If you’re the type of couple who prefer laidback gatherings as opposed to formal fine dining, getting married at a pub could be perfect when it comes to planning your wedding. We’re not talking about your local boozer though, we’re talking about The Hero of Maida, one of west London’s prettiest pubs that is perfectly suited to hosting celebrations of all kinds.
There are two private dining spaces that allow you exclusivity here while maintaining the atmosphere of a great British institution. For a small-scale celebration you could book The Blue Room, which can hold ten people. Here, dark blue walls and a central fireplace create a cosy ambiance, while the circular table encourages convivial weddings breakfast with your nearest and dearest. Upstairs on the third floor you’ll find The White Room which allows increased flexibility for those looking to gather with a larger group. With capacity for 40 seated guests or 70 standing this makes a great little party spot for a lively, laidback reception. With a honey-coloured wooden floor and loads of natural light, the neutral decor is perfect for acting as a backdrop to any theme or décor you might have in mind. Fancy going all out? You can hire the entire main dining room if you prefer, and here you can host up to 60 friends and family for a sit-down meal.
In keeping with the theme, wedding menus celebrate British ingredients in all their glory, through a series of elevated pub classics. Starters might include a smoked mackerel pate with pickled cucumber, or a country terrine with a chunky homemade piccalilli. Mains span from a celeriac, comte and mushroom pithivier (not your average veggie main) through to a pie filled with beef shortrib, Guinness and Roscoff onions. Sweets – as you’d expect – are a comforting collection of tried and tested favourites – think sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream.