Updated April 2023 at which time all links were current.

Please let me know if any of the links do not work or there have been changes. Sadly of course there may be businesses no longer trading who have had more pressing worries than informing us…

Also please note we have a list of local businesses who have helped with building etc work on the Silk Mill.

WHONOTES
Somerset Ceremonies GuideUseful publication by Somerset County Council Wedding Service
Booking the Registrar
01823 282251
somersetregistrations@somerset.gov.uk
Somerset have an excellent site (linked in the first column) to help you with book the registrar.
They get booked up a long way ahead so it is good to get onto this nice and early.
Wedding Planning
info@weddingplanner.co.uk
We have not actually used this service yet but they contacted us and the website looks really useful and they are a nice bunch of people. If you use them will you give us some feedback so that I can update this listing? Thanks
Celebrant
07760 183477
josie.lamb.celebrant@gmail.com
Local (Bath based) celebrant
Sara Cummings, The Natural Celebrant

0784 119 5725

saracumming143@outlook.com
A local celebrant who also offers a dog chaperone service. Sara won ‘Celebrant of the Year 2024’ for the Southern Enterprise Awards & Regional Finalist for ‘Best Wedding Celebrant in the South West 2024’ for The Wedding Industry Awards!
One For The Road
07852 987641
events@onefortheroadbars.co.uk
Event Planners through whom you could channel all your planning to simplify everything.
The Natural Vibe Co
07736 543310
gayle@thenaturalvibeco.co.uk
Gayle specialises in designing and coordinating eco-friendly weddings and events.
MARQUEES
Bear in mind that we now have our two canopies up between May and the end of October.
Copper Mill Hire Company
info@coppermillhire.co.uk
Local rustic reclaimed furniture hire for events
Prickly Pear Stretch Tents
07825 828671
07790 270742
pricklypearstretchtents@gmail.com
Bristol based marquee/tent company with beautiful tents available.
Vintage Marquees
01249 716119
caroline@vintagemarquees.co.uk
Great local company marquee with a pretty two pointed tent that fits well outside the gallery door.
They also hire out a huge variety of furniture and decorations.
South West Marquees
01373 836999
info@southwestmarquees.co.uk
Local marquee hire company based in Nunney. They know the site so may quote without site visit
Abbas Marquees
01749 890909
Enquiry@abbasmarquees.co.uk
Marquee hire company based at Pilton.
Party Bench
07766 883037
partybench@gmail.com
These bench hire people are based in Frome.
Curated Canvas
07599 516951
hello@curatedcanvas.co.uk
Hire furniture etc rather than marquees. They have an interesting & eclectic selection of furniture & decorations for hire
caterers
September House, Facebook Page
September House, Website
07484755058
bruce.martin@brucemartin.co.uk
September House are a small family farm based at Horningsham very near Frome. They raise their own animals for the delicious pies and flans that they make.
Fat Radish
01373 596102
info@fatradish.co.uk
Fat Radish, sister restaurant to The River House, spent 5 years operating as a successful restaurant in Frome before making the decision to focus solely on wedding and events catering.
Ellen Porteous who runs it has a personal licence and a great team who are efficient at switching the gallery round from ceremony setup to mealtime. The food they create is wonderful!

They are a very good solution to food and alcohol. They have catered etc for many weddings at the Silk Mill and all the feedback has always been excellent.
chickchakfalafel


chikchakfalafel@gmail.com
These vegan/vegetarian makers of falafels have a stall in Frome Market on a Saturday. Their food is delicious!
First Press Hospitality
07468 469714
james@firstpressrecruitment.com
These guys appear in 2 categories as they offer catering as well as bar and staff services.
Mesa Catering

0117 2510282

hello@mesacatering.co.uk
Mesa Catering is the preferred catering supplier & partner of Pieminister and The Thali Cafe. Based in Bristol they can do anything from a simple street-food style event to a four course banquet. It was all marvellous for a recent wedding at the Silk Mill.
Mexican Street Food

07827 967 232

info@mizstreetfood.co.uk
We have not met these caterers yet but they sound awesome, tell us what you think if you go for them for your event. They have a food truck that they can bring along if you wish. The pricing starts from £12per head not including staff and travel.
Full Flavour Dining Events

