Describe the best wedding that happened at your venue?
We couldn't possibly pick a 'best' wedding, as we love all of the weddings that we have hosted. We are proud to be part of creating so many happy memories for couples.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Take your time – planning a wedding can be overwhelming and lead to stress. Planning the wedding over a period of time can help to minimise stress levels, and also allows the couple to save for the things that they truly want. Most of all, enjoy the engagement and the planning period, as once it is all over you will want to do it again!
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
The Bride loved to dance the night away, and to ensure that all of her friends would be joining her on the dancefloor all night, provided a basket filled with flip flops so everyone could kick off their heels, and dance in comfort!
Describe your venue in 5 adjectives.
Luxurious, unique, elegant, traditional and grand.
Where’s the best photo spot at your venue?
The Duke's elegant staircase provides fantastic photo opportunities for many bride and grooms. The large windows on each of the landings offer a unique setting to create picture perfect memories.
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at your venue?
The Duke of Cornwall Hotel has welcomed many special guests since opening in 1863. The famous explorer, Ernest Shackleton, legendary showbiz names, including Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Anne Ziegler and Webster Booth.
Notable figures from the world of politics, such as Alan Clarke and Dame Janet Fookes, as well as TV favourites, Davina McCall, Nicky Campbell, Michael Portillo and Dawn French.
With Plymouth Pavilions a few steps from our door, the hotel makes a popular stopping point for a variety of visiting VIPs from the realm of entertainment, so you never know who may be joining you for a drink at the bar.
What’s your favourite canapé?
With such a wide range of options, it is hard to choose! Beef carpaccio filo cup with whole grain mustard and crème fraiche is a favourite of mine, and the honey and soy pork belly is a favourite amongst many guests.
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Anything sweet. Or savoury! From mini strawberry and cream fruit scones to potato skins topped with bacon and cheese.
What is your venue's most unique feature?
A point of interest for many present day visitors to the hotel remains the imposing tower, which can still be seen above the modern surrounding buildings. The tower provides 360 degree views of the city, and many guests enjoy afternoon tea in the tower. Inquisitive guests are keen to find out the reason for the towers existence and its original purpose. It seems it was built purely for decoration, although the porters would often run up the tower to watch the liners arriving in dock.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The dedication of our team in delivering comfort, style and exceptional first-class service to every guest welcomed through our doors.