The Grand Union, Westbourne Park

I had my wedding party for 85 people at the Grand Union last weekend and hired the whole pub, and I honestly could not recommend it highly enough. It was a fantastic day - the layout of the pub is perfect - the guests arrived by boat to the outdoor terrace, where we had meze style food, pates, empanadas and sangria. It was drizzling at this point, but with the huge heated umbrellas that can be set up to cover the whole terrace area, it didn't matter at all. The large top room was set out with big tables and had the perfect relaxed atmosphere, and the snug downstairs is ideal for dancing - I don't like a huge dance floor where you feel exposed, but this was just right. We left pub games on the tables outside after dinner, where people could chat, play cards or checkers etc and have a whiskey. The food was amazing, the pub designed a menu with us and we choose to have food brought to each table for people to share - someone had to don an apron to carve the meat, which was fun and a real hit with the guests. I'm vegetarian but my husband is a great meat eater, and everyone ate really well and praised the food. The staff were courteous, attentive but also fun - they made up the chalkboards in the pub for us, and designed a soft play area for the kids with sofas and a floor mat. The pub is also beautifully decorated inside with atmospheric lighting, which really set off the flowers and table decorations. It was a great day and that was all about the location - we're already planning a Christmas party!

25 Sep 2011 21:56