01225 667818

07984 300743

abi@fullflavourevents.co.uk
We have not had these people at the Silk Mill but they sound wonderful, if you hire them let us know what you think
Ember & Vine
james@embersandvine.uk
They say “Ember and Vine is the marriage between owners Sean and Mary's two loves, smoked foods and wine.”
They live in Frome and have not yet catered here but they sound absolutely yummy!
Ebbie's Kitchen
07782 369 896
ebbie@ebbieskitchen.co.uk
Will do bar as well as food, know the Silk Mill well and produce excellent delicious food. Very lovely helpful team.
Cafe Bon Bon Ice Cream Tricycle
07515 893294
cafebonicecream@aol.com
These guys have been here several times and they are a wonderful way to have a snack at tea time to stave off the pangs before the big feast… kid friendly alternative to canapés!
The Coexist Community Kitchen
food@coexistuk.org
They say: "We're a non-profit community kitchen, cookery school and catering team. We run free cookery classes with those accessing support services in the community, working with a number of organisations including drug & alcohol services, refugee & asylum support and mental health services. We see food as the most simple and easy way to support each other as we help to build a stronger, healthier and more joyful society.

To help to fund these courses, we offer a full catering service for events and weddings, offering beautiful, seasonal and locally-sourced dishes."

At the Silk Mill we think this sounds a fantastic venture and we look forward to their first visit!
Mrs B's Catering
01373 452593
office@mrsbscaringcatering.co.uk
Great local company who regularly sell produce at the monthly independent market.
Vero's Kitchen
07507 770158
verosegura83@hotmail.com
Vero has was in charge of the food side of the Tapas (under the excellent guidance of Josh Brudenell) for the most recent (2019) Frome Festival Cantina, and brillant it was too. She has catered for several other events at the Silk Mill and her food is always wonderful and excellent value.
Miranda Catering
mirandacatering@mail.com
Makes lovely canapés and is the in house caterer at Drawing Projects in Trowbridge
Figs Catering
01458 273674
07774 590442
info@figscatering.net
Recently catered for a wedding and generally agreed to be very good indeed!
Alba
07555 684141
bruce@feastalba.co.uk
This group operates out of Wells, they are catering for an event this summer (24) and it all sounds lovely!
CROCKERY ETC
SouthWest Event HIreHire a variety of things. Based in Exeter so not super local but recommended

Davies & Davies Crockery Hire
07812 365430
01373 836122
Run by Patrick Twigger who offers cutlery and crockery for events which he takes away unwashed. He can also provide bar licence cover with and without bar at the Silk Mill. He lives locally.
Frome Eco-Party
fromeecoparty@gmail.com
Local intitative to reduce the waste that parties can generate!
Country Crockery
07920 875096
info@countrycrockeryhire.com
Our tableware, glassware and cutlery collections echo the latest design trends whilst remaining timeless in style.
BAR SERVICES AND PROVIDERS OF ALCOHOL ETC
PLEASE NOTE:
It is fine to bring your own alcohol (and/or ask your guests to BYOB) but do not then ask a bar to provide a paying service as they then do not sell enough to make it worth their while. If you are bringing your own then you will STILL need to pay someone to oversee the alcohol consumption. The Silk Mill does not charge any extra corkage.
You can have one arrangement for the lunch time then have a different one for the evening so long as everyone involved is clear about what you are doing.
Dike & Son
01963 362204
info@dikeandson.co.uk
Dike and Son are based in Stallbridge and they have a clever system whereby you pay them and then some of the bar profit comes off that so you get something back afterwards. They were very solicitous about the venue and organised everything beautifully, helping out with the food service when needed.
pony & tap
07580869378
info@ponyandtap@gmail.com
pony & tap have an adorable horsebox from which they serve. It fits into the Silk Mill courtyard beautifully!
Katie Butcher
07891 085571
katiebutcher7@yahoo.com
Katie has a personal licence and knows the Silk Mill well. If she cannot help she has access to others who may be able to.
First Press Hospitality
07468 469714
james@firstpressrecruitment.com
These guys appear in 2 categories as they offer catering as well as bar and staff services.
Palmer Street Bottle
07971 012611
info@palmerstbottle.co.uk
Palmer Street Bottle have looked after the alcohol needs for many events at the Silk Mill. They know the site well and run an excellent bar very nearby.
C M Events

