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Gastropubs can provide a more tailored approach to wedding planning according to Raab Dykstra-McCarthy, owner of number 75 on the list, the Blind Bull pub in Little Hucklow, Derbyshire.
Whatever couples need, gastropubs are versatile enough to accommodate “pretty much anything”, said Dykstra-McCarthy.
He added: “We can be pretty versatile, whether they're looking for a marquee outside in the beer garden or a special dinner that’s an eight-course tasting menu for a small wedding of 30 or 40 people, then that is something we could provide. It entirely depends on what they're looking for.”
The food offering at gastropubs was also a key point for general manager of the Three Hills pub in Bartlow, Cambridge (43 on the list), Emma Harrison.
Harrison explained traditional wedding venues can often feel too “weddingy” or impersonal with a bland food offering, whereas gastropubs can ensure “great food, a highly personalised service, and often better value”.
She added: “In most gastropubs the chef will be more than happy to tailor a menu to [couples] requests - and above all they should not be frightened of communicating their wishes and dreams to the event coordinator.
“At the Three Hills we work hard to make sure every bride has the wedding of her dreams, and no request is too complicated; where there is a will there is a way.”
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As well as offering high quality food and a more personable experience, gastropubs provide a sentimental place for couples to go back to or can even inspire their special day, according to owner and chef of The Loch and The Tyne (27 on the list) in Old Windsor, Berkshire, Adam Handling.
Handling also explained a lot of gastropubs offer rooms, making the day even more relaxed and offering a taste of “British luxury”.
Furthermore, while most businesses advise couples to give themselves a year to plan their wedding, Handling said as most pubs can be more flexible than traditional wedding venues, they could pull the event together much quicker if desired.
Additionally, with so many different and unique gastropubs across the country, from luxurious to quirky, countryside to city, couples can enjoy a “welcoming, upscale, and unpretentious environment”, according to Jesse Dunford Wood, chef at London-based site, Parlour.
Wood added: “Our pub holds a retro, old-school and distinctly vintage vibe.
“The kooky mismatched vintage ornaments give an intimate, fun feel. It is a sanctuary that lets you escape the hustle and bustle of London life, experiencing sumptuous British food, an impressive wine list and outstanding friendly service.”
Most wedding packages at the gastropubs featured varied and were individually tailored, but the cost to have your special day at one of these venues ranged between around £8,000 and £20,000 all in, depending on date and number of people etc.
Which, considering the average wedding was estimated to set couples back in excess of £17,000 in 2021, according to a survey of 2,000 people conducted earlier this year by Hitched.co.uk, is quite reasonable.
Harrison said: “The great thing about a gastropub wedding is couples can relax in the knowledge everything will be taken care of on the day. All they have to do is show up, remember their speeches, and relax!”
