And the popularity of Coombe Abbey Hotel’s mediaeval banquets means demand for period costumes at Gladrags is higher than ever.
The banquets have been a fixture at the award-winning venue for more than 40 years – and with over 70 shows each year which almost always sell out – tickets are sought after by locals, visitors and hotel guests alike.
The events, which take guests back to 1539 with a full stage show inspired by Coombe Abbey’s role in the dissolution of the monasteries, include a four-course feast with “marinated rib of swine” and “quarter-roasted fowl”, a mead cocktail and beakers of wine and lager culminating in a post-banquet disco.
Gladrags has been helping guests look the part for over 20 years by supplying kirtles, surcoats and robes to turn visitors into court jesters, knights, peasants and royals for the evening.
Its new location at the Avenue at Coombe Abbey even features two bespoke dressing rooms for guests to try on their wares.
“We deliver guest’s costumes to the hotel and they are hung in their rooms for when they arrive. It’s a small detail but it really adds to the magic of the banquets,” she said.
“We have worked with Coombe Abbey extensively over the years to supply all sorts of costumes, so to be on their doorstep is a real bonus for the business in terms of meeting demand and raising our profile.
“It means guests can explore the range of options in person and try things on as part of their visit, before getting stuck into the banquets, and being so close to the hotel means we have been busy keeping up with orders.
“The costumes are then returned to the hotel reception and we pick them up for drycleaning – you can sometimes see them on the rail when you visit.”
The shop also supplies fun and games for park visitors on top of a wide range of classic fancy dress choices, from Disney princesses and comic book characters to nuns and cowboys.
“The business started as more of a place to get your fun birthday party or new year’s fancy dress outfits, and we still offer all of that, but this new chapter has given us the opportunity to specialise even more on the mediaeval side.
“It’s a really exciting time and we are thrilled with how it’s gone just a few months in.”
Ron Terry, group operations director at No Ordinary Hospitality, said: “Coombe Abbey has been working with Gladrags for many years now, and it’s great to have Maria on site as the service she provides makes the whole mediaeval banquet experience even more special, as well as having lots of practical benefits for both sides.
“We have always championed local suppliers, and never has this been more evident than in our 30th year as a hotel. We’re so pleased to have taken our work with Maria to the next level.”
For more information about mediaeval banquets at Coombe Abbey Hotel visit www.coombeabbey.com/product-category/events