callumrmcbrayne@gmail.com
These people do bars and have bar staff available, they have not been to the Silk Mill yet so let us know if you employ them and we will update
Patrick Twigger
07812 365430
or
01373 836122
Patrick has provided bar licence cover with and without bar at the Silk Mill. He also has a business providing cutlery and crockery for events which he takes away unwashed.
Talana Fear
07908 051533
talana.mooney@yahoo.com
Talana has worked behind the bar at the Silk Mill several times. She has a personal licence and is happy to be just paid for her hours there to cover our licence requirements.
More Wine
07940 732012
rich@morewine.co.uk
Properly selected French (& other) wines in 10litre, 5 litre & 3 litre boxes… cuts down on waste. Will do sale or return for unopened boxes.
Averys
03330 148208
Purveyors of wine based in Bristol
Cheddar Ales
01934 744193
webmail@cheddarales.co.uk
Cheddar Ales can supply delicious bag in box ale, Rich's Cider and bottled beers. They are in Cheddar but can deliver to Frome, but collecting it from Cheddar, driving over the Mendips and down Deer Leap is half the fun! We highly reccommend their products!
The Griffin
01373 467766
admin@milkstreetbrewery.co.uk
Local microbrewery
Bath Ales
0117 9474797
hare@bathales.co.uk
These guys do beers on tap and in casks as well as ciders
Lilley’s Cider
07594 926565
lilleyscider@aol.co.uk
Very Local, great selection of ciders you can try in Frome
King Brain Cider
01963 441233
kingbrain@btconnect.com
Lovely Somerset farm cider brewed from ancient orchards
Jolly Hucksters
07971 817597
jollyhucksters@gmail.com
Bar service at a wedding in 2023, provided a great service
23 Bath Street
07595 974680
craig.webber@hotmail.com
Full bar service or they can just provide staff at whatever level you need.
Big Bars (Airstream Bar)
07580 673753
robin@bigbars.co.uk
Full bar service from an airstream van!
Scout & Sage
07786 240505
holly@scoutandsagespirits.com
Travelling Gin bar in a horse box! They say: “We create our own small batch, limited edition Scout & Sage Gins with different Master Distillers. Our mission is to distil a gin in every region of Britain!” We have not tried them yet but they sound interesting!
Bohemian Bars
07977 477671
bohemianbars@yahoo.co.uk
Lovely bar services, they will either do the whole bar for you or just hire the equipment that you need
Arabuko BarGreat bar that came to the Silk Mill in 2022
Espensen Spirit
07957 361717
info@espensenspirit.com
Lovely bunch of people who came from Bristol to do a bar for a couple of weddings. Very professional, great service, and they make their own gin
ACOMMODATION
Bistro Lotte
01373 300646
info@bistrolottefrome.co.uk
Lotte and Gareth run this excellent bistro a short walk from the Silk Mill at the top of Catherine Hill/Street. They also have excellent accommodation. One wedding recently booked all 6 of their luxury ensuite rooms. Gareth is a very talented carpenter and has done a lot for the Silk Mill itself.
Combe Grove
01225 834644
hello@combegrove.com
An interesting project… this beautiful luxury hotel (with spa and pools inclusive for hotel guests) is also a charitable apprenticeship project where multiple skills are being acquired. They have 40 rooms and say “Receive a 15% discount on any group booking of 5 rooms or more when you quote “Silk Mill”. And we’ll treat the bride and groom to a bottle of bubbly.” We visited but have not yet had anyone stay there. Feedback welcomed! They are talking of a minibus service that could be used by wedding parties as they are a few miles from Frome. (dog friendly!)
Stonewall Manor Elizabethan Manor house right in the town and can sleep at least 28 if you have the anexe too. (on Air BnB it says: 16 guests, 9 bedrooms, 13 beds, 5 bathrooms)! We had a wedding party stay there who were very happy with it. I have visited; it is quite a place, a bit heavy on the dark wood furniture but a really good size and well within walking distance of the Mill. I took lots of photos which you can see here.
The Old Granary Bradford-on-Avon
Trish Bowles:
07880359313
01225 722246
stay@churchfarmcottages.com
They say: “The Old Granary is situated in the countryside, just 5 miles from Bath and within a mile from Hartley Farm Shop & Café, the village pub and shop. A beautiful, award-winning converted barn that sleeps up to 12 people. Indoor heated pool and games room available at Church Farm, ¾ mile down the lane.”
I am planning to go and visit soon, will report back!
The Archangel
01373 456111
hello@archangelfrome.com
Nearest and very nicely appointed hotel and restaurant. (dog friendly!)
The George Hotel
01373 462584
georgehotel@wadworth.co.uk
(The link takes you to Wadworth's main site and you have to search for the George in Frome) 28 rooms varying from singles at around £60 to premium ensuite and family rooms up to £140 in high season. Very centrally located in town (so some rooms on the front might not be all that quiet) and will do discounts for bulk booking for weddings. Speak to Dawn. I have not looked at all of it but the rooms I have seen are nicely done, fairly traditional.
Jackdaw Cottage, Bruton
07906 242296
jackdawcottagebruton@gmail.com
A really beautiful cottage with 2 bedrooms in Bruton, no detail has been left unperfected in this lovingly created space.
Bruton has several other airbnb places that the Jackdaw Cottage people recommend so if you were to go for Bruton as your main accommodation spot there would be plenty of good choice… including:
Bower House Tree House
01749 812707
info@bowerhouseconstruction.co.uk
Totally amazing tree house (between Bruton and Frome) that we have been lucky enough to stay in ourselves. Sleeps 2 and has all mod cons you could wish for including hot tub on the terrace! 2 night minimum stay and not cheap but a real treat.
DJs & SOUND SYSTEM HIRE
Luke Emery, Nomad Live
07929 623764
luke@nomadalive.co.uk
These guys really understand the unusual acoustics in the Gallery. Luke also does a busking stage at the Independent Market (1st Sunday of every month except Jan/Feb) and knows lots of excellent local musicians.
Maltings Audio
07963 416034
maltingsaudio@aol.com
Doug has managed the sound for many events at the Silk Mill and understands the space well.
Stage to Sound
07817 405269
hugo@stage2sound.com
They say:
"Full event support from some microphones and a screen to full consultation and design.
Years of experience, professional equipment and technical expertise delivered to your budget. Local"
LIVE MUSIC
Captain Cactus and the Screaming HarlotsReally good local band
The Hammervilles
07714 991 047
thehammervilles@gmail.com
The Hammervilles have not played here yet but they contacted us and they sound really great and one of them is getting married at the Silk Mill in 2020! If you invite them will you give us some feedback so that I can update this listing? Thanks
The Lucky Pierres
ccsmdr@bath.ac.uk
Local band that gets everyone dancing brilliantly!
SECURITY
Security has to be organized through an accredited organization. We know it is a pain but you need a guard per 75 people so if you have 150 people in the evening you will need two security people.
Vista Security
0845 226 0589
info@vistarsecurity.com
Trowbridge based security team who have worked at the Silk Mill over the years.
Prosec Consultancy
01373 228055
info@prosec-ltd.com
Prosec Consultancy Ltd, they do Glasto, Longleat, Shambala etc. Based in Westbury.
Lester Silk
07581 042365
lestersilk@hotmail.com
Lester Silk/Carley Watts at CSS Security.

