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Holding a funeral wake in St Albans and the surrounding area
Holding a funeral wake in St Albans and the surrounding area
When you are in the midst of organising a funeral, selecting a venue for the funeral wake is just one of the many decisions you have to make within a relatively short space at a time. However, if you can find a venue that matches your needs and family preferences, it will make this part of the day easier, because it will allow you to pause and take stock within a comforting environment.
St Albans and the surrounding area offers a range of wake venues, each catering to different tastes, guest numbers and budgets. Whether you are looking for a grand manor house, a golf club, a traditional pub or a tea room setting, there is something for everyone. Additionally, some people like the idea of hosting the wake at home, but would appreciate the support of a professional catering company to alleviate some of the pressures. In this blog, we will explore some popular funeral wake venues in the St Albans, Watford and Hemel area. All these suggestions (aside from hosting the wake at home!) offer free off-street parking, making things as easy as possible for your guests.
Location: 226 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1JG
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Ambiance: Relaxed. Scenic. Welcoming.
Website: https://www.verulamgolf.co.uk/parties
Verulam Golf Club offers a spacious and scenic venue for a wake. Its function area overlooks the well-maintained greens providing a beautiful backdrop for your gathering. It can accommodate both small, intimate wakes and larger gatherings of up to 200 guests. There are flexible catering options, alongside access to a licensed bar. It is located just a few minutes from the centre of St Albans, where guests can find a range of accommodation options should they need somewhere to stay overnight.
Location: London Rd, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 0AA
Capacity: For gatherings from 40 - 350 guests
Ambiance: Historic. Scenic. Elegant.
Website: https://www.shendish-manor.com/dining/page/celebration-of-life
If you are seeking a picturesque historic venue, Shendish Manor, ten minutes from Hemel Hempstead Crematorium, is set within 160 acres of golf course and parkland. It has versatile function rooms, allowing for gatherings of varying sizes, and provides buffet or afternoon tea options. The prices per head include exclusive room hire. The manor also offers accommodation options for those who have travelled from further afield and wish to stay the night.
Location: High Elms Lane, Watford, WD25 0JX
Capacity: up to 100 guests
Ambiance: Historic. Elegant. Tranquil.
Website: https://www.highelmsmanor.com/wakes.html
High Elms Manor, just down the road from West Herts Crematorium in Watford, is a Georgian manor overlooking private lawns. The historic architecture and tranquil setting make it a popular venue for funeral wakes. There is a range of elegant reception rooms, depending on the size of your gathering, and each of these can be hired in conjunction with a funeral tea package enabling you to focus on catching up with family and friends.
Location: Garden House Lane, St Albans, AL3 6JY
Capacity: 10-14 in the upstairs private dining room. Larger gatherings are accommodated downstairs.
Ambiance: Traditional. Warm. Charming.
Website: https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/praewoodarms/privatediningroom/
The Prae Wood Arms was originally a cottage built for Lady Frances Cooke Grimston on the Gorhambury Estate. Today, it is an attractive pub and restaurant with lawns sloping down to the River Ver. For small gatherings, there is a dining room available for private hire on the upper floor, whilst larger gatherings can be accommodated in one of the wings of the main dining area downstairs. There is a range of catering options, from meals ordered from the restaurant menu, to buffet packages priced per person.
Location: 24 High Street, Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9DA
Capacity: 50 within the private dining area. For larger gatherings, the full pub is also available for private hire.
Ambiance: Attractive. Traditional. Welcoming.
Website: https://theroseandcrownsandridge.co.uk/functions/
The Rose and Crown is a pretty gastropub located just outside St Albans in the heart of the village of Sandridge, which has been run by a local family since December 2023. There is an attractive private dining area which can hired for exclusive use, and they offer a range of catering options from buffets to canape selections to sit-down meals.
Location: Leverstock Green Rd, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8QE
Capacity: 20 to 100 guests
Ambiance: Traditional. Informal. Friendly.
Website: https://www.pubanddining.co.uk/green-man-hemel-hempstead/event/occasion/functions
The Green Man is a friendly pub in Leverstock Green, just down the road from Hemel Hempstead Crematorium. Funeral parties are often given sole use of the conservatory area to one side of the pub, allowing families to catch up and share memories within a comfortable, convenient location. There is a range of catering options, starting with a variety of generous sandwich platters.
Location: North Orbital Road, Chiswell Green, St Albans, AL2 2DS
Capacity: Up to 80 guests
Ambiance: Bright. Casual. Cheerful.
Website: https://www.burston.co.uk/restaurant/booking-enquiries
Burstons Garden Centre in Chiswell Green, three miles from West Herts Crematorium, provides a slightly different option. A section of the bright and airy on-site restaurant can be screened off and hired for private events, including funeral wakes. The restaurant provides a variety of catering options, including light refreshments and afternoon teas. Its casual, friendly atmosphere makes it suitable for those seeking a less formal environment to celebrate the life of a loved one within a comforting setting.
Location: High Elms Lane, Watford, WD25 0JS
Capacity: Up to 25 guests
Ambiance: an ideal follow-up to small, intimate ceremonies.
Website: https://www.bluebells-tea-room.co.uk/wake-catering
For those looking for a wake venue in close proximity to the cremation service, Bluebells Tea Room at West Herts Crematorium is an ideal option. Located on-site, the tea room provides a calm and cosy space where family and friends can gather immediately after the service. The tea room offers a range of quality, good-value catering packages, ranging from sandwiches and cake to afternoon teas. The convenience of being within the crematorium grounds, combined with the tranquil setting, makes it a practical and comforting choice for families.
Location: Your own home
Capacity: Flexible
Ambiance: Personal, Private, Familiar
Website: https://theenchantedcateringco.com/home/wakes
For those who prefer a more personal setting, hosting a wake at home allows family and friends to gather in a familiar environment, surrounded by personal mementos and photos of the loved one being remembered. If you choose to host a funeral wake at home, enlisting the help of a professional catering company can help ease the workload. The Enchanted Catering Company, based in Dunstable, offers a range of finger buffet platters, tailored to your specific needs. The catering team takes care of all aspects of the food service, allowing you to focus on being with your guests.
Conclusion
St Albans and the surrounding areas offer a range of funeral wake venues catering to all tastes and budgets. From the elegant settings of Shendish and High Elms Manors, to the scenic surroundings of Verulam Golf Club and The Prae Wood Arms, to the relaxed environments of The Rose & Crown, The Green Man, Burstons Garden Centre and Bluebells Tearoom, there is something to suit every family’s needs. Alternatively, for a personal touch, hosting a funeral wake at home with the help of The Enchanted Catering Company can provide an equally special way to celebrate a loved one’s life. Wherever you choose to hold the wake, the most important thing is that it works for you and your family.
Blog post by Clare Oldfield, a funeral celebrant based in St Albans and the founder of Tapestry Funerals. I specialise in crafting bespoke ceremonies: whether you’re planning a funeral or a memorial service, my aim is to help you create a ceremony that feels personal, cathartic, and fitting for your family.
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