THE owner of a Wirral wedding venue described as a 'hidden gem' has celebrated 25 years in charge by winning a with top award.
The Saddle Club in Prenton has scooped an LGBTQ+ award ahead of owners Paul and Isobel Swift’s 25 years at the helm.
The historic Grade II Listed venue, on Roman Road is renowned for hosting exceptional weddings and events and is the borough's official LGBTQ+ wedding venue.
It is a family run venue described as 'oozing with character and charm' and has an inclusive policy.
The venue was taken on by Paul & Isobel Swift in 1999 and the pair has hosted in the region of 25,000 events and weddings there — from funerals to parties to weddings.
When the same sex marriage laws changes shortly after they took it over, The Saddle Club became one of the first venues in the North West to officially offer same sex marriages and has become Wirral’s first choice for LGBTQ+ weddings.
The latest LGBTQ+ award is in recognition of their dedication to LGBTQ+ weddings and comes in a timely manner, as Paul looks back on the past 25 years of serving the public.
Paul explained: "It's been an amazing 25 years and it fills us with joy to think of all the special occasions and memories that have been made here. Looking back, we’ve worked out that we’ve hosted around 25,000 events and weddings — quite staggering really when you think about it.
"It's a big extended family here and some people who have celebrated their 18th, 21st, 40th birthdays and then their child’s Christenings here."
He continued: "We have a great team and our general manager Leah has been here for years after becoming one of the youngest licensees in the region.
"We pride ourselves on treating people like our own and always go the extra mile for people, providing bespoke events tailored to any budget.
"We also have a policy of absolute inclusivity that we’re really proud to have won awards for."
The Saddle Club also offers a very unique kind of wedding. Interestingly, The Saddle Club is also the only venue in England and Wales to offer Blacksmiths weddings over the anvil.
The romantic tradition of Blacksmith’s weddings involve ‘tying the knot’ — with the bang of a Blacksmith’s anvil sealing the deal.
Paul said: "We’ve made a great name for ourselves here which is really important considering we’re hidden away off the beaten track. You wouldn’t know we’re here so it’s important that we have a great reputation.
"The awards are really important and something we’re really proud of — receiving the latest one on our 25 year anniversary here is the icing on the cake."
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