Big changes at Winslade Manor

Winslade Manor is stepping away from its daily restaurant service to focus on events and catering, after revealing that parties and group bookings now make up more than 80% of its business.

The restaurant at Winslade Park, just outside of Exeter, will no longer offer regular dining tables - a decision the team called “incredibly difficult but necessary” in the current economic climate.

In a statement, the team said: “Winslade Manor has always been a place to celebrate and that’s exactly where we’re now placing our focus. Events have been propping up the restaurant for a couple of years now, and in the current climate, doubling down on what works feels like a no-brainer.”

While casual dining bookings will be paused, all existing group and private events will go ahead as planned. The venue will also launch a new calendar of themed feasting nights, supper clubs and the return of its popular Super Sunday Lunches.

The Manor Bar will remain open for coffee, cake and drinks during weekdays and event evenings, and there will be no changes to the Cellar Café & Bar, which is “going from strength to strength.”

Like many in the hospitality sector, the team cited “unachievable margins, soaring wage costs and a relentless cycle of tax” as reasons for the shift. However, the venue has secured national catering contracts, expanded its outside catering operation and built a dark kitchen offering services to well-known businesses and hotels.

Executive Chef Chris Chatfield will now lead a restructured culinary team focused on creative catering, large-scale events and a growing portfolio of external food experiences - including weddings, corporate events, and fire-cooked feasts under stretch tents.

“Hospitality is in a dark place,” the statement added, “but we’re lucky. This change keeps everyone employed and puts the business on a firmer footing for the future.”

The team also confirmed that Winslade Manor gift vouchers will still be redeemable for events and group dining experiences. A new events calendar will launch soon on their website.