One of the proudest moments of any man’s life is to walk his daughter down the aisle
to marry the man she loves.
So it was on the day of my daughter’s wedding and of course, the venue had to be just right.
It took a lot of searching for, but the happy couple found one of the best, even if it made my wallet creak!
Originally built for a local textile mill owner in 1871, Woodlands is a handsome, stone built, former family home is situated in beautiful woodland, as the name suggests, and has landscaped and lawned grounds.
Only four miles from Leeds City Centre, it is a peaceful oasis which overlooks green fields down to the distant cityscape.
Now wonderfully restored by private owners, it is a superb, boutique country house hotel which is garnering much praise.
It has twenty three individually designed, en-suite bedrooms, each one different in it’s own right, spacious and with up-market furnishings. Every room was spotlessly clean.
All the usual accoutrements are here, from fluffy bathrobes, to large screen televisions with Freeview and a DVD library. There are three styles to choose from, Executive, Deluxe or Luxury and all have a luxurious air-bath or a freestanding one.
There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
The décor is understated and cool with muted colours and comfortable little nook and cranny rooms in which to relax over drinks or coffee.
The Mulsanne restaurant specialises in modern British cuisine, using local and seasonal products with a creative twist and arrives at the table with excellent presentation.The fact that the restaurant has won awards speaks for itself.
Despite catering for eighty guests at this event, the pre-chosen menu was of a very high standard and quality. The starter of butternut squash soup with croutons was light and delicious. The leg of Spring lamb was served beautifully pink, three thick and juicy wedges accompanied by a layered potato and vegetable square, accompanied by fresh green beans all drizzled with a light and tasty gravy.
To follow, each table was presented with wooden boards containing such delights as blueberry Eton mess, lemon cups, chocolate brownie, and vanilla cheesecakes. These individual desserts were complemented by sumptuous cheeseboards and assorted crackers.
Coffee and chocolate fudge squares rounded off a succulent meal which was praised by one and all.
The specially selected house wines were high quality too, French and Californian white, red and rose affording an appropriate selection.
The restaurant and adjacent Arnage Bar overlooks the woodlands and pristine gardens.
Lighter meals can be served in the bar and in warmer weather, full a la carte meals can be taken on the terrace. Thanks to the beautiful warm day we were blessed with, we took our reception drinks on the terrace and gardens at the rear of the hotel.
For our event, we took the meal in a permanent marquee which was seamlessly attached to and accessed from the main building. It was beautifully decorated and the sight of the immaculately dressed tables was a joy. Crystal chandeliers and concealed star-lights above the ceiling drapes added to the amazing look that they achieved.
Up to 150 dining guests and 200 evening guests can be catered for in this lovely space.
The evening buffet was high quality too with a huge selection of savoury and sweet dishes.
The vintage-style sweet-cart from the Yorkshire Cart Company proved to be a very popular attraction and was a delight. Sparkling with strings of lights, the cart was laden with old style sweets like ‘Flying Saucers’, sherbert lemons, ‘Black-Jacks’, ‘Rhubarb and Custards’ and many more. A journey back to childhood followed for many.
Even though the hotel is only four miles from Leeds City Centre and 1 mile from junction 27 of the M62, it felt like a true countryside experience, whilst the great staff and ambience made it a magical day to remember.
This venue was a perfect choice for the occasion, and having sampled the restaurant’s fare on other visits, I can vouch for the professional and imaginative menus coming out of the kitchen are just as delicious as they sound.
Details can be found at http://www.woodlandsleeds.com.
Satellite Navigators should set their devices to LS27 7LY.
