Spotlight on: The Grove
By Kelly Collins /London Venue Expert
Sat 26th Jul 2025
The Grove isn’t your average country estate: it’s giving Bridgerton meets high‑end weekend away. Just 18 miles from London, this five‑star spot has everything: a next‑level spa, a championship golf course, insane dining (yes, the buffet is that good), and some serious main‑character‑energy rooms.
It’s where weddings feel like movie sets, staycations turn into full‑on retreats, and you (might) casually bump into celebs while sipping champagne in the garden.
We caught up with Jenna Johnson, Director of Events at The Grove, to chat all things weddings and corporate events. From glamorous ballroom receptions to big‑deal conferences that feel anything but boring, they gave us the lowdown on how the estate pulls off show‑stopping celebrations and seamless business events in equal measure.
Q. If your venue had a personality, how would you describe it in three words?
A. Personable, relaxed and creative
Q. What’s one feature or space in your venue that always wows corporate clients?
A. The Cedar Suite. Inspired by nature, its floor to ceiling windows and terrace doors bring the outside in. Designed by luxury interiors guru Martin Hulbert, the space offers a 180 degree view over our stunning formal gardens.
Q. What’s your dream corporate event to host, and why?
A. A 2-night corporate retreat during the Summer as we have something for everyone. I love the idea of an evening BBQ in our Walled Garden with an exclusive cinema screening on the lawn. Sunrise yoga in our Sunken Garden and exclusive use of our Glasshouse restaurant for breakfast. From outdoor pursuits in our woodlands to creative code-cracking games led by our team building partners, The Grove is the ideal place for a unique, tailored team event.
Q. What sets your venue apart from others in the corporate world?
A. We deliver relaxed luxury like no one else. High level service whilst allowing our guests to be themselves and feel at home. We have the ability to offer exclusivity or partial exclusivity which allows guests to execute their programmes with discretion.
Q. What’s your “hidden gem” feature that people might overlook?
A. The Walled Garden. Where you can leave your stresses at the gate and step into a little corner of paradise. Home to a heated outdoor pool, private beach, kitchen garden and seasonal dining experiences. A perfect spot to recharge in between meetings and activities.
Q. How does your team make every event extra special?
A. Presence is really important for us, our clients need to know that we are with the to support every step of the way so being visible at every touch point of the event is essential. We like to get to know our clients so that we can personalise their stay as much as possible.
Q. How does your team ensure every corporate event runs smoothly?
A. Communication is key, from Sales throughout Planning to execution, the team work as one team and this is what allows our clients to feel reassured they are in the best hands.
Q. What type of corporate events does your venue attract most?
A. Senior leadership retreats, residential conferences, team building days and large scale awards/gala dinners. Corporate golf days are also hugely popular.
Q. What corporate event trends are you noticing, and how is your venue adapting to them?
A. Corporate events are becoming very experiential. Less time in the conference room and more time together in a less formal setting. Food stations / live cooking is also a big hit right now and our team deliver this brilliantly.
Q. Finally, what’s your go-to song for hyping up before a big event?
Whether you’re hosting a high‑impact conference, an end‑of‑year celebration, or a client event that needs to impress, The Grove has it covered. It’s polished without being pretentious; sophisticated yet relaxed… and the kind of venue that makes networking, dining, and celebrating feel next‑level.
