last visit to the venue that coronavirus wasn't a concern for future bookings.
She added:
"We were under the impression that The Dairy was part of the Rothschild Foundation and we were assured that there were no concerns, because it was privately owned."
She told us they now plan to get married in a garden, because their dream venue isn't available anymore.
A spokesperson for Waddesdon Manor told us:
"Unfortunately like so much of the hospitality industry the repercussions of the ongoing pandemic have been extremely serious for our team and our business.
"It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that our trading company (Rothschild Waddesdon Ltd – RWL) has had to surrender its lease of The Dairy at Waddesdon as a result of the severe financial pressure and on-going uncertainty caused by Covid-19, and will no longer be able to host the events currently booked for 2021.
"We can only imagine how upsetting this news will be to brides and grooms and their families and friends, and would like to take this opportunity to offer our sincere apologies, but the circumstances have been beyond our control.
"We have offered all those with bookings support in finding a way to hold their wedding, offering exclusive use of the Five Arrows Hotel, Waddesdon facilitated by our wedding sales manager and honouring original menu choices. If that is unsuitable a refund of any deposits already paid.
"Yesterday, 22 September, we issued a detailed written communication via email to all of the affected weddings. The General Manager and the sales team are now contacting those with reservations to discuss this news in person. And once again, we apologise for what we know is unexpected and upsetting news."