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Weston Grand Pier offers to help Oakhouse wedding couples

The Grand Pier The Grand PierThe Grand Pier
The Grand Pier have event spaces of "different shapes and sizes" for couples to choose from

A pleasure pier is offering free room hire to couples whose weddings were cancelled after another venue closed its doors unexpectedly.

The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare is offering free bookings to couples affected by the closure of the Oakhouse Hotel in Axbridge.

Insolvency company Leonard Curtis has said it is "unlikely" couples will get any money back.

Events manager at The Grand Pier said they "empathised" with the situation.

Following the unexpected closure of the Oakhouse Hotel, its owners said they were "ceasing to trade" and would be "unable to fulfil obligations" to wedding bookings.

An email sent to customers referenced "many external factors" leading to "an impossible economic climate".

The Oakhouse Hotel in Axbridge seen from outside
The Oakhouse Hotel told customers it would be "unable to fulfil obligations" for wedding bookings

As a result, any couples with confirmed bookings at Oakhouse Hotel are being invited to contact The Grand Pier events team. 

Pier events manager Melissa Rule said: "We empathise with couples who are going through a challenging time due to the sudden closure of their chosen venue.

"The Grand Pier is here to support and assist them in creating a beautiful and memorable wedding experience despite the unexpected hurdles they've faced."

Michelle Michael sitting facing the camera
"I don't think that we can say anything detrimental about the the venue that has closed," said Michelle Michael

Michelle Michael, director at The Grand Pier, said she understands why the Oakhouse had to close.

"Small businesses are up against it, in terms of the costs of having to run their venues. It's not an easy task.

"I don't think that we can say anything detrimental about the the venue that has closed.

"It's just sometimes these things happen, and it's about stepping in and helping those local couples that need to find alternative arrangements quickly."

She said there was "no cap" on how many people the pier was offering to help.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing that they are planning, and it's quite emotional when their plans don't come to fruition, so we're just trying to find a way to help them through the complexities of it," Ms Michael added.

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