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Cadbury House
DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House, is one of the south west’s finest four-star, contemporary boutique hotels and spa.
Just down the road from Nailsea and set within rolling North Somerset countryside it is the ideal venue for a special occasion whether this is a wedding, private party, business event, spa break, fine dining or bistro experience.
With truly breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel and beyond into Wales, DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House, is the perfect retreat for your weekend getaway.
It is also a super place for a relaxing swim, gym workout or dinner dance and come holidays when your home is full to the brim somewhere nearby for relatives to stay...
2023
Quiet please, we're trying to dance
A disco with a difference is heading to one the region’s leading four-star hotels that will certainly please guests who are trying to get some sleep upstairs!
Bosses at Cadbury House at Congresbury are now preparing for a silent disco that will see those who come along dance the night away in what might seem like total quiet.
That’s because, unlike traditional discos where the music is played through a speaker system, party goers wear headphones which then link directly to the music via wireless technology.
It means anyone without headphones can’t hear anything, giving the effect that the room full of people are all dancing in silence.
Taking place on Saturday, June 17, the mid-summer rave up is sure to be a big hit for those who just love hitting the dance floor and costs £12.50 per ticket.
Cadbury House general manager Brady Smith said: “We’re always looking for new and different events here at Cadbury House and a silent disco is the perfect event for all those who just love to boogie.
“They’ve grown in popularity in recent years and it’s easy to see why.
"It means they can go on long into the night as they’re not disturbing anyone.
"They’re also great fun, especially when you take off the headphones and look around at everyone else enjoying themselves in comparative silence.
"All you can hear is the squeaks and shuffle of people’s feet!”
The June event will also include a DJ battle adding a little spice to the evening’s proceedings.
For more info go to https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/silent-disco
Absolutely Dragulous lunch date
A weekend lunch time of exaggerated hair, makeup and clothing is being planned at the our leading four-star hotel, where a brunch with a difference is to take place.
Set for Saturday, April 22, at Cadbury House at Congresbury, The Absolutely Dragulous double act will be bringing their own take of drag queen comedy, lip-synching, dancing and live singing while guests tuck into a freshly cooked brunch.
With TV shows such as Ru Paul’s Drag Race growing in popularity, the chance to see one of the best drag acts around is, it is hope, set to prove unmissable for those looking for an entertaining Saturday lunchtime.
Cadbury House general manager Brady Smith said: “Drag acts have become more and more popular in recent years and are really entertaining and fun to watch. Absolutely Dragulous have built up a loyal following and their visit to Cadbury House is part of their continuing UK tour.
“The contrast between the historic house and Absolutely Dragulous duo is perfect and is a great way to set up the rest of your Saturday whether you’re on a hen weekend or just want to enjoy a really entertaining show and brunch.
“The ticket includes a themed drink on arrival, brunch and of course the drag show.”
The Absolutely Dragulous show at Cadbury House is taking place between 11am-3pm on the Saturday.
Tickets £45 per person include a themed drink on arrival, brunch and show.
The menu includes fresh Juices and pastries plus either berries, cherries, buttermilk pancakes and Greek yoghurt; pancetta, poached eggs, smashed avocado and sourdough bread or potato Rosti, fried egg, chorizo, Catalan tomato and pepper sauce.
To book, please visit https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/drag-brunch
Rewind with 80s-90s night
Fans of pop and indie can take a trip down memory lane at a musical tribute night dedicated solely to the 80s and 90s.
The event is at Cadbury House in Congresbury, on Friday, March 10, and will see tribute act Rewind take guests back in time when artists such as Duran Duran, Blondie, Prince and Madonna were regularly hitting the airwaves.
It was also a time which saw the emergence of some classic UK indie bands like Oasis, Happy Mondays, The Charlatans and Primal Scream all bringing their own style of swagger and attitude.
A themed drink on arrival will help get the party started and will be followed by a two-course meal before Tribute hits the stage.
The evening will finish off with a disco into the early hours.
Cadbury House general manager Brady Smith said: “As one of the nation’s leading party bands, Rewind has become a hit with 80s and 90s music enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
“Reviews say they ‘flawlessy capture the unmistakable sound of the unhinged 1980s’ so are perfect for this event.
“Of course, we want all guests to come dressed in their best 80s or 90s outfits and will be a real trip down memory lane for many!”
Tickets cost £39.00 per person.
For further information visit www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk, email info@cadburyhouse.com or call 01934 834343.
Murder and mystery at Cadbury House
Wannabe detectives who think they’ve got what it takes to be the next Hercule Poirot can put their powers of deduction to the test at a murder mystery night at arguably the most atmospheric venue in the region.
With its gabled exterior, the gothic looking Cadbury House in Congresbury, North Somerset wouldn’t look out of place in a classic Agatha Christie film and is the setting for what will be a super fun night of mystery solving.
On Friday, February 3, eagle eyed sleuths are now being invited to see if they can find the felon at what has become one of the venue’s most popular events.
The theme of the evening has been billed as The Great Panjandrum while the date for this particular night of dastardly deeds is set in 1941.
With the German army waging war across Europe, British intelligence is hard at work to develop a weapon that will aid the invasion by sea onto the beaches of France.
Many prototypes have been tested, but most have failed miserably.
Now it is the turn of The Great Panjandrum, and such is the interest in this machine of destruction that Churchill himself will witness the tests.
An advance party from army intelligence is in the town, ensuring that all is ready. However, when the whole world is at war, you can never be too sure who your friend is or your deadly enemy.
Unfortunately for some people, by the time they have worked out the dilemma, they will already be dead!
General manager Brady Smith believes those who come along will be in for a fantastic night of detective work, while enjoying the ambience and atmosphere of the 19th century house.
He said: “We’ve held many murder mystery nights here in the old house for many years and they are really popular.
"The house provides the perfect backdrop and there are plenty of rooms, stairs, nooks and crannies where the killer can get up to their misdemeanours without being noticed!
“It’s great to see everyone getting so involved as the drama unfolds and we’d encourage guests who come along to wear suitable attire.”
Prices for the evening are £45 per person and includes a three-course dinner with coffee or tea and disco until midnight.
The bar opens from 6.30pm, with guests seated at 7.30pm
More info https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/murder-mystery-nights
To reserve a place please call 01934 834343.
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WEDDING DATE: The next wedding fair at Cadbury House is on Sunday, January 22. Call 01934 8343434 option 1 or email weddings@cadburyhouse.com to book a sport
PHOTO; Lee Hatherall Photography
2022
Let's go party at Cadbury
Two of the south west’s best singers will be brightening guests’ Christmas parties at the region’s leading four-star hotel with a number of sets that are guaranteed to get people in the festive mood.
Taking place at Cadbury House in Congresbury, North Somerset, Mighty Marv and Dave Dean will run through their repertoires of classic, intimate, easy-listening music including covers from legends such as Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Matt Monro and Michael Bublé.
General manager Brady Smith said: “There’s always a great festive atmosphere at Cadbury House.
"Anyone who is here while either are performing are in for a real treat and will add to what will already be a fabulous Christmas ambience.
“Mighty Marv is a really gifted jazz singer-songwriter and his voice has been referred to as rich deep and smooth.
"There’s no doubt he will light the evening of all those present during his set.
“Dave Dean is really well known across the South-West and always delivers a first-class show with ease and charisma.”
Mighty Marv second performance is on Sunday, December 4, from 7.30pm.
Dave Dean is performing on Wednesday, December 21, from 7.30pm.
For further information on Christmas at Cadbury House please visit https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/christmas-party-venue-bristol
A traditional evening of Haggis, whisky and bagpipes in celebration of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns is once again at Cadbury House in the new year.
On Saturday, January 28, guests will not only be able to tuck into some delicious Haggis, neeps and tatties but enjoy the sounds of a pipe band and drummers which will give the evening a true Scottish flavour.
Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and his birthday, which is on 25th, is traditionally celebrated worldwide in late January.
The evening at Cadbury House, which is raising money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind, will follow many of the traditions that has made Burns Night such an important date on the Scottish calendar.
After grace the supper will start with a traditional Scottish broth. This will be followed by the arrival of the haggis which will be brought in on a large plate by the head chef supported by the pipers.
The cutting of the haggis will be accompanied by Burns' famous poem, Address to a Haggis with plenty of wee drams to help the proceedings go smoothly!For starters there’s a parsnip and Scottish heather honey soup with nutmeg cream.
Guests will then tuck into their haggis, neeps and tatties followed by the main course which includes slow cooked feather blade of beef with dauphinoise potato, braised red cabbage, chantenay carrots and red wine jus. There is also a vegetarian option in the form of a vegetable wellington and wild mushrooms fricassée.
The meal will be finished off with cranachan a traditional Scottish dessert which includes cream, fresh raspberries Scottish oats and whisky!
Brady added: “Burns suppers are great occasions. There are lots of traditions and we hope to hold true to many of these during our own Burns night.
