Our venue of the month for April is De Vere Cranage Estate Hotel, situated in a beautiful corner of Cheshire. We asked this venue a variety of questions to gain further insight into what the venue has to offer. Read more to find out what they had to say:
1. Description of De Vere Cranage Estate itself and surroundings:
Formerly the country seat of the Armistead family, De Vere Cranage Estate Hotel is still very much a rural retreat today, tucked away in a peaceful corner of Cheshire. Designed by celebrated British architect Lewis Wyatt, red brick, warm yellow sandstone, and pretty green lawns wait to greet you at this Grade II listed building.
Here 21st-century style complements the rich heritage of the building; creating an eclectic mix of historic and new. And with a choice of traditional and modern spaces; the house offers a wonderful backdrop for elegant weddings and memorable events alike.
Seasonal eating is a big feature here. Enjoy freshly cooked dishes at the Tempus Restaurant & Bar or soak up the laid-back atmosphere at our outdoor terrace. Whilst upstairs rich décor and stylish furnishings ensure our bedrooms provide a welcome place for relaxation.
As you enjoy the peace and tranquility, it’s easy to forget the hotel is just minutes from J18 of the M6 motorway, with direct rail links to Manchester city centre and within easy reach of Manchester Airport.
De Vere Cranage Estate offers 28 flexible meeting spaces for conferences, meetings and training, with grounds for teambuilding.
The modern Baird and Stephenson Suites are our largest spaces, accommodating up to 280 and 475 guests respectively. Here light, airy rooms and neutral tones provide an inspiring blank canvas for the day and sets the tone for an event to remember.
Or choose the Appleton Suite, steeped in character and with doors that open straight onto the grounds. Its location in the original house lends a traditional feel but with all the 21st-century features needed for a productive event.
Each space offers intuitive, smart technology, super-fast Wi-Fi, including up to 100m in the grounds, and an experienced team by your side throughout the day.
2. How is a typical week filled at Cranage Estate? (events, conferences etc)
During the week Cranage Estate is full with corporate guest attending conferences and events. Weekend business tends to be more leisure based with weddings and leisure guests
3. Would you say that the rise in the use of the outdoor space has increased as people want to be more diverse & creative?
Completely agree
At the hotel we have wanted to extend the hotel experience into the outdoors, creating alternative places for delegates to enjoy, whether they’re participating in team building activities, dining al fresco, or working in this beautiful sunshine – thanks to the super-fast Wi-Fi that stretches up to a 100m perimeter around each hotel.
Already at the hotel we feature jogging trails and walking routes, so that delegates can experience the great outdoors as part of our Smart Space meetings concept, and we’re continually looking at ways to enhance these areas and initiatives, including Croquet, hammocks and bean bags.
The Outdoor Kitchen has proved to be a fantastic unique selling feature for the hotel. The facility opened 3 years ago and is available throughout the warmer months for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It can be booked exclusively by a group or just a table for 2.
4. How do you strike a balance between being a hotel / corporate / wedding venue?
We only take 1 wedding a day and predominately these take place at a weekend or if during the week, the summer months. The hotel remains corporate during the week and leisure at the weekends.
5. What has been the most significant change in the industry that has had a positive impact on the venue and what it can offer to clients?
As the industry has become more competitive the venue has had to become more innovative with our offerings. For example, rather than offering a 3 course dinner we now offer a Cheshire Farmers Market.
6. What atmosphere does Cranage Estate have?
During the week the atmosphere is very much corporate and business to business. At the weekend it is a leisure/wedding/event environment.
7. Name the top three attributes of Cranage Estate:
1. The team that work here. Many of the Heads of Departments have worked at the hotel since the hotel opened 20 years ago and are dedicated to delivering excellent customer care. Guest experience is superlative, something evidenced by the hotel winning the 2017 UK Conference Award for Best Customer Care in a Conference and Event Venue
2. The location of the hotel. De Vere Cranage Estate is located near Holmes Chapel, in a rural corner of Cheshire, with strong connections to the M6, and Manchester city centre via rail. The grade II listed building provides a picturesque backdrop to all kinds of events with its red brick, warm yellow sandstone, and green lawns.
3. Facilities at the hotel – as detailed above. 28 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 475 delegates, 20 acres of grounds.
8. What makes Cranage Estate unique from other venues?
During the working week we are a dedicated conference venue that has recently unveiled the results of a £200k refurbishment of our meetings and events spaces, bringing us in line with De Vere’s innovative Smart Space meetings concept. Smart Space comprises nine service features designed to offer a highly responsive, personalized meetings and events service.
9. What are some of the biggest but positive challenges you may face at Cranage Estate?
A recent survey by compare the market.com found that £3.5m Brits now class themselves as Vegan. We’re also finding that guests are increasingly expecting healthier working lunches throughout the year, meaning that event and meeting organisers are more focused on ensuring that well balanced meals are on offer.
To achieve this, we have adapted our menus and coffee break areas to offer nutritionally balanced menus.
Potential Customer Questions:
1. How much corporate space is there – conference rooms, offices etc? as above
2. Do you offer catering facilities? – yes – full service is available
3. Is there space for outdoor team building activities? Yes – 20 acres but non-motorised
4. Is there Wi-Fi? – as above
5. Is there parking available on site? Up to 300 car parking spaces on site
