One thing is for certain: Wales has a wealth of wonderfully renovated venues. In our last post we looked at barns, piers and hotels with history. This time we have even more of the best renovated venues in Wales.
There are plenty of places in Wales that have a lot of history, but finding a venue that can embrace its past but still feel modern is a bit more tricky. It’s all well-and-good hosting your wedding in a centuries old building but if there isn’t a decent place to plug in your speakers then what will your guests dance to?
Here is the second part of our exploration into the best venues that bring the old and the new together…
See even more of Wales’ best renovated venues
Cornerstone
Built in 1855, this Gothic revival building was designed by acclaimed Welsh architect Robert George Thomas and is now a Grade II listed building.
In its previous life Cornerstone was known as Ebenezer Chapel and had a congregation of 250 Welsh speakers. The cathedral fell into disrepair when the congregation left.
This all changed in 2014, however, when work began on a £1.2million restoration. The historic building, still with its stained glass windows and beamed roof, is now a community centre, conference and events, and houses The Pantry cafe. It opened in October 2016 and has since been officially opened by HRH Prince Charles, and hosted musical acts like Rebecca Evans and Only Men Aloud.
Being right in the centre of Cardiff means that Cornerstone is a convenient venue as well as a beautiful building, so you won’t need to worry about hefty taxi fares or assign a designated driver for your birthday party/wedding/conference event.
It’s hosted lots of events since its 2016 opening, featuring charity fundraisers, corporate exhibitions, sporting TV events and more!
Great evening at the @BHIFA charity ball for the incredible @tyhafan – lovely food by @SPIROSCATERERS in a beautiful venue @CornerstoneCdf pic.twitter.com/lE8DPh75mC
— Sophia Aj (@Miss_Sophia_Aj) October 21, 2016
What a fantastic night- great venue and a great cause @tyhafan well done @TomShanklin food was amazing!! #TopWork pic.twitter.com/P8LyViUHyi
— ClearChoice Plumbing (@ClearChoiceCF) October 20, 2016
Another great event this time @CornerstoneCdf. Great venue and excellent staff. @WoS_OfficialUK Thank you Adrian & team. pic.twitter.com/KSSfxlG57k
— UK Protection Ltd (@UKProLtd) July 21, 2017
Thank you to Archbishop George Stack for hosting the launch of #sacredwales with @huwbbc at @CornerstoneCdf! Vote: https://t.co/KzVk5Rddiy pic.twitter.com/QP5wAmao8J
— Nat Churches Trust (@NatChurchTrust) July 13, 2017
Fonmon Castle
If you’re looking for a building with history can you really get any better than a castle?
Fonmon Castle boasts an 800 year history, gorgeous Georgian interiors and almost three acres of green grounds (which includes an orchard and a ‘scented garden’).
It’s a venue that oozes ‘classical fairytale’ from the second you arrive. Before you even get to the front door, you’ll follow a small road lined with ancient oaks and tall pines, pass a wishing well and walk through impressive white gates.
Inside there is a hall adorned with classic paintings, an impressive library (once called the ‘glory of Fonmon’) and an elegant drawing room which makes the perfect setting for a photoshoot.
Fonmon Castle can be hired out for a number of different events and celebrations. For weddings the Castle is hired on an exclusive basis, which means your guests will have the place to themselves and you won’t have to worry about bumping into another bride in the toilets!
Experience a building that is as grand in scale as it is beautiful. This is @fonmoncastle in #Wales. pic.twitter.com/338feUpRIN
— National Express (@nationalexpress) March 6, 2015
Pencoed House Estate
The history of the elegant Pencoed House Estate is a little bit more mysterious, surrounded by legends that the stately home was once the residence of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Other notable past residents include a Member of Parliament, Sheriffs of the County, Ministers of the Church, and descendants of a King of Glamorgan.
A venue that runs deep with folklore, Pencoed House Estate is even rumoured to have been the hiding place for the wife of the Black Prince during turbulent times in their history.
What we do know for sure is that the estate is home to a banqueting hall with original stone walls, a cosy bar which enjoys panoramic views of the local woodland, and thirty six acres of grounds featuring lawns, gardens, brooks, and local wildlife.
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Watts. Great day and guests currently enjoying fab food from @SPIROSCATERERS x pic.twitter.com/cTaWVwY7Ho
— Pencoed House (@PencoedHouse) October 9, 2015
Want to see what other beautifully renovated venues have made our list?
See even more of Wales’ best renovated venues
Want more food news from Spiros? Check out some recent posts…
- Best Renovated Venues in Wales – Part 1
- Venue Of The Month: Cottrell Park Golf Resort
- It’s Wedding Season at Spiros HQ…
- Maserati, Cathedral 73… And Us!
To receive more tasty updates from us, sign up to the Spiros mailing list.
Hi,
I’m writing to ascertain whether you will be holding Christmas party lunches including a disco at Cornerstone or St Peters Hall on 15 December 2017 that could cater for approx. 150? If you are what would our options be and how much will you be charging?
Many thanks
Hi Tracey,
I’ve passed your request on to the Spiros team! The official email for enquiries and bookings is [email protected]. Thanks for getting in touch!
Thanks – Spiros