Tudor Feasts

For A Little Bit of 16th C Magic

Kentwell offers the most authentic Tudor Banquets in England, an evening of eating, drinking and merry-making. These are great events for groups of 40-160 people.

All banquets are served either in the Great Hall of the House or the Overcroft in the stableyard.

Place setting

In the Great Hall bare oak tables are set up Tudor style with a High Board (for the higher-classed folk) and one or two Low Boards (for those lower down the pecking order). The room is lit by candlelight. Guests use Tudor style knives and pewter spoons (there were no forks in this time) and dine off pewter, earthen ware or treen (wooden) platters. In the Overcroft the boards are set similarly but the Low Boards can be extended to accommodate larger numbers.

Service

You will be served by pages and maids in tudor dress, all under the watchful eye of the steward.

Food & Drink

Food is prepared from Tudor recipes (with which most guests may not be familiar) and the meal is divided into Removes (courses) in the Tudor fashