We are so excited to have received an incredible accolade on 14th March, when we won the silver award in the Wedding Venue Category of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in Exeter.

Representing the best of the best, The South West Tourism Excellence Awards are among the most rigorous awarding bodies in the country, with several rounds that must be successfully completed, excelling above incredible competitors to make it through to the finals.

Wedding coordinators Matt and Sue represented Blackfriars on stage at the University of Exeter

The awards take a deep dive into every aspect of the candidate business, with a thorough evaluation taken over several months covering areas such as:

Website usability, look and level of information.
Reviews, responsiveness to reviews and social media quality.
Mystery shop to test customer service levels and ease of contacting us.
Onsite interview with a member of the judging panel who assessed the team, our service, the quality of the venue and its facilities.
Actions towards sustainability and tackling climate change.
Dedication to equality and inclusion.
The wedding offer and how it meets couple’s needs.
Adaptability to changing trends.
And many more!

Our achievements in the judging criteria impressed judges, who noted our dedication to each couple and delivering their unique day. We were also congratulated on our excellent reviews, which reflect the hard work and love that we put into everyone we work with. Many of our couples end up returning to see us time and time again to revisit the location of their special day and to see our team.

We are so proud to have been shortlisted for the finals and to have won a Silver award against such tough competition from locations such as Cornish castles, beachside luxury hotels and even a vineyard.

Even though we have been successful in making it to the finals in the last two years, our work towards improving our venue is never over and we are always striving for the next development.

Our awards are proudly displayed on our North Range bar.

We Won Another Award!