For anyone looking for somewhere historic and unusual for a family get-together, party, wake, business meal or small wedding reception, the elegant, Edwardian Palmerston Rooms in the market town of Romsey could be the perfect place. The owners of this B&B with 8 individually refurbished bedrooms, Graham and Kay Choules, now offer bespoke lunches and dinners for 20 – 30 in the light and airy downstairs eating area, spilling out if needed into a marquee in the courtyard garden.
Graham has been in the hospitality industry as a chef for many years working for the Potters Heron in nearby Ampfield and then moving to the Grosvenor Hotel, Stockbridge as Head Chef. He changed tack a little into butchery, working at the long-established John Robinson’s Butchers, also in Stockbridge, where he was involved in outside catering (even cooking for the Queen and Prince Phillip during their visit to the Bishops Palace, Winchester).
A natural progression for Graham and Kay was to use the downstairs space at The Palmerston Rooms, combining this with Graham’s love of cooking and entertaining, to offer groups a quality meal experience, whatever the occasion. The Palmerston Rooms is licensed, so can provides alcohol and Graham cooks for each group to the highest standard, creating meat and meat-free dishes as well as options for special diets. Graham enjoys involving clients for group meals when choosing menus for their special event. Decorations such as fairy lights, candles, bunting, balloons and flower arrangements can be arranged as can virtually any other addition to make the events truly memorable. Full waitress service is also offered.
Says Graham: ‘Kay and I really enjoy welcoming groups into the house for a special get-together and offering them great hospitality. So far those that have had lunch or dinner here have gone away having had a really special time. I enjoy producing quality food using as many seasonal, local ingredients as possible. This year we bought a marquee that we can put in the courtyard garden to provide extra space. As well as occasions for family and friends we can offer local businesses a great space for company get-togethers, so important for bringing teams together or entertaining clients.’
For those that want to make a night of it there are 8 individually-refurbished bedrooms with full English breakfast or lighter options included. All rooms have WiFi, flat screen TVs and en-suites. The Palmerston Rooms are central to the main part of the town, which has plenty of shops, cafes, garden spaces and the 900 year-old Abbey.
For more information on The Palmerston Rooms’ facilities visit Home – The Palmerston Rooms and to discuss a group event ring 01794 840105 or email [email protected]