Our 14th century farmhouse makes a wonderful venue for any event, but we know that beautiful surroundings are only part of the story.
To create truly unforgettable occasions, you need a dedicated and experienced team, and we’re lucky enough to have just that.
Our team will take care of every detail for you, from planning your event to ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day.
Our family
Tanith
Wedding & Event Manager
Tanith’s top wedding tip: “Have something that you can keep after the day to display at home, like an alternative guest book, table plan or welcome sign.”
Our guests say: “A special thank you to Tanith, you’ve been amazing throughout.”
Callum
Head Chef
Callum’s top wedding tip: “Stay as calm as possible, it’ll all work out fine.”
Our guests say: “Callum you were amazing, food was great.”
Callum S
Front of House Manager
Callum’s top wedding tip: “Remember that you are the guest of honour, not the host.”
Our guests say: “The staff who set up in the morning are all super pleasant and even made sure some last minute table changes were sorted without a fuss.”
Katie
Wedding & Event Coordinator
Katie’s top wedding tip: “Take some time alone.”
Our guests say: “Katie our wedding coordinator was amazing and so lovely.”
Amy
Wedding Administrator
Amy’s top wedding tip: “Chose a favourite song that everyone knows, dance and sing along together before walking down the aisle.”
Our guests say: “Every single person went above and beyond!”
Amelia
Sous Chef
Amelia’s top wedding tip: “Be as calm as possible.”
Our guests say: “The food was to die for, absolutely perfect in every way.”
Charlie
Kitchen and Event Staff
Charlie’s top wedding tip: “Honesty, trust, and communication!”
Our guests say: “Charlie – what can I say – you are an absolute star.”
Sam
Event Supervisor
Sam’s top wedding tip: “Take a moment alone just the two of you together, your wedding day goes by so quickly.”
Our guests say: “On the day everything ran smoothly and the whole team went above and beyond.”
Nicky
Housekeeper
Nicky’s top wedding tip: “Breathe and have a shot of something strong for your nerves.”
Our guests say: “Lovely. Clean, welcoming … staff were polite and efficient.”
On the spot blog
How to make the most of the weather
We have the perfect tips to ensure you enjoy your day no matter the weather.
Jodie & Kieron
Tanith & the Orchard team are simply unbeaten at what they do. They made planning our wedding so easy from the first day we visited until the moment we left at the end of our wedding.
Our historic home
The Orchard is a grade II listed, 14th century farmhouse, which has been tastefully extended over the years to become a wonderful venue for weddings and events.
While now located in the modern parish of Downswood, The Orchard was originally part of Otham parish.
Constructed in the 14th century, it started life known as Otham Grove or Otham Lodge, a farmhouse serving the nearby orchards. Many of the original features remain, including the stunning Viking oak roof beams.
As well as providing shelter for the orchard farmers, our elegant lower Oak Rooms started life as housing for farm animals!
Over the 16th, 17th and 19th centuries, significant alterations were made to the building, creating the traditional Wealden look it has today.
In the 20th century it was converted to a pub, The Orchard Spot (“Spot” being a reference to our location on Spot Lane).
We bought The Orchard in 2010 and developed it into the beautiful venue you see today. We’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do.
It was the most amazing day of our lives and I cannot express how magnificent the venue and its staff were. It was perfect.
Meera & Ian
