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Wedding Inspiration
Raising the Bar: Creating an unforgettable drinks experience at your Pelham House Wedding
At Pelham House, we believe the drinks you serve should be just as unforgettable as every other moment of your wedding day. From the first toast to the newlyweds to the last cocktail of the night, each drink your guests sip adds to the experience of the day.
That’s why our bar team are dedicated to creating moments that feel thoughtful, personal, and full of character. Whether it’s a cocktail mixed in the moment, a mocktail crafted to perfection, or simply a drink handed over with a smile and a bit of personality, it’s all part of what makes a Pelham House celebration so unforgettable.
At the heart of it all is our superstar Bar Manager, Jonny Ritchie, whose passion for hospitality, storytelling, and a perfectly balanced drink shines through in everything we do. Below, Jonny shares his insight into what makes the drinks experience at Pelham House truly special and why it’s something your guests will be talking about long after the last glass is emptied.
Introducing our Bar Manager, Jonny
Hi folks, Jonny Ritchie here, the Bar manager at the gorgeous Pelham House in Lewes, East Sussex.
It is my job here at Pelham to ensure that your (our guests) drinks experience is one to be remembered. From the very first sip until the last, every single drink should be perfect.
“We have a carefully selected bar menu, alongside an incredible offering of fresh cocktails and mocktails, to ensure that every person is guaranteed only the best drink(s) possible.”
Jonny
Service shaped by hospitality experiences from around the world
Having worked in hospitality around the world, there are a few moments in time that stand out for me when it comes to bars and service… usually all for the right reasons! From interactions with the staff to a unique cocktail handed to me from a mixologist’s private book, a fresh mojito in Cuba, a colour-changing martini while looking over Times Square, and so many more, these experiences are remembered for the moments of care where time has been taken to ensure what I was drinking was perfect. This is exactly what I try to bring to the bar here at Pelham House. Ensuring that each interaction is almost magic, to get to know the customers, find out what they drink or suggest something based on the conversation, to amend the drink, to add a personal touch if they have a preference. Again, to give the time that should be delivered each moment.
We’re passionate about keeping spirits high
Our most popular drinks here vary from wedding to wedding. However, an Espresso Martini is one of our best sellers; I get it! It’s not too sweet, or dry and is full of flavour. Ideal for just after food or as a pick-you-up if it is a long day. Up against that are any of our cocktails as they’re all tasty! I can say with pride that we made over 40 Espresso Martinis fresh in one night recently, and to quote one of our guests, “we have them (Espresso Martinis) all over the world, we’re Irish, we drink, but these are the best we have ever had”.
Bringing the magic to the Pelham bar
Unique moments behind our bar here at Pelham usually involve a little bit of magic. I have worked as a professional magician, and when I get the chance, I will be sure to bring a little magic to your wedding. Just ask to see a trick and I’ll show you something special. Along with myself, my bar team here at Pelham are incredible, they know how to deliver! Ensuring that you will be leaving the bar with not only a delicious drink in your hand but a smile on your face too.
A drinks experience as unique as you
To make sure each wedding is perfect for every couple, we discuss absolutely everything regarding their day. What I/we want to know, from the bar’s perspective is: what is a drink you both love, or enjoy together? If there is something you’d like specifically? If so ask, and I can guarantee we will do our best to deliver. We regularly have couples cocktail stations, old-fashioned bars, bellini bars etc. Of course, we have certain limits, but we will do anything to try and make your day as perfect as we can.
“It’s the little moments that make the big difference”
We want every single person that walks through our door to feel welcomed and comfortable. We will ask you how your day is going, ask how they know the couple, what their favourite drink is, and ensure that what they receive is exactly what they asked for. We love to almost guess what they’ll want next, making sure we can connect a face to a drink. It really breaks down that wall, the foot apart, and allows the guest to relax.
These little moments are what reflect in our reviews, about how the team are welcoming, friendly, accommodating and go to all lengths to make sure everyone is taken care of. My favourite moment comes from a wedding where I actually knew the bride, (my wife’s manager). She asks, “come on Jonny, where’s the Sex on the beaches?” We don’t have that specific cocktail on our list: However, being a veteran of hospitality, I whipped one together and placed it right in front of her the second before speeches started. She was shocked to say the least, her jaw dropped and a small applause came from the top table. It was a small gesture, but I find it’s the little moments that make the big difference.
We’ve spent years training to make the hard look easy
From a guest’s view, it should be simple: You come to the bar, order and are served a drink in less than a couple of minutes. What goes into creating that moment comes from time. Time of learning the most efficient way to pour and collate a drinks order, what to do first, what comes last, how do I navigate about two other people, take payment and check in with the guest. When you see a comfortable bar person, it means they’ve spent years making the hard look easy. We learn the cocktails off the book as best we can but may have a cheeky cheat sheet hidden from you in case of a long day. But we do it all to make sure you’re smiling.
“I am passionate about what I do because I want to deliver the best service I can”
I am passionate about what I do, and that is because I want to deliver the best service I can. A service that I want when I go to a bar. I am also very proud of where I work, I actually got married in the same venue July 10th 2021. Who knew a few years later I’d be here working. I love what I do and each drink I make I want to make sure the recipient loves it. My favourite drinks to make are those I love to drink, adding my own little spin. I like a lot but a few favourites: An old fashioned, A Cuba Libre (Rum and coke), A neat whisky and pina colada and he dreaded margarita to name but a few.
The dream team
I love working at Pelham House. The care and precision that goes into every wedding, venue, guest and employee is next to none. I have the best support team, staff and colleagues that I can rely on whenever I need it the most.
As you can see from Jonny’s words, every drink served at Pelham House is made with genuine care, creativity, and a deep passion for hospitality. Your drinks experience is just one of the many ways we ensure every detail of your wedding feels personal, polished, and completely unforgettable. If you have a favourite cocktail, a signature serve in mind, or simply want to explore how to make your drinks offering feel extra special, Jonny and his team would love to chat.
Come and visit Pelham House
We’d be delighted to show you around our stunning venue and talk through your vision. Book a visit to experience Pelham House in person and start planning a wedding that’s truly your own.