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
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!”
Devon
Wedding and Event Coordinator
Devon’s Top Wedding Tip: “Always have an emergency kit on hand during the morning of your wedding with things like safety pins and extra buttons.”
Our guests say: “You played a personal big part in why we chose The Orchard as our wedding venue.”
Jessi
Wedding and Accounts Administrator
Jessi’s Top Wedding Tip: “Be sure to dance and have fun in the evening reception.”
Our guests say: “From initial enquiry all the way to the day itself everything was relaxed and stress free.”
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.”
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.”
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
