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The Orangery at The Old Hall Ely opening press release

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The Old Hall Ely Extends Jacobean Country Hotel and Events Venue with the addition of Orangery Restaurant and Event Space

11 May 2022

  • Local business The Old Hall Ely has recently completed building work on its Orangery
  • The work is part of a series of improvements to The Old Hall, offering couples an alternative location to say their vows and increasing capacity for afternoon tea, Sunday lunches and evening meals, alongside the ability to host as an out of office corporate workspace
  • The completion of the Orangery will create local jobs and increase tourism to the area

This Wednesday, The Old Hall Ely (Cambridgeshire) held an opening event at their newly constructed Orangery, an expansion of their Jacobean house, which offers an exclusive wedding and events venue, hotel and fine dining restaurant.

The Orangery, for which plans were approved in March 2020, blends seamlessly with the beauty of the existing building, being predominantly made of glass framed by English oak. Whilst the build has taken slightly longer than anticipated, due mainly to the Covid 19 pandemic, it has very much been worth the wait, as explained by Alison Morbey, Owner and project leader at The Old Hall;

‘We’re so excited that our Orangery is now completed, with it we’ve made a selection of other improvements, including extending our downstairs cloakrooms and creating a new, disability access path from the front of the house to our terraces and pavilion area.

We hope that the addition of the Orangery will give our wedding couples extra choices about where to say their vows, as well as providing an alternative event space for parties and celebrations. Every part of the house is special in its own way, but unobstructed Cathedral views really do give our Orangery something unique. We’re also excited to use the space to expand our availability for Sunday lunches and afternoon teas.

Alongside this, we’re very aware that many offices have closed their doors in favour of home-working since the pandemic and the Orangery will give us an opportunity for us to offer an exclusive, alternative corporate space for use by businesses.

This extra availability and opportunity to further diversify has allowed us to increase our staff, creating additional jobs, further supporting our community.’

Every part of the Orangery has been designed exquisitely by Alison herself, it boasts fabric lined walls to enhance the acoustics, with a bespoke handcrafted oak lead chandelier and the sofas have been designed to accommodate privacy and comfort. Alongside all of the wonderful features, the most spectacular feature of the space remains the floor to ceiling windows, framing the unobstructed countryside and Cathedral views.

Since the pandemic, The Old Hall have increased their offering to include reservation only evening dinners, afternoon teas, Sunday lunches and breakfasts to both guests and non-residents. They hope the addition of the Orangery will increase the availability of these, giving more choice locally and boosting visitors to the area. Billy Balaam, Head Chef adds;

‘We’re delighted to be opening the new Orangery. The floor to ceiling glass gives an impressive view of the Cathedral and we’re excited to offer a menu to match. We’ll feature heritage favourites, modern takes and a constantly changing selection of dishes. British staples such as guinea fowl or spring lamb will star alongside enhanced traditional sides like our liquorice baked leeks.

Our breakfasts are a great start to any day with a fresh buffet available alongside our cooked to order menu. Afternoon teas here are always delicious, our cakes and sweet treats are all made in house. Our carrot cake is a show stopper, it’s made from a traditional family recipe is second to none. We keep our afternoon teas fresh and seasonal to give our guests variety. We hope to welcome you soon.’

All dining at the old hall is exclusively reservation only and guests are encouraged to enjoy the house and grounds on their visit. Please check the ‘what’s on’ section of the website for dining availability www.theoldhallely.co.uk.

ENDS

The Morbey family have owned The Old Hall since the 1830’s with each generation adding their own unique character to the property. Alison Morbey, the current generation, diversified The Old Hall in 2010, to offer couples and their guests’ luxury accommodation and varied dining options. Alongside this, the Old Hall is an ‘Exclusive Use’ amazing venue that can be booked in its entirety for weddings, Christmas celebrations and private dinner parties. For more information please visit www.theoldhallely.co.uk.

For further information and photography please contact:

Lucy Jex

Via email – Marketing@theoldhallely.co.uk

Via phone – 01353 663275

Our improvements are almost complete!