FANCIES,GIFTS & INTERESTING ACTIVITIES
Magician, Chris HiscockThis guy was brilliant entertainment for all ages at a wedding in 2022. He is based locally.
Black Cat Bindery
01749 860679
info@blackcatbindery.com
Lovely local bookbinder who makes memorial presentation books to order.
Postscript
01373 462466
postscript@postscriptfrome.co.uk
Lovely shop in the centre of Frome. They will print your invitations or whatever your paper needs are!
Golden GooseThis is one among the very many gorgeous shops in Frome that has a wealth of gifts, decorations and much much more.
Willie’s Cacao
01884 840 222
shop@williescacao.com
Really excellent chocolate packaged interestingly. I have samples if you would like to try…
Tongue tiedLovely list of words about love! Follow the link to find out what Tiám means and where it hails from!
JEWELLERY ETC
Clare Lloyd
07974 421574
clare.colourdesigns@gmail.com
Clare has a studio at the Silk Mill and she makes beautiful jewellery and bridal accessories
Roderick Vere
07717 723134
roderick@roderickvere.com
Jeweller who has a studio at the Silk Mill, you can do a workshop there and make your rings together with him.
Christina Oswin
01373 472505
christina@christinaoswin.co.uk
Very near the Silk Mill, excellent jeweller. Also good at mending & adapting jewellery.
Annette Gabbedey
01373 454145
shop@annettegabbedey.com
On the wonderful Catherine Hill, Annette's jewellery is part of the lovely things you can find there!
MAKE-UP, HAIR
Lisa Caldognetto
07824 829634
acaldognetto@gmail.com
Lisa who does make-up had her wedding at the Silk Mill on Halloween 2015; you may have seen pictures!
Ruth Tong
07708 764582
info@ruthtongmakeup.com
A recent bride said: "Ruth is based in Radstock and did my make up and the hair of a couple of my bridesmaids - she was very professional and friendly and I was really pleased with the results. Her services were quite pricey with a minimum spend but I think that's the nature of these things rather than her prices being particularly high!"
PHOTOGRAPHERS/ARTISTS
Fox & BeauOne couple said: 'Jackie at Fox & Beau was our photographer and was really brilliant'
Sarah Godsill at Event IllustrationBrilliant local artist who will come and paint/sketch at any and all stages as you wish.
Aimae Laoise Photography
aimee@aimeelaoisephotography.com
Local photographer who specialises in family images.
Peter Wilbourne
07816 409984
peterwilbourne@gmail.com
Locally based excellent photographer.
Pip Newland Photography
07780 611671
Interesting and unusual photography of weddings and other events
Alice Whitby
07917 797549
email@alicewhitby.com
Alice has photographed three weddings at the Silk Mill and had fabulous feedback and we love her pictures of the Mill!
Spencer Dungey/Love of Mine
07377 600068
spencer@loveofmine.co.uk
Australian photographer who has moved to Frome with his family.
DECORATIONS & FLOWERS
lunariasomerset.com

