Sometimes, a Saturday or Sunday afternoon can be the most perfect time for a laid back celebration, the gathering of family and friends for laughter, fabulous food and excellent wine.

Last weekend we hosted a surprise afternoon birthday party, guests were handpicked from nearest and dearest and whittled down to just 20, including 3 adorable little ones. We started off in the Front Room, as guests arrived and made themselves at home, they sipped on perfectly-chilled fizz, waiting for the big surprise! Once the birthday boy had landed, we wandered upstairs for everyone to take their seats...

Another surprise awaits! Our huge framed screen was showing a collection of photos of the birthday boy throughout his life - an excellent way to reminisce on fabulous memories past! 

Our beautiful space was dressed with blooms from Swallows & Damsons and absolutely covered in candles, we love to decorate our 20ft antique tables bespoke for you!

Wine glasses full, and having plumped for our Laden Table menu, the pièce de résistance in our foodie crown, our happy guests got stuck straight into their starters... home hot smoked delicate salmon, beetroot carpaccio with goats cheese & herbs, home-smoked chicken, pickled seasonal roast veggies, homemade hummus and herbed yoghurt dips, all served with fresh locally baked loaves of bread to rip apart and pats of fresh butter. 

The Laden Table continues with the most delectable mains, we'd worked with our guests to make a few bespoke tweaks to the main dishes, to help create the absolute perfect birthday menu; native breed beef slow roast until it’s falling apart, with Kelham Island Ale, shallots and herbs, chicken thighs with a herb and garlic stuffing, in a crisp parmesan crust, huge golden goodwill veggie pie - stuffed with sweet potatoes, beets, leeks and winter greens, herby roast potatoes with winter squash, creamy cauliflower and cheese dusted with nutmeg and roast cider-glazed sticky carrots with seasonal herbs.

We finished up with perfect homemade profiteroles, packed with cream and drizzled with chocolate - what a delight! 

Absolutely stuffed, our guests couldn't even squeeze in a slice of birthday cake, so we sliced it up for post-party enjoyment.

As the little ones enjoyed colouring in on a side table, the adults relaxed until early evening, with full glasses, fabulous conversation and the attention of our dedicated team, until it was time to be whisked off into our taxis to enjoy the rest of the evening. 

Call on 0114 2767 885 or drop us an email at kirstin@thechimneyhouse.com to arrange your own fabulous event at The Chimney House.