Artists impression of the completed Orangery

As a business we’ve been so fortunate, despite the closures and issues that Covid bought for our industry, we have come out of the other side in a better place than we were in before. This means we’re embarking on lots of wonderful new projects throughout the house and grounds! The biggest project underway at the moment is our stunning Orangery. This really is set to be a showstopper with floor to ceiling oak framed glass, luxury fabric walls and views that are simply breath-taking we cannot wait for its completion.

This week saw the floor completed and the handmade oak leaf chandelier take its place in the centre of the room. The orangery will be an additional indoor ceremony option for our couples, as well as expanding the drinks reception area for our winter weddings. During the week and whilst we aren’t hosting exclusive events, the Orangery will be Ely’s unique fine dining option, with Cathedral views set in our impressive house and grounds.

Keep an eye on the website for the big reveal and follow our Facebook group @TheOrangeryEly to keep up to date with developments. We have already been inundated with enquiries for private smaller events to be held in there which is fantastic, we can’t wait to welcome everyone. The views are amazing so we hope you will come and see for yourself.

The downstairs loos are also progressing well, these are the loos off our house bar and they’re due to be completed at the same time as the Orangery. The flooring has gone down in here also and they’re looking impressive.

The accessible path, including our new Harry Hare seat is now complete. This path gives access from the Cathedral Terrace to the lower Pavilion lawn. It’s the perfect spot for some unique wedding day photos. Our Marquee bar is also almost complete. As well as looking very on trend we are also able to fit more pumps, including Guinness alongside all of our existing favourites! The finishing touch, an antique brass bar top, will be installed by the end of April.

The driveway has been refreshed with sone mew tarmac and the resin topper is also being applied, around the house which provides a sand coloured stone finish and looks incredible. With many of our couples wishing to get photos to the front of the house on their wedding day, this new topper will be so much nicer aesthetically without the difficulties gravel can pose to our ladies lovely heels on the day.

We’re also delighted that spring brings the opportunity to spruce up the grounds. We’ve recently planted some beautiful pink blossomed magnolia trees above the new oak archway. These really are beautiful and one of many new spring blooms we’re adding in. Our groundkeepers, Ben and Adrian are always looking to improve the grounds to suit each season perfectly and are always coming up with great new ideas.

Overall we’re delighted with the progress on all of our projects and we hope you’ll come and visit to see them all soon.

Alfresco ceremonies are back!

The return of outdoor ceremonies at The Old Hall is a welcome sight! Greenery and sunshine highlight the Cathedral on the horizon over the fields and guests fill our topiary courtyard with laughter. For many of our couples, getting married outdoors and feeling connected to nature is really important, especially when our outdoor option, the Garden Pavilion, is so incredible and sure to frame the moment perfectly!

Outdoor weddings here come with an array of benefits, from being able to capture the perfect confetti shots and bouquet throw to garden games and outdoor drinks receptions, all are welcome sights after the winter chill lifts. With 10 acres of manicured lawns it’s great to see our guests making the most of all the spaces we have. Couples are always happy to see children playing games in the garden whilst they head off around the grounds to capture the perfect sun drenched photographs whilst guests often like to enjoy our Topiary gardens, just off the house bar, during drinks receptions with beautiful landscaping and water fountains. 

One of the key considerations if you’re planning for an outdoor ceremony is attire. Layers are recommended for both couples and guests alike, there’s nothing worse than having the opportunity to enjoy your day outside but the weather feeling cooler than it looks. We recommend you make your guests aware of your plans ahead of the event so they can plan accordingly. Also in the warmer months if you’re looking to spend more time outside think sun cream, especially for children, and keep topped up with water as well as celebratory drinks! Couples planning for peak summer dates might like to consider packing a little extra factor 50 to avoid looking a little bit pink in their photographs, after all, it does contrast a little with a white dress!

Not everyone wants to get married alfresco, which is absolutely fine too! This removes so many uncontrollable variables like temperature and weather and with our orangery, you’ll feel like you’re outdoors anyway. With the months in early spring or late summer often being that little bit cooler it’s always an option to get married inside but to have the doors open to move easily between indoors and outdoors during the remainder of the celebration.

