Winter weddings at Huntsham Court have a magic all of their own — the crackle of open fires, candlelit feasts, and the cosy, intimate atmosphere that makes this season so special. When it comes to food, Queen & Whippet have been one of our trusted recommended suppliers for many years, and their approach to winter catering is nothing short of exceptional.
With their creative catering approach and their ability to switch between — and fully embrace — the seasons, they offer a beautiful glimpse into what celebrating at Huntsham Court in the colder months can feel like. From the flavours that shine at this time of year to the menus that bring people together, their insight captures the heart of winter celebrations here.
With a selection of winter dates still available for 2026, this is the perfect, mouth‑watering glimpse into what your celebration could feel (and taste!) like.
Winter brings such a special atmosphere to Huntsham Court — what do you love most about catering for celebrations during this season?
Winter brings a chic and cosy grandeur to Huntsham Court. The house itself seems to lean in; the high ceilings hold the glow of candlelight beautifully and the fireplaces create natural gathering spots.
From a wedding catering perspective, we love how winter encourages guests to slow down and savour. Plates linger longer, flavours can be richer, and couples are drawn towards feasting experiences that feel luxurious and generous. There’s a real sense of togetherness at this time of year, exactly what we aim to reflect and nurture through our menus.
How do you approach creating a menu that reflects the warmth and indulgence of winter while still surprising guests with something unique?
We always begin with the season. Winter wants depth, comfort and richness, but that doesn’t mean heavy. Our goal is to create seasonal wedding menus that feel warming, elegant, and full of personality. While the British produce calendar may look quieter than at the height of summer, the glorious brassicas, winter roots, game, shellfish, mushrooms and citrus of winter can really shine.
Surprise comes from contrast. Think along the lines of:
– Bright citrus note against something slow-braised
– Sharp pickle to cut through buttery sauces
– Vibrant, colourful winter salad alongside darker, roasted flavours
By balancing indulgence with freshness, we avoid the “too heavy” trap while still giving guests that winter-feast feeling.
Are there particular ingredients or flavours you find yourself drawn to when designing winter menus at Huntsham Court?
Winter is a gift for chefs who love depth and seasonality. Some ingredients we often build around include:
Root vegetables: celeriac, parsnip, beetroot, and carrot, celebrated for their sweetness and texture
British game: venison, duck, pheasant, especially fitting for a historic house wedding
Citrus: blood orange, bergamot, grapefruit for brightness
Winter herbs: rosemary, sage, thyme
Warming spices: star anise, cinnamon, clove
Somerset and Devon cheeses: perfect for canapés or decadent late-evening grazing
The ingredients at this time of year naturally lean into comfort. But used thoughtfully, they can be anything but predictable.
The fires, candlelight, and rich décor of the house make winter weddings here so atmospheric — how do you complement that setting through your food presentation or service style?
Huntsham Court’s winter chic aesthetic gives us an incredible canvas. We echo it through…
Rich, textural presentation: warm-toned ceramics, brass or matte-gold details, and deep-coloured garnishes bring the room’s palette onto the plate.
Abundant feasting moments: winter loves generosity. Sharing boards, grazing tables, or platters of roasted vegetables and slow-cooked meats feel perfectly at home in a candlelit dining room.
A measured, more theatrical service style: synchronised plating, tableside pours, or carved-at-the-table elements that suit the old-world charm of the house.
Embracing glow: we position dishes to catch the candlelight so that glazes, sauces, and fresh herbs glint beautifully in warm, low light.
Can you show us a sample of a winter menu you might create for an event at Huntsham Court?
Here’s an example of the kind of winter wedding menu we’d create for a celebration at Huntsham Court.
It balances indulgence, freshness, theatre and seasonality, exactly what the venue calls for.
What’s your favourite memory from an event you’ve catered at Huntsham Court?
Every event at Huntsham is memorable, but one that stands out was Isabella and Alex. Isabella is an art historian specialising in embroidery at The Royal School of Needlework. Her dress was an Alice Temperley featuring stunning embroidery and the cake had an embroidered pattern also. The whole wedding was completely unique to the couple. It’s fantastic when couples decide to forge their own path and make the day as special to them as possible.
Isabella had a restrictive diet but really loves food. So we designed a menu that meant she didn’t miss a thing. They had hand-dived scallops cooked in miso butter and seaweed for starters. Then hay brined chicken for main and a classic sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
Do you have any tips for couples planning a winter wedding menu — perhaps ways to add a seasonal twist or enhance the guest experience?
Lean into the season, don’t fight it. Choose dishes that feel comforting, warming and celebratory; it elevates the whole atmosphere.
Add contrast: a bright pickle, a fresh herb, or a zesty citrus moment will keep your menu feeling vibrant, not heavy.
Consider the flow of the day. Guests arrive from the cold, so start with warming canapés or a hot welcome drink.
Think about colour. Winter plates need visual brightness. Jewel-toned produce and fresh herbs photograph beautifully in low light.
Don’t forget late-night food. Winter celebrations tend to be cosy and lively, and guests love a hearty evening snack.
And finally, if you could sum up the ‘magic’ of a winter celebration at Huntsham Court in just a few words, what would they be?
“Candlelit warmth, abundant feasting, effortless elegance.”
If you’re dreaming of a winter wedding at Huntsham Court, we’d love to craft something unforgettable for you.
Through our consultation process, we’ll create a menu together that feels like it was made for the season, the house, and your story.
