Couple left in shock as wedding venue closes
ACOUPLE were left facing a race against time after they found out on Facebook their wedding venue would close before their big day.
Des Cobey, 55, and Julie Brindle, 59, from Macclesfield, had booked their ceremony and reception at the Wizard Inn, Alderley Edge, for May 15.
But just a few months before the wedding Julie saw a social media post saying the pub would shut, which it did last month.
The couple had already sent out invites and paid £70 for a registration of intent to marry so with three months to go were at panic stations.
They have now found an alternative venue for the same day - at the Lyme Breeze, in Adlington.
But Des and Julie have been less than happy with the ‘unsympathetic’ treatment they have received and want the pub owner to refund them the £70.
Julie said: “I was on
Facebook and I saw the post from the Wizard saying it was to close. That was the first we’d heard so I was shocked, it’s a good job I saw it.
”I read it and reread it, the news gave us a few sleepless nights. It was stressful trying to find somewhere we could get married at 4pm on May 15.
“The Wizard meant something to us as a venue as I grew up near there.”
The building is owned by the National Trust, who the couple say have been very helpful - even giving them a complimentary lunch at the neighbouring Wizard Tea Room.
However, they have been less than happy when dealing with the pub’s tenant, who negotiated an early release from the tenancy, which had been due to expire in April 2021.
The tenancy is held by a company owned by Martin Ainscough, who does not feel he has been unsympathetic or is liable for the £70 fee.
Des said: “There’s not even been a sorry offered, that is why we are so adamant we want our £70 returning.
“It’s the principle” Julie added: “It’s the way we found out too, they could have rung us. I appreciate things can happen but they don’t seem to care.
“But we won’t let it spoil our day, as it gets closer and closer we are very much looking forward to it.”
Des and Julie have had to pay for a new registration of intent relating to their new venue.
When contacted Mr Ainscough said: “I have been in contact with Mr Cobey and have not accepted that we should pay for his registration fee.
”I am very sorry that he thinks we have not dealt with him in a sympathetic way.”