It’s also important to remember that the decision on indoor or outdoor ceremony is ultimately that of the registrar, so please don’t be disappointed if the forecast isn’t in your favour. Always plan for an indoor ceremony and count it as an added bonus if you are lucky enough to enjoy saying your vows in the fresh air!

Saying ‘I do’ this spring?

The Old Hall

March means one thing for us here at The Old Hall, it’s the start of spring and we’re excited to see this seasons couples embrace all that it has to offer! From pastel pallets to seasonal flowers and budding blooms. Spring brings with it longer days, warmer weather and glorious sunsets and we love watching all of our couples fully embrace it all.

Weather in spring can still be somewhat unpredictable, so we advise all of our couples to plan for the worst but embrace the best. If wet weather (which is lucky on your wedding day apparently) comes along, it’s really easy to make the most of all the spaces here, with loads of options to adorn the venue with flowers bringing the outside in, or enjoy roaring fires if the weather requires. Our Main Hall is a stunning mixture of oak beams and warm colours and always looks at its best with the spring sunshine creeping through the wide windows at the front.

One of the best features of The Old Hall is its ability to be beautiful regardless of the weather, with cosy nooks and open spaces giving loads of opportunities for great photos, all framed by mullioned windows or oak beams. Rain or sunshine venturing out for photos is a must, so grab that umbrella and make the most of all the spaces, colours and spring sunshine. The beautiful exterior colours of the Old Hall are always highlighted by a spot of rain.

Spring brings with it the opportunity for outdoor ceremonies to recommence, if you’re lucky enough to get a clear sky and say your vows in our pavilion, you’ll have the benefit of fresh green colours adorned with snowdrops and daffodils. The warmer days mean many of our couples opt for garden games to entertain their guests (if the forecast doesn’t hold out we can usually bring these inside, space permitting) making the most of every space available.

One of the ways our couples opt to put that spring stamp on their wedding is tailoring their reception drinks to suit their theme, from fresh G&T’s to floral cocktails it’s always something to get guests talking. Our bar team are always happy to work together with our couples to make something special.

Our marquee is an amazingly versatile area, and watching each couple turn their blank canvas into a unique space all of their own is always interesting to us. Tall centrepieces with floral displays or candlelit foliage are always springtime favourites, taking the place of the dried flowers of autumn. With night’s drawing out our couples and their guests can enjoy their drinks on the terrace and enjoy the cathedral views that little while longer before returning inside to dance the night away.

If you’re planning a spring wedding or would like some more information, call our team on 01353 663275.

Make time for Mum

Mums are amazing. Mrs Morbey will tell you that! 

However they come, be it your Mother, Granny or any other mother figure in your life, if you’re looking for something special to treat them we’ve got a selection of Afternoon Tea dates to help her rest and recharge and give you a little bit of exclusive time together. 

If you’re looking for something a little bit different we’re also offering a floristry workshop on Saturday 2nd April with Carrie from Rose and Thorns, including prosecco and canapes. 

We’ve teamed up with Carrie from Rose and Thorns to offer a beautiful floristry workshop. Rather than just sending flowers this year, take time to make your own hand-tied bouquet together. The workshop is suitable for beginners, or those who already have some experience and Carrie will support you throughout the two hour session, creating your own bouquet which you will then take away with you at the end. You’ll also get prosecco and canapes to enjoy. 

  • Saturday 2nd April at 3pm
  • £60pp, including workshop and half bottle of prosecco and canapes

Looking to make it extra special? Why not add on afternoon tea or evening dinner? Call 01353 663275 to make your reservations. 

Whilst spaces are sold individually we recommend booking in twos or groups. Spaces are limited so we advise booking early. Please book your spaces online via our online shop or call 01353 663275 to make your reservation. Soft drink alternative available, please advise of any dietary requirements on booking.

The Old Hall

Our afternoon teas are all handmade in house, starring our delicious Morbey family recipe carrot cake, macarons, sweet treats and sandwich selection, all topped off with a fresh scone, clotted cream and jam. We can cater for dietary requirements but, as everything is made fresh, the more notice you can give us, the better!

