A hidden gem in Wirral is the "most unique" venue in England, tucked away in a quiet suburb.
Renowned for its historical value and stunning views, the Saddle Club in Prenton is a popular choice for functions and wedding ceremonies, including LGBTQ+ weddings. The Grade II historical building is, according to its owners "one of Wirral's best kept secrets".
A Grade II listed building is a structure of special interest, where effort is made to preserve it. Listed back in 1974, the building hosts a stunning stone and Welsh slate roof with double plank doors and was even recorded in one of Britain's earliest public records.
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Taking on the venue in 1999, Paul and Isobel Swift have never looked back. It was always Paul's dream to take on his "local", and when he finally got the opportunity, he jumped at the chance.
Speaking to the ECHO Paul said: "We'd tried to buy it six years earlier but couldn't. We left it and travelled and came back and we managed to get it in 1999. Things were very different back then.
"The bar was run for members but in 2000 everything changed, from licences and then civil ceremonies and we recognised it was all going to change so we decided to go with the flow and concentrate on the function side of things."
The Saddle Club is the only venue in England to perform a ceremony over the blacksmith's anvil which is something Paul was keen to offer to keep the "historical importance" alive. Anvil weddings were often performed by the blacksmiths themselves and were seen as romantic 'in the heat of the moment' couplings where the smith would pound the anvil with a hammer symbolically joining the couple as they would metal.
But the club, which offers an open door policy, also provides for funerals and private functions. Paul added: "It's a stunning building and it was perfect. We decided to keep that and that's what we pursued."
Also priding themselves on equal weddings, the club's LGBTQ+ wedding is the full package including venue hire, garden, ceremony, decor, drinks on arrival, private bar, and catering. They can offer specific features and additions but Paul and Isobel want everyone to be "treated the same".
Paul said: "Everyone loves, we decided there's no need to make a song and dance about it, everything should be the same. We are so proud of how far we've come.
"Things have fluctuated, a lot of nightclubs and bars have opened and closed but our members bar is vibrant and the functions side is lovely. With covid, everything dropped away but we are headed back in the right direction."
When it comes to weddings, Paul said they will work hard to make your special day as perfect as it can be. With nothing off the table, the couple has seen many incredible themes over the years.
He told the ECHO: "We've had some belters, some amazing themes. We've had country and western, gangsters and recently we had a biker wedding where bikers came from all over Britain, the Isle of Man, France and Germany. They were there all in their leathers and it was not what you expected, dancing to ABBA, it was just amazing.
"Within reason, we will work with you and help you cut costs where you can. Everyone has a budget and we will guide you as best you can. The building is absolutely stunning, it's beautiful inside and out and our outdoor area can seat 100 people comfortably with proper chairs. It's truly beautiful.
"We are proud of what we've achieved and in the time we've done it. We've been here 24 years in May so something is going right."
More information can be found on their website.
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