Date Issued:  16 September 2011

The Belle Epoque Suite – a bright and welcoming new venue for intimate weddings, civil ceremonies and receptions – has been unveiled by the owners of one of Brighton’s most iconic Regency boutique hotels, Blanch House in Atlingworth Street, Kemp Town.

The Belle Epoque Suite is part of a major refurbishment at the highly individual, new-look Grade II listed 12-bedroom Blanch House – reopened under new ownership in July 2011 and located in a romantic corner of Regency Brighton in a discreet Georgian terrace, only a short walk from the centre of the city and a stone’s throw from the seafront. Licensed to hold marriages and civil ceremonies, the Suite can comfortably seat up to a maximum of 40 people for the service; and can accommodate up to 80 guests for post-ceremony drinks and canapés.

Proprietors Jeremy Ornellas and Kerry Turner have redesigned the hotel to have a ‘green’ ethos and respect the heritage of the Regency building whilst paying attention to comfort, personalised service and contemporary style, as well as the needs of wedding and civil ceremony parties. Indeed, for these very special ‘occasions of a lifetime’, there is the opportunity to hire exclusively the Belle Epoque Suite, Champagne Bar, all 12 bedrooms (ranging from the romantic and luxurious to the fun and quirky), the Breakfast Room and the hotel’s ‘speciality house’ breakfast – using the best local produce – at all inclusive prices starting at £2,495 from Monday to Thursday; and £2,995  one night Friday to Sunday.

Jeremy Ornellas explained: “With our wedding and civil ceremony licence, couples can leave the whole of their special day in our experienced hands – everything from recommendations for local florists and musicians, to preparing gourmet wedding breakfasts. They can also take advantage of our 12 highly individual guest rooms, including the very special and romantic ‘Perrier Jouet’ – ideal for the wedding night with its Regency opulence, decorative wrought iron balcony and superb view of the sea. Indeed, they can even take over the whole hotel for their exclusive use, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our stylish Champagne Bar!

“At Blanch House, we are determined to ensure our wedding and civil partnership couples have a wonderful experience to treasure for the rest of their lives. We have great pleasure in working closely with them throughout every stage of the preparations for the event; and then taking care of the whole day and tailoring a wedding or civil partnership package to suit the budget and occasion.”

Packages can include: refreshments on arrival; a post ceremony Champagne reception; a gourmet three-course dinner, a half-bottle of wine per person; a Champagne toast; light bites later in the evening; overnight accommodation in the hotel; flowers for the public areas and the Belle Epoque Suite; and the ‘speciality house’ breakfast for up to 24 staying guests.

“Photography is always an important feature of a couple’s ‘Big Day’ and for those all important post ceremony photos, we are delighted to recommend local photographers. We know from experience that many couples like using Brighton’s wonderful beach as a backdrop and we are fortunate that the city’s historic sea-front, with its superb Georgian architecture, is so close to the hotel.”

Blanch House takes environmental and social responsibility very seriously; and is a member of the Considerate Hoteliers Association (CHA) – a nationwide association of like-minded hoteliers, whose purpose it is to encourage, assist, cajole and motivate fellow hoteliers to adopt sustainable, environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. As a member, Blanch House joins such illustrious CHA establishments as Combe House hotel and restaurant at Gittisham, near Honiton, Devon; Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons at Great Milton, Oxfordshire; Strattons Hotel and Restaurant in Swaffham, Suffolk; The Cavendish London; and The Savoy, London.

1. Blanch House Belle Epoque Suite set up for a gourmet wedding breakfast

2. Blanch House Belle Epoque Suite set up for civil ceremony

3. The Regency exterior of Blanch House