Swallows Oast

About the venue

An 1830s twin-kiln oast house at Gibbs Reed Farm near Ticehurst, converted into a banqueting hall in 1995. It seats 130 under an oak-beamed ceiling with a minstrels' gallery, holds civil ceremonies inside and under the Pavilion, and has a woodland bridal suite with a slipper bath.

Swallows Oast was built in the 1830s as a twin-kiln oast house and turned into a banqueting hall in 1995. Its sandstone and timber structure stands at Gibbs Reed Farm, in the countryside outside Ticehurst.

The main hall is roughly 17 feet wide and 38 feet long, with an oak-beamed ceiling and pine floor. A semi-spiral staircase climbs to a minstrels' gallery, which can hold extra tables, a buffet or a string quartet looking down on the meal.

The two roundels at the far end form the entrance. One houses the licensed bar, and the premises is licensed until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Up to 130 guests sit down comfortably, and the tables clear away afterwards for dancing.

Civil ceremonies can take place inside the Oast or outside under the Pavilion, both licensed by East Sussex County Council. Partial and non-legal ceremonies also happen in the woodland enclave along Swallows Trail and at the pagoda beside the lake.

Extra space comes from an attached marquee, which opens from the south-facing door onto the courtyard. It comes in 9x6, 9x9, 9x12 and 9x18 metre sizes. Each one has flooring, champagne lining, chandelier lighting and orangery windows.

Food is handled by Capers Catering, the in-house team run by Russell Webb. The team has catered events across the South East for more than 25 years. Menus range widely, and barbecues and hog roasts are popular for the wedding breakfast or the evening.

The bridal suite is designed as a cabin in the woods, with a woodburner, slipper bath, wifi and a smart TV. The room next door handles hair and make-up and has sofa beds and a walk-in shower for the bridal party.

Swallows Trail leads down to a gateway where, on a clear day, the view reaches Brightling. Helicopters can land on site, camping is possible, and children get a playground and willow maze at the top of the trail.

1830s twin-kiln oast house converted to a banqueting hall in 1995

Seats 130 under an oak-beamed ceiling with a minstrels' gallery

Civil ceremonies inside the Oast and under the Pavilion

Non-legal ceremonies in the woodland enclave and at the lakeside pagoda

Attached marquee from 9x6 to 9x18 metres

In-house Capers Catering, including barbecues and hog roasts

Cabin-style bridal suite with woodburner and slipper bath

Licensed until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays