Departure Lounge Cafe Reviews

Departure Lounge Cafe

Alton, Hampshire

5.0 out of 5 rating, 22 reviews

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5.0 out of 5 rating

5.0

Fantastic

22 reviews

Recommended by 100% of couples

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Sarah Sent on 09/04/2025

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Perfect day

My partner and I got married here in September. From the moment I first spoke with Simon and the lovely staff I knew it was the place I was finally going to get married. After an 11 year engagement and the passing of my parents this place became a special part of me. I didn’t even know it existed until my late father stored his motorhome at the storage yard. After his quick passing this lead me to lots of time spent at the cafe.
I finally was able to have the wedding I always wanted. Afternoon tea and a hog roast with the ceremony onsite and exclusive use. We only used the day before to set up...

My partner and I got married here in September. From the moment I first spoke with Simon and the lovely staff I knew it was the place I was finally going to get married. After an 11 year engagement and the passing of my parents this place became a special part of me. I didn’t even know it existed until my late father stored his motorhome at the storage yard. After his quick passing this lead me to lots of time spent at the cafe.
I finally was able to have the wedding I always wanted. Afternoon tea and a hog roast with the ceremony onsite and exclusive use. We only used the day before to set up but is available for 3 days before. The weather turned on day setting up and we were unable to marry outside due to the rain. Simon and his team set up the ceremony inside and then rearranged all the tables back to how we had set up day before. I had the most relaxed day because everything was so well planned by the staff and everyone commented on how amazing and unique the venue is.
Mia T. Sent on 04/11/2024

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Look no further! 10/10

From the moment we held our son’s christening here in 2022, I knew this is the place I’d get married. Simon and the team are the most accommodating, adaptable, friendly people and deserve a medal for putting up with us and our requests. No question went unanswered, no request was too much. Simon never ever left me waiting for a reply and encouraged us to visit the venue as often as we needed to set the scene. We had 3 whole days to set up (not that we needed it as Simon and the team were on hand to make everything look perfect before we arrived). He liaised with our suppliers and kept us updated constantly! He knew exactly...

From the moment we held our son’s christening here in 2022, I knew this is the place I’d get married. Simon and the team are the most accommodating, adaptable, friendly people and deserve a medal for putting up with us and our requests. No question went unanswered, no request was too much. Simon never ever left me waiting for a reply and encouraged us to visit the venue as often as we needed to set the scene. We had 3 whole days to set up (not that we needed it as Simon and the team were on hand to make everything look perfect before we arrived). He liaised with our suppliers and kept us updated constantly! He knew exactly what we wanted and exceeded all expectations! The following morning (with some sore heads) we arrived to undress the venue to find most of it had been done for us and our cards and gifts locked safely away. He even let my son have a ride on the lawn mower! My only regret from the day was not having our ceremony at the departure lounge as they make it look so beautiful! The highest recommendations go to Simon and the team at the departure lounge and we’re already looking for another excuse to throw a party here.
Lisa Sent on 09/10/2024

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Amazing experience

All the team were able to meet our dreams of the perfect reception for us with professional, can do but caring attitudes that made all the difference.
We were able to bring our unique ideas and Simon and the team achieved them.
We had afternoon tea with amazing home made cakes, scones and sandwiches then in the evening BBQ for 100 that was again the best butchers quality meat, vegetarian options and delicious side dishes.
The value for money booking here is in the professional, kind team, beautiful setting, quality and the additional touches They all do!!

All the team were able to meet our dreams of the perfect reception for us with professional, can do but caring attitudes that made all the difference.
We were able to bring our unique ideas and Simon and the team achieved them.
We had afternoon tea with amazing home made cakes, scones and sandwiches then in the evening BBQ for 100 that was again the best butchers quality meat, vegetarian options and delicious side dishes.
The value for money booking here is in the professional, kind team, beautiful setting, quality and the additional touches They all do!!
- +9 Photos

Chloe Sent on 02/09/2024

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The wedding of our dreams

Wow. Where do I even begin? We got engaged 15 months ago and as soon as we viewed The Departure Lounge as a potential venue, we cancelled all other future venue viewings. From the moment we saw it, we just knew it was the one, and Simon was fantastic. Simon kept in regular contact, happy to answer any questions and amending the invoice as and when. We had exclusive access to the venue 3 days prior to decorate which was handy, and Simon and his team took all decorations down for us, so we didn’t need to stress about doing it! Our big day was yesterday, and it was honestly the most amazing, beautiful and smoothly run day. We...

Wow. Where do I even begin? We got engaged 15 months ago and as soon as we viewed The Departure Lounge as a potential venue, we cancelled all other future venue viewings. From the moment we saw it, we just knew it was the one, and Simon was fantastic. Simon kept in regular contact, happy to answer any questions and amending the invoice as and when. We had exclusive access to the venue 3 days prior to decorate which was handy, and Simon and his team took all decorations down for us, so we didn’t need to stress about doing it! Our big day was yesterday, and it was honestly the most amazing, beautiful and smoothly run day. We have had so many compliments on the venue and food, which was absolutely delicious!!!!! I honestly cannot rave about this place enough, it was truly perfect, everything we ever imagined and SO much more. A massive thank you and shout out to Simon and his team, you are absolute angels and The Departure Lounge Cafe will always have a place in our hearts. 🤍
- +6 Photos
Rachel Sent on 25/08/2024

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An amazing and accommodating wedding venue

We had our wedding at The Departure Lounge Cafe and it was the best decision we made! Simon was so accommodating to all our wishes and needs for the day, we were able to create the day we had hoped for! Being able to have the venue three days prior then if day was really ideal, we were able to decorate and take our time setting up our wedding the way we wanted, Simon and his team did do a lot to help too! Our guests have not stopped talking about how amazing our day was from the food to the location to the atmosphere. We also got the cutest handmade gift, which was placed at our table setting. Thank you Simon and your team for helping create the best day ever!

We had our wedding at The Departure Lounge Cafe and it was the best decision we made! Simon was so accommodating to all our wishes and needs for the day, we were able to create the day we had hoped for! Being able to have the venue three days prior then if day was really ideal, we were able to decorate and take our time setting up our wedding the way we wanted, Simon and his team did do a lot to help too! Our guests have not stopped talking about how amazing our day was from the food to the location to the atmosphere. We also got the cutest handmade gift, which was placed at our table setting. Thank you Simon and your team for helping create the best day ever!
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Kayleigh Sent on 16/08/2024

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Amazing venue for an amazing day!

Absolutely stunning venue with the most amazing team making our special day flow without fault! Couldn't recommend more!

Absolutely stunning venue with the most amazing team making our special day flow without fault! Couldn't recommend more!
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Dominique Sent on 26/06/2024

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An absolute dream!

I can’t begin to explain how incredible the team at the departure lounge are! We met Simon and the team nearly a year ago when we found the DL online as a wedding venue. We knew as soon as we stepped foot there that it was the only place we wanted to get married. It was the best news for us when Simon got his licence for wedding ceremonies!
Everything leading up to the big day was so relaxed and easy to organise. Simon made the day so personalised to us, allowing us 3 days to decorate the marquee how we wanted, and giving us plenty of opportunities to meet to discuss any questions we had. They also...

I can’t begin to explain how incredible the team at the departure lounge are! We met Simon and the team nearly a year ago when we found the DL online as a wedding venue. We knew as soon as we stepped foot there that it was the only place we wanted to get married. It was the best news for us when Simon got his licence for wedding ceremonies!
Everything leading up to the big day was so relaxed and easy to organise. Simon made the day so personalised to us, allowing us 3 days to decorate the marquee how we wanted, and giving us plenty of opportunities to meet to discuss any questions we had. They also packed everything away for us to pick up, making the day after the wedding so easy!