One of the best parts of an Old Hall afternoon tea (apart from the taste!) is the use of the house. After tea, you may wish to enjoy a walk around the grounds, with picturesque lakes and cathedral views, or simply take rest in front of our roaring fires. We’re reservation only so we’re never crowded and we don’t rush you, meaning you have the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together.

Our afternoon teas are priced at £32.50pp or £38pp with a glass of prosecco. We are currently offering afternoon tea on the below dates:

  • Thursday 24th March
  • Wednesday 30th March
  • Saturday 2nd April
  • Wednesday 20th April

Don’t worry if you aren’t able to make it on the dates available, we also offer gift vouchers for you to enjoy together in the future. 

Did someone say fourth smallest city?

The Old Hall

Small in size but not character…

Despite its accolade as the UK’s 4th smallest city Ely is not short of activities, offering a variety suitable for every age, weather and lifestyle and we’re perfectly placed for you to enjoy them all! Ely is just 80 miles from London (or just over an hour on the train) making it a perfect escape for those looking to experience the quaint country lifestyle for a truly unique and relaxing break.

The star attraction in Ely is of course the amazing Cathedral – which you’ll be able to see from The Old Hall clearly over the unobstructed countryside views. The Cathedral boasts many impressive features, including the unique Octagon tower and Lady Chapel. You’ll find references to the cathedral subtly throughout the house here, including our pavilion (where our couples can choose to say their I-do’s) which mirrors the octagons amazing shape and of course our Octagon bedroom.

Oliver Cromwell’s house is located on St Mary’s street and also hosts the tourist information centre, Visit Ely where you can find out about all of the current attractions and events happening during your stay. You’ll also be able to tour the 17th century house once occupied by the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland after the defeat of King Charles I.

If history is your thing you can head over to the newly refurbished Ely museum, situated in the historic Bishops Gaol, tells the story of the Fens and the people who live here. From the warm Jurassic seas that once covered this region to the rich farmland we see today. We’re also very lucky to have some amazing antiques shops, one by the waterside and one up on St Mary’s street, so you’ll be able to take home your own little piece of history.

Art lovers will also find plenty to do, The Ely Stained glass museum is a hidden treasure within Ely Cathedral. An independent museum, uniquely dedicated to the art of stained glass. Whilst the Babylon gallery located in the former brewery warehouse on Ely’s Waterside. It’s a contemporary art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions throughout the year.

Shopping in Ely is delightful, with a selection of boutique, independent shops and craft stores down little alleys and dotted throughout the city’s streets. You’ll also find a few bigger brands off the market square and if you’re staying on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday the market is certainly not to be missed. From the farmers market to the traditional Saturday market there’s always a treasure to find.  Cambridge is around 25minutes on the train or half an hour drive and Newmarket around 25minutes drive where you can find everything you’d possibly need.

With this amount of countryside you’re sure to want to take a walk or two and get some fresh fenland air. You don’t need to look further than our grounds to find plenty of opportunities to get your boots dirty, you’ll love walking around our picturesque lakes and enjoying the cathedral and countryside views. Alongside many other fantastic walks, the National Trust site at Wicken Fen, around 10minutes drive away, offers boardwalks, windmills and a variety of wildlife and nature hides to appreciate all the species that have their habitat there.

Another option for those looking for something a little different is a boat trip down the Great Ouse on the Liberty Belle which is operating from the first weekend in March until the end of October. It’s the perfect way to see the city from a different perspective. Whilst you’re down there make the most of Ely’s waterfront. You can enjoy afternoon tea at Peacocks tearooms, stroll along to pocket park or enjoy a drink at one of the lovely bars.

This is just a short summary of our local attractions, if you’d like to find out more or have your heart set on something specific don’t hesitate to talk to our friendly team who can help you with your plans and make your stay one to remember.

About the Old Hall Ely
Ely Cathedral
Stained Glass Museum
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Views of Ely Cathedral
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Around and about Ely
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