“To have a piper band and drummers on hand will make the evening a spectacular affair and we of course want as many guests to wear kilts.”
For further information please call 01934 834 343 or visit https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/burns-night
Cost is £49 per person with residential packages are also available at £250 (based on two people sharing).
Christmas Murder Mystery at Cadbury House Hotel
The Christmas Murder Mystery at Cadbury House Hotel is on Wednesday evening, December 14.
The cost is £45 per person and this is the story so far...
Christmas 1937 and everyone looked forward to the annual Snowflake Ball at Lodge House, even in these troubled times.
When viewed from the end of the drive, Lodge House was a blaze of light and warmth against the stark whiteness of the deep snow that lay all in every direction as far as the eye could see.
When viewed from halfway along the drive, Lodge House was an oasis in the winter’s night, an oasis known for singing and dancing and Christmas cheer.
There is no finer and friendlier place to be on this cold winter’s night when viewed outside the enormous front door.
But when viewed from inside the heart of one person who stood amongst the merry throng who had gathered at Lodge House, this was to be a place of dark thoughts, of revenge, and Murder.
Sometimes things are not what they appear.
To book and view full menu go to go https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/christmas-murder-mystery
CHRISTMAS IS COMING: We have advanced copies of the Cadbury House Christmas brochure and you can download yours HERE. Packed full of details on how to book your festive party, seasonal treat and hotel stay be first and take advantage of the earlybird offers
New general manager
A new general manager has been appointed at one of the south west’s most popular hotels.
Brady Smith has now taken over the reins of the 134-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Cadbury House in Congresbury, North Somerset.
With a wealth of experience in the highly-competitive UK market, Brady was in charge of the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff, where he oversaw the £50-million development of the newly opened five-star venue in the Welsh capital.
Prior to this he was in charge of the St David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay.
Brady has now returned to Cadbury House where he was operations director from 2014-18.
He said: “It’s great to be back!
"It’s such a beautiful hotel and with the Hilton name attached offers a lot for both our corporate and leisure guests.
"It’s regarded as being one of the world’s best four-star brands and often influences people’s decisions on where they want to stay.
“Cadbury House also forms such an integral part of the community in which it is located as it not only employs a lot of local people but supports many local businesses.
“The multi award-winning club and spa is renowned as being the UK’s leading independent health club while the house and grounds provides arguably the best backdrop for the many weddings that we hold here.
"We’re now gearing up for Christmas where we’ll serve around 10,000 Christmas dinners while making the festive season special for all our guests.
“It has also helped attract business and leisure clients from right across the
UK and abroad, placing North Somerset right on the map.
“The philosophy here is simple, where the little things make a big difference, from welcoming our guests with our warm chocolate chip cookie, to serving the local community.
“For me, it’s all about creating opportunities where guests can be distracted away from the burden of life’s day-to-day routine and provide them with a relaxing and pleasant stay.
“And it’s thanks to the dedication of the team here that ensures we deliver the absolute best experience for our guests.”
After five years the former general manager Mehmet Kandemir has moved to the four star Bailbrook House Hotel at Bath.
Summer lovin' our special new menu
A ground-breaking non-meat burger is one of the star dishes on a new summer menu that has been launched at a Congresbury-based restaurant.
Available at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, which is located at Cadbury House, the plant-based burger has been developed by pioneering food firm Redefine Meat and is the only venue in the area to offer what has been described as a revolutionary ‘new meat’.
Having served Redefine Meat produce since the New Year in the form of a special Shepherd’s Pie and Bolognese Gnocchi, it is hoped this latest addition will encourage more people to try the plant-based dishes.
But steak lovers have also been well catered in the form of a Tomahawk sharing steak for two.
Restaurant manager Jason Nener said: “We have a new Summer Signature menu, which reflect everything that’s wonderful and exciting about Marco’s food philosophy.
"The Redefine Burger really does have to be tasted to be believed.
"The texture really does feel like a traditional burger and the taste is just as good.
“What they’ve done is go beyond today’s alternative meat offerings to tackle one of the main barriers to mainstream adoption of product quality and this delivers that in spades.
“With regard to some of the other dishes, the Tomahawk steak is just a superb cut of meat and is a great dish to share and I’ve no doubt will be very well received by our guests.”
Alongside the Redefine Meat burger and Tomahawk steak for two, the Summer Signature menu also includes an Endive Tarte Tatin with crumbled goat’s cheese and soft herbs plus an Anchovies on Toast with shallots and fresh soft herbs, both of which feature on Marco’s BBC Maestro courses.
Jason added: “The new summer menu has been designed to complement the vibrant atmosphere in the restaurant, meaning our guests can feel inspired by the choice of food on offer and enjoy their dining experience at the same time.”
For further information please visit https://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/our-brands/steakhouse-bar-and-grill/bristol.
Twilight weddings trending
No, not The Twilight Saga film series of five vampire-themed romance fantasy films but the time of day people are choosing to exchange their vows.
More and more couples from across the south-west are choosing to tie the knot in the evening, moving away from the more traditional early afternoon nuptials.
The ‘Twilight Wedding’, which it has become known, is now growing in popularity with venues such as Cadbury House in Congresbury, making sure it can cater for this increase in dusky ceremonies.
Cadbury House wedding coordinator Matilda Burgess, wedding coordinator said: “There has been a steady increase in this new phenomenon over the past 12 months and is certainly something that we can see growing in popularity.
“Those who are choosing a twilight wedding then tend to skip the formal wedding breakfast and go straight on to an evening reception.
“Cadbury House faces west and is renowned for its stunning views and contemporary boutique style, so having a twilight wedding with the sun setting in the distance makes for a truly spectacular occasion.
“The soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is just below the horizon coupled with the fairy tale backdrop of the house and manicured grounds just can’t be beaten for atmosphere and is a truly unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.
“We are also finding that getting married on a Thursday has become more popular and allows the wedding party to continue the celebrations right into the weekend!
“We know that a wedding is one of the most important occasions in any couple’s life, so we really want to make sure it is absolutely perfect and as stress-free as possible and our wedding team are on hand for every step of the process and can give as much or as little help as needs be.
"We offer the complete package here at Cadbury House and we absolutely love being part of such a special event.
“The venue is renowned for being a top wedding venue and it’s easy to see why.”With several rooms licensed to hold both civil marriage ceremonies and commitment ceremonies there are many options for couples to consider and those wanting to create a real “wow” on their special day could consider an alfresco ceremony in the thatched Gazebo, with spectacular panoramic views stretching out across the North Somerset countryside and Bristol Channel.
SUNSET SETTING: Say I do at dusk - for further details please call the wedding team on 01934 834343 option 1 or email weddings@cadburyhouse.com.
Wedding festival, without wellies
While many people will be packing their tents and wellies at this time of year to attend their favourite music festival, doting couples from across the southwest can visit a festival of an altogether different nature at the region’s leading four-star hotel!
On Sunday, July 17, WedFest is an open invitation for those planning their big day to visit Cadbury House in Congresbury.
Designed with the whole community in mind, the fun-filled day includes a host of attractions that will take the stress out of planning the big day.
Welcoming everyone from friends, family and children, those who come along will be able to view, at their leisure, everything Cadbury House and its suppliers has to offer, helping make anyone’s wedding day truly special.
First and foremost, all of the wedding suites including the The Master Suite, The Drawing Room and The Great Room will be set up in differing wedding styles, providing visitors a true idea on how their day could look.
They will also be able to look around the hotel’s rooms where they and their guests will be able to stay.
In addition, alongside live music from two bands, the venue’s preferred magician will be roaming the grounds ready to entertain and show off his tricks!
The in-house DJ will be playing a series of sets in The Great Room and there will be two different styles of photobooths to check out and always make for fun memories.
Cadbury House senior wedding coordinator Matlida Burgess said: “We understand visiting venues can be time consuming and sometimes a bit of a fuss!
"So the idea behind WedFest is to take the stress away and have a day where everyone is welcome and can enjoy the company of their loved ones while having a look around and meeting the team.
“Kids can enjoy the grounds as well as our pop-up children’s soft play and we’re actively encouraging guests to bring along a picnic blankets so they can lounge back and soak up the enchanting atmosphere of this wonderful venue.
“We will have a barbecue and pizza hut while some of our preferred catering suppliers will also be here to showcase their produce.
"Plus, there will be plenty of sweet treats, an ice cream machine and sweet cart!
“Finally, no festival would be complete without some delicious cocktails, so we’ll have an al fresco cocktail bar to keep thirsty wedding planners suitably refreshed.”
Cadbury House WedFest is on Sunday, July 17, noon-4pm.
To attend please register your interest by calling 01934 834343 and ask for either Matilda or Erin.
Alternatively, please email: weddings@cadburyhouse.com and provide your name, telephone number and number of guests you are looking to bring.