The Black Horse Hotel, Northfield

The pub itself –

From the outside this is a very grand building. It is also has very spacious rooms/areas and has intriguing decor inside – as do many Wetherspoons, the outside is nice and spacious too. The staff are just “OK” with the odd one being polite and helpful – we thought this may be different for the purpose of party organising but I’m afraid that’s not so.

It does tend to have a bit of a “riff raff” clientele base (some might say) but that’s what we’re used to ourselves so by no means puts us off, but it might some.

As a party venue –

Having stumbled across the upstairs area a few years back (which is reserved for private functions) when we first visited the pub, we knew we’d hold a party here one day. And that was this weekend just gone, for our Engagement. And we are so glad we did; if you can handle staff being a little impolite it is so worth it – I guess you have to remember that it is a pub and not a hotel/party venue.

Value for money = top notch, you even get the DJ thrown in!!!

Space = you get the whole of the top floor which has a small entry room, the main room for the party which is very large, and a smaller conference-type room used for the food/buffet. It has its own well=kept toilets. Outside for smokers is downstairs in the main garden. There are big window sills to decorate with vases, fish bowls, candles etc – as long as the flame is contained you are allowed candles.

Buffet = we found it too pricey so we catered ourselves for a fraction of the cost – which they happily let you do providing you clear away your own food waste. There are no kitchen facilities but lots of space for a variety of smaller cold foods.

Bar = Standard Spoons prices which of course goes down well with guests, with 2 members of very efficient staff so there was never a long wait (we had around 70 – 80 guests)

Time = you have the room from the morning of that day to decorate/take food, until 1am of the evening. DJ starts at 8pm.

Atmosphere = Well this is all down to the guests, but the type of room is very cosy

Staff = as mentioned, a little rude at times in the planning process but it’s a pub and not a dedicated party venue. One lady was very hekpful however in getting over our playlist to the DJ they provided (and the DJ was great (and friendly!) too!!)

Belongings = they will put your belongings into a room for you to collect the next day providing you either put them there or give them a list.

All in all – fab!!! Would definitely recommend a party here and will be likely to do one again in the future!

Tip!!!!!! – Get the lights turned off after the buffet as it really sets the tone for the dancefloor (ours was announced at 9pm and the lights when off at 10pm)

17 Feb 2014 12:38