07834705044

studio@lunariasomerset.com
LUNARIA is a floral studio and cutting garden based near Bruton run by Deborah Bain who is passionate about making beautiful, seasonal and unique wedding flowers to perfectly suit a couples individual style.
From very small details to very large impact pieces, Deborah helps you achieve the perfect arrangements for your aesthetic and budget. In the growing season all flowers and foliage will be homegrown. The studio is committed to sustainable floristry and never uses floral foam.
Flowers for Good

07815 581 226

lex@flowersforgood.co.uk
They grow flowers and offer sustainable floristry for events and weddings. They aim to give a portion of profit to community causes. When they can't grow enough flowers they source them from local growers rather than buy imported, so they would be a sustainable choice locally should anyone want this. Many of the photos on the website are taken at the Silk Mill of a recent wedding for which they did the flowers
Daisies & Ribbons
daisiesandribbons@gmail.com
They say: "Daisies & Ribbons is a family run floristry and event decor business serving Bristol, Somerset, Devon, Wales, Gloucestershire & Worcestershire"

We have not used their services yet but the website looks excellent. Let us know if you go with them so we can update.
Whisper & Wild

07590 691420

hello@whisper-and-wild.com
Delicious delectable flowers!
Bramble & Wild
01373 473788
hello@brambleandwild.com
Lovely Catherine Hill flower shop.
Event Flag Hire
01749 850991
hello@eventflaghire.co.uk
The most beautiful collection of bunting and flags. They will put it up for you or just send it to you for you to do your own thing in the usual Silk Mill way!
Jigantics (huge artificial flowers)
07984 679421
info@Jigantics.com
Fabulous gigantic flowers silk often seen at festivals (they are based in Frome)
Crescent Moon Chandeliers
01373 454147
07976 369360
simon@crescent-moon.co.uk
Wonderful enormous chandelier selection. Local company that hires to film sets and events. They did a photoshoot of their wares at the Silk Mill in Sept ‘19
Amy Spicer
07974 836270
amy@octoberstudios.co.uk
Designer at October Studios and partner to More Wine, offere wonderful original chandeliers of flowers and fabrics; work very well on our 7 beams
Tattie Rose Studio
07775 577069
They say "Tattie Rose Studio is made up of a small and highly skilled team of makers, florists, welders, botanists, organisers and artists who all share the values of its founder Tattie Isles and her husband Fred who are at the helm of this wonderful botanical circus."
They have not done flowers at the Silk Mill yet but their website is gorgeous and we look forward to them coming to us soon!
Minty's at Garston Nurseries,Garston, Frome BA11 1RU
01373 462123
They are a really old-school business based a within a mile of the Silk Mill. They do not have a website but are incredibly reasonably priced and lovely! Several couples have used their services and been delighted. Minty's say that they prefer to provide flowers for people to arrange themselves.
TAXIS
Tony’s Cabs - Frome01373 464444
Arrow Taxis - Frome 01373 470110
ABC taxis - Frome 01373 452211
Bruton and Mendip Taxi07984 465864
Swift Taxi - Shepton Mallet 01749 340820
Regal Taxi - Shepton Mallet 01749 347750