The Parlour at Blagdon is one of those Newcastle wedding venues that has built a real reputation for relaxed, fun weddings with loads of personality. I’ve been working at The Parlour for well over 10 years now, ever since it first opened, and it’s always been one of my favourite venues to work at as a Newcastle caricaturist. Set just outside Cramlington and only minutes from the A1, it manages to feel both stylish and genuinely personal at the same time. The venue mixes rustic Northumberland charm with a modern wedding atmosphere, with beautiful gardens, festoon lighting, exposed beams and a really welcoming courtyard that has become one of its standout features. The recent redevelopment has made the space even better too, with the Stables Bar now opening directly onto the courtyard, creating a brilliant indoor/outdoor flow that works perfectly for weddings and social events. Its sister venue, Shotton Grange, is just along the road as well, giving couples another beautiful Northumberland wedding venue from the same experienced team.

One of the things couples always talk about here is the atmosphere. It never feels overly formal or stiff  it’s relaxed, social and full of energy in the best way. That’s why live caricature entertainment works so well here. There’s loads of space for guests to mingle, chat and interact naturally, especially during drinks receptions, room turnaround or later in the evening when everyone’s properly settled into the party. The courtyard is particularly great for this, especially in summer when guests spill outside with drinks while the evening atmosphere builds.

The staff here are genuinely excellent as well. Having worked at hundreds of weddings over the years, you quickly notice which venues are organised and calm behind the scenes, and The Parlour always stands out for that. The food is honestly some of the best around too, which couples and guests constantly mention alongside how friendly and attentive the team are throughout the day.

Vibe: relaxed, fun, quirky, informal, cosy, friendly, laid-back

Best for: drinks receptions, after-meal lull, room turnaround, indoor/outdoor evening entertainment

There’s loads of great outdoor space here, so I often draw during drinks receptions or later in the evening when guests are relaxed and ready to have a laugh.