Award-winning Oundle wedding venue vows to overcome Covid hit

The 17th century Talbot Hotel, in Oundle, had just won wedding venue of the year 2020 when the lockdown was enforced.

The sudden closure forced the cancellation of many weddings and the 40 staff were furloughed.

Over night, the hotel’s central source of income was cut.

At its peak, the hotel was hosting about 60 weddings a year with 70 guests during the day rising to 120 in the evenings.

After lockdown ended, the hotel was told only gatherings of 30 were allowed - later cut to 15 - and all guests had to be seated.

Deputy general manager Dorota Metselaar, said: “The Talbot Hotel has been serving food and drink since the 17th century we are not going to see that end now.

“We want people to know how much work has gone into making the hotel Covid-secure.

“We are lucky no-one has been made redundant.

“Staff have worked hard to ensure a Covid-secure hotel for guests. We want them to know it is possible to come along and enjoy an evening drink or a meal here.”

Measures installed include social distancing signs, sanitiser points, spare masks, contactless payments and new ways of servicing rooms, handling keys and paying bills. Each shift has a Covid Champion to maintain tables of six and the track and trace system. The hotel has 60 weddings booked next year. Ms Metselaar said it is hoped the guest numbers allowed could return to pre-Covid levels.

Guests will find the hotel’s menu includes a choice Invisible Chips for £2.

All proceeds go Hospitality Action to help people in the hospitality industry whose live hoods are disappearing.