A historic Tudor pub surrounded by a moat and landscaped gardens is a popular spot for weddings, with “breathtaking backdrops” for photographs.
Located within the 13 acres of parkland of Well Hall Pleasaunce in Eltham, The Tudor Barn is one of south east London’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1525 when it was first built.
The pub is surrounded by landscaped gardens and a medieval moat occupied by wildlife, serving as an idyllic location for a pint in south east London.
The pub is what remains of the former Tudor mansion that was built by William Roper, who married Margaret More, daughter to the chancellor of Henry VIII – Thomas More.
The pub is what remains of the former Tudor mansion that was built by William Roper. (Image: Ernie Savarese)
Today those who visit the upstairs Tudor Galley can still see the original stained glass of the building, and downstairs you’ll find a cosy pub with wooden beams and an original fireplace.
The setting offers both indoor and outdoor dining space, with pub-goers able to sit outside by the moat or on the lawn in front of the barn itself.
The building hasn’t always traditionally been a pub, first serving as a home before being turned into an art gallery in the 1930s and later a pub.
Today the venue is open as a pub, restaurant and events space which hosts over 150 weddings a year, according to manager Jade Hayward.
Today the venue is open as a pub, restaurant and events space which hosts over 150 weddings a year. (Image: Ernie Savarese)
Jade said: “We don’t have an exact number, but we host between 130-150 per year, for the past 15 years that Suzan Bailey has been the owner. But Tudor Barn has been a wedding venue for over 50 years so I would imagine the number to be in the thousands at this point.”
The Tudor Barn offers an events space that can seat up to 180 people for a sit down meal, 160 for a buffet and 220 guests for receptions.
Speaking on the venue, Jade described wedding guests being a “part of history” with its original features and heritage.
Jade added: “The building itself is a listed heritage building, having the exclusivity of the entire building and access to the stunning pleasaunce makes for a truly unique venue. Each and every wedding will be a part of history.“
The building itself is a listed heritage building. (Image: Ernie Savarese)
In March this year, The Tudor Barn received a Hitched Wedding Award and was one of five pubs across the whole of London to be awarded
According to Hitched, the pub received the accolade on account of its ‘exquisite parkland”, “scenic” and “secluded” backdrops for photography, and quick travel links to central London.
The Tudor Barn has had two Hitched Wedding Awards to its name, along with over 50 rave reviews from happy newlyweds who got married there.
According to Jade, some of the venue's most photographed spots include the rose garden within the pleasaunce, as well as the stained glass window and open fireplace, showcasing the heritage of the venue within the photos.
some of the venue's most photographed spots include the rose garden within the pleasaunce. (Image: Ernie Savarese)
Jade said: “The most popular photos are always of the couples standing on the moat bridge – it always makes for a breath-taking photo.”
When asked if there had been any paranormal sightings within the historic building, Jade told News Shopper that the pub did in fact have two “friendly ghosts”, who had a tendency to play tricks on staff and guests.
Jade said: “We do have two very friendly ghosts who reside in the barn, sometimes they do like to play tricks and the odd glass will fling off the table.”
The Tudor Barn is also a popular eating spot, serving a bar menu along with a Sunday Roast which usually attracts over 300 guests, and a vintage afternoon tea for £18.95 per person.
The Tudor Barn is also a popular eating spot, serving a bar menu along with a Sunday Roast which usually attracts over 300 guests. (Image: Ernie Savarese)
Jade said: “Without a doubt our Sunday Roast and Afternoon Tea are our most popular items.
“Our typical Sunday Roast service has around 300 diners both inside and outside the building when the sun is shining.
“Our vintage Afternoon Tea is very popular for special events including baby showers, hen dos, birthday parties or just as a treat with friends.
“We pride ourself on ensuring our food is of the best quality whilst supporting local businesses, including our fantastic butchers – New Eltham Butchers, who provide all of our Sunday Roast meats.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here