We love celebrations at the River Rat. So whether you are planning a family dinner, birthday, anniversary or wedding reception we could provide your perfect venue.
With the ability to accommodate up to 70 guests and options ranging from a BBQ in our sun trap garden, buffet, or a set menu in the relaxing surrounds of the restaurant, the team at The River Rat will work closely with you to ensure you get the option that best suits your needs and budget. Our venue is split in to several areas, offering the option of the whole venue or private space. Choose from:
- Garden - set over 4 tiers, the garden offers the best in alfresco dining. Perfect for less formal events. Can seat 65 guests over 8-10 tables, or 70 with informal seating/standing space. Of course if you wanted just a section for a smaller party this can also be accommodated. Our new large garden hut can seat 14-18 guests and is perfect for those more intimate celebrations.
- The Loft - our upstairs restaurant area provides an intimate setting for smaller events. Low beams and understated decor provides a great platform for you to add your own touch if themeing an event. Can seat 15-22 guests.
- Wine Rat - our newest addition, can be completely self contained for business meetings, social events or workshops for 15-22 guests. High ceiling giving a spacious atmosphere, with its own entrance, vino inspired decor and more casual bar seating.
Contact us now to discuss your event. With no venue hire fee (minimum spend may apply), multiple options and flexibility, The River Rat is the perfect venue for your function. Our highly experienced team will work with you every step of the way to ensure your event is a success.
“Sarah, Laura and the Team hosted our wedding reception on Wed 16th December 2020. Despite the ever changing COVID restrictions they made the whole thing super simple and enjoyable. Décor was great, service was superb and food was fantastic (Fillet steak main was perfectly cooked!). The whole evening was perfect from start to finish. Thank you all, you helped make our day special and memorable.
Love Neil and Laura x”
“A celebration for a special birthday and we couldn’t have chosen better. From the moment we walked in to the quaint restaurant, our experience just got better and better. Fabulous staff who looked after us exceptionally well to the most amazing food. Go and experience this great restaurant run by two sisters. - tracyjC4613NE”
“We hired the whole restaurant for a private event to celebrate my 40th. The venue was perfect - the secret garden was available if the weather was kind (it was) or there was plenty of inside space. We opted for the bbq buffet menu which went down a storm and was scrummy. The staff were wonderful, from being helpful with the preparations in the run up to the day, then attentive, polite and courteous on the day. Nothing was too much trouble. I’d thoroughly recommend this venue and we look forward to visiting again for dinner or Sunday lunch!”
“My husband and I are local to the village and wanted to try here for a while. We decided to try with our friends and we were not disappointed. Service was great and food was just fantastic. Our friends felt like they were abroad in the garden hut. We couldn’t stop talking about the meal afterwards and cannot wait to visit again. ”
FAQs
Can I hire the whole venue?
Yes the whole venue can be hired providing the date is free of bookings. We don’t charge a venue hire fee but instead there will be a minimum spend required. This will vary depending on the time of the year and day of the week.
Can I hire part of the venue?
Yes we can part hire the venue or an area in our garden. A minimum spend is required for exclusive use of a space.
Can I have a band?
If you have hired the whole venue you can indeed bring in any entertainment. Musicians are welcome however we are only permitted to have non-amplified music with a 10.00pm curfew. Any entertainment suppliers will be arranged directly by yourself however will need to be able to provide risk assessments & insurance liability on request.
What catering options are there?
We are very flexible with catering requirements and if you have any special requests we will certainly try to meet them. Our head chef is happy to discuss options with you. Below are some options and from prices based on a minimum of 15 guests:
Canapés are priced from £5.95pp (based on approx. 3 pieces per person)
Tapas style buffet: a selection of cold and hot dishes designed to be selected from a table by guests on small plates. Ideal for more informal dining. From £20pp
BBQ buffet: We could offer a BBQ buffet, which our staff can serve from a buffet table or we can platter the food to go in the centre of each guests tables for them to help themselves. This would include a selection of BBQ'd meats, fish, vegetables plus accompanying salads, breads and condiments. Priced from £26pp
Themed buffet: alternatively we can do a themed buffet e.g. Mexican, Indian, Paella etc if you had a particular theme in mind. This can be discussed further. Priced from £20pp
Sparkling Afternoon Tea buffet. Priced from £25pp
Sit down set menu 2 or 3 course from £25 pp - this would be based on our a la carte menu at the time, you would select 2 options for each course and we would need a pre order 14 days prior along with final numbers and any dietary requirements.
Can I arrange additional catering e.g. a hog roast?
Yes you are able to bring in additional catering suppliers however we cannot allow the use of our kitchen to anyone external. Any external catering suppliers will be arranged directly by yourself and will be additional to the minimum spend required for the venue. Suppliers will need to be able to provide risk assessments & insurance liability on request.
How sheltered is the garden/do you have gazebos if the weather is looking wet?
Our garden has a covered terrace area and a number of other sheltered tables but is not all covered. We can obtain a 2.5x2.5m and a 4x3m gazebo if required for £50 hire. These cover the majority of the remaining open spaces, however cannot withstand torrential rainfall or high winds.
Are we able to get married at the River Rat?
We are not licensed for marriage ceremonies however small humanist ceremonies are possible. We do have an accredited celebrant that we recommend: Jan Halliday
The venue is quite segregated so to have a ceremony in one area would be able to hold a maximum of 25-30 guests..
Can I bring my own alcohol?
You can but corkage rates apply.
What are your payment terms?
We require a deposit of £10pp to secure your date. We would then require the remaining balance 14 days prior along with final numbers, any pre-orders and dietary requirements. Any bar tabs are to be settled on the day of the event.