On the day and leading up to it, no favour was ever too big! The girls were so kind and accommodating and the whole team worked so hard to make sure the day ran smoothly. We opted for the hog roast which was so very tasty…many people commented on the high quality of food! I would not hesitate to recommend the DL as a wedding venue to anyone I know. We’ve had so many messages from our guests saying how beautiful the day was, and this is all thanks to the DL. On top of all that, Simon gifted us a beautiful personalised wooden house that the DL sell in the cafe. We loved our day and hope many others can have the best wedding experience like we did there.

We can’t wait to continue visiting for your amazing cakes and breakfasts!!

Harry and Dominique
Rebecca Sent on 06/06/2024

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Can’t fault it! Amazing!

We had our wedding celebration here and we could not have chosen a more perfect location. The staff were kind, happy and so helpful. Simon was easy to contact and made the whole experience really enjoyable. We will never forget our day here and cannot thank the team enough for their hospitality and the beautiful venue!

We had our wedding celebration here and we could not have chosen a more perfect location. The staff were kind, happy and so helpful. Simon was easy to contact and made the whole experience really enjoyable. We will never forget our day here and cannot thank the team enough for their hospitality and the beautiful venue!
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Sarah Sent on 20/01/2024

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Wedding May 2023

We had our wedding reception at the departure lounge in May. From the first time we looked at the venue and met Simon, we were very excited about the opportunity to shape the venue exactly how we wanted and add lots of personal touches. Simon is cool calm and collected about any requests we could come up with, such as hanging a big hoop with disco balls off the pole of the marquee!

We had very wet weather but Simon took ownership of making sure everything still ran super smoothly between the cafe and the marquee for the hog roast, a roaming brass band, welcome drinks and everything in between. All ours friends and family said how lovely...

We had our wedding reception at the departure lounge in May. From the first time we looked at the venue and met Simon, we were very excited about the opportunity to shape the venue exactly how we wanted and add lots of personal touches. Simon is cool calm and collected about any requests we could come up with, such as hanging a big hoop with disco balls off the pole of the marquee!

We had very wet weather but Simon took ownership of making sure everything still ran super smoothly between the cafe and the marquee for the hog roast, a roaming brass band, welcome drinks and everything in between. All ours friends and family said how lovely the food was and we were able to hire a food truck for the evening food.

If you want to put personal touches on your wedding day but still want to have a very accommodating venue manager, caterer and bar service we couldn't recommend enough! Thank you Simon and team!
Samantha Sent on 06/10/2023

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Had the best wedding, just disappointed its all over

From the initial viewing stage Simon was very relaxed and answered my many many questions that I kept firing at him, there was no rush to look and it had a very chilled atmosphere. When we confirmed he promptly sent us the invoice and we paid our deposit. We were allowed to go in a couple of days before the big day to set up the marquee how we wanted it and there were barely any limitations on what we could have. We had complete creative control which was nice. Fast forward to the day and it was beautiful the lawn looked lovely with our arch on and the hay bales. Once the ceremony was over the reception drinks...

From the initial viewing stage Simon was very relaxed and answered my many many questions that I kept firing at him, there was no rush to look and it had a very chilled atmosphere. When we confirmed he promptly sent us the invoice and we paid our deposit. We were allowed to go in a couple of days before the big day to set up the marquee how we wanted it and there were barely any limitations on what we could have. We had complete creative control which was nice. Fast forward to the day and it was beautiful the lawn looked lovely with our arch on and the hay bales. Once the ceremony was over the reception drinks were ready and Simon and his team discreetly took down our arch and moved the hay to around the fire pits. He checked in and you knew he was there if you needed him but he wasn't pushy or in your face. After lunch they quickly removed some tables and the Dj was moved in it was pretty seamless, the team they have there go out of there way to help when you need and always had a smile. At the end of the evening we didn't have to help tidy or take anything down it was all done and packed for us ready to collect Sunday morning when we went for breakfast. I cannot recommend them all enough.
- +10 Photos