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TRANSCRIPT
A HISTORIC SETTING
FOR a day you’ll
remember forever
nobody ‘knows the ropes’ like we do
Ships that sailed the world’s oceans before the age of steam had such complex masts, sails, and rigging that only senior crew members ‘knew the ropes’ and how to use them. Like these seasoned sailors, the Ampersand team at Old Royal Naval
College offer experience and expertise that cannot be beaten.
Astound your guests and fulfil your wildest dreams when you tie the knot at the Old Royal Naval College. Nestled by the banks of the Thames at Greenwich, you will find two exceptional venues for the most incredible
wedding imaginable. Live out a fairy tale of opulence and grandeur in the Painted Hall. Discover intimacy, versatility and heritage in the Admiral’s House.
Beautiful inside and out, Wren’s baroque masterpiece will enchant you and leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime, whatever the season.
Why not make an entrance as dramatic as your venue and arrive by boat? Or perhaps you’d like to celebrate London with a quirky black cab or Routemaster bus as transport. Though you feel you have been swept away to a fairy tale,
the venue is wonderfully accessible, so all your guests can share in your dream.
MAIN PICTURE: The Colonnades. TOP LEFT: The Admiral’s House – Wren Room; TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT: The Painted Hall; BOTTOM LEFT: The Skittle Alley;
CENTRE LEFT: The Admiral’s House – Staircase; CENTRE: The Queen Mary Undercroft.
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A DAY OF JOY AND MAGIC,
CENTRED AROUND
YOU
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NO FINER TIME TO BE ‘DRESSED TO THE NINES’
It is said that this phrase originated from the victorious ships that would approach their home waters dressed in celebratory bunting and flags, with sailors lined up on the ‘nine primary yards’ of the vessel in salute to their monarch. The ship would be transformed, as we are when we dress
for a most special occasion.
The Admiral’s House is a romantic hideaway, perfect for an intimate wedding filled with charm and warmth and all yours for the day. With a beautiful collection of flexible spaces, there’s even a special room where a
couple can steal precious moments together or a bride can enjoy a glass of champagne with her bridesmaids before the big moment. Evocative of an elegant city townhouse, the house forms part of our oldest building,
with a rich and fascinating history that echoes throughout its proud walls.
You will cherish every moment of your wedding in the beautiful Webb Room, with magnificent wood panelling and river views. After the ceremony, you may enjoy a drinks reception and photographs next to the lawn or in the
lower lobby before you move upstairs to the light and airy Wren Room for your wedding breakfast.
After the most delicious meal, it’s party time, with the Hardwick Room offering the perfect backdrop for your first dance, cake cutting, and revelling in this special time with your loved ones.
MAIN PICTURE: The view from The Hardwick Room, through The Upper Lobby to The Wren Room.
TOP LEFT: The Admiral’s House Staircase; TOP RIGHT: The Admiral’s House exterior; CENTRE RIGHT: Lower Lobby floor; BOTTOM RIGHT: The Webb Room; BOTTOM LEFT: The Kay Room; CENTRE: The Wren Room.
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ADMIRAL’S HOUSE
ELEGANT INTIMACY
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WE’LL HELP YOU ‘PUSH THE BOAT OUT’
Within naval and seafaring circles, the custom of buying a round of drinks was known as ‘pushing
the boat out’, perhaps as reference to the generous act of helping push beached boats back
into the water. The phrase spread out to wider society and now means to make an extra effort,
just as we will for you on your wedding day.
MAIN PICTURE: The Painted Hall. TOP RIGHT: The Colonnades; BOTTOM LEFT: The Painted Hall Vestibule ceiling.
Fall in love all over again as you say your vows beneath the majestic beauty of Thornhill’s masterpiece in the Painted Hall and leave your guests spellbound. This timeless marvel is the perfect place to celebrate your eternal promise.
Before your wedding breakfast, you may wander the colonnades and grounds, with the glorious sunset over the Watergate creating the most spectacular backdrop for photographs. Then return to the Painted Hall for
a celebration that will feel intimate, even in such grand surroundings.
Take to one of our Undercrofts and dance the night away in atmospheric surroundings. With a built-in bar and dance floor, as well as high vaulted ceilings and classically elegant decoration, these are the perfect
party venues. With the Queen Mary Undercroft your guests can even take a break from dancing to try their hand at skittles in our authentic Victorian Skittle Alley!
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Painted Hall
the finest dining hall
in europe
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Create your perfect feast with our award-winning caterers, Ampersand. Whether you choose to celebrate the history of your setting with a traditional wedding breakfast or make the most of Ampersand’s trend-setting
combinations, you will be truly awestruck by the quality of food, drinks, and service.
Should you wish for a sumptuous banquet, relaxed buffet, or chic canapés and bowl food, our chef will work with you to give you and your guests a dream dining experience to remember.
From sourcing local ingredients to creating the most visually stunning dishes, Ampersand offer a unique attention to detail, delivered with love and understanding of the importance of this day. Our focus is always on you and on
making your wedding menu exactly as you want it to be.
EVERYTHING ‘SHIP-SHAPE AND BRISTOL FASHION’
Before the construction of its ‘floating harbour’, the port of Bristol posed a number of challenges for sailors. Before docking, sailors had to ensure
their vessel was perfectly organised – ‘ship-shape, and Bristol fashion’ – to avoid chaos. Today
we honour the tradition when we ensure that everything is just-so for your big day.
MAIN PICTURE: Orchard Blackberry and Apple Panna Cotta on a Vanilla Macaroon. TOP LEFT: Lemon Posset with Baby Shortbread Biscuit, Salt Caramel and Chocolate Mousse and Mixed Berry Fool;
TOP CENTRE: The Colonnades at night; TOP RIGHT: Spiced Pear Purée and Beetroot on a Blini; CENTRE: Seared Tuna, Wasabi Caviar; BOTTOM RIGHT: Atlantic Cod, Curly Kale, Spinach and Risotto;
BOTTOM LEFT: Ruby, Golden and Candy Beetroot with Ricotta.
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TIMELESS ATTENTION
TO DETAIL
THERE’S NO FINER PLACE TO ‘GET HITCHED’
Just as two ropes become one when joined or ‘hitched’ together, your wedding is the first
day of your new life together. We, the Old Royal Naval College and
Ampersand, are honoured to help you form your own eternal bond.
020 8269 2131 [email protected]
www.ornc.org/venuehire
OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGEGREENWICH
LONDON SE10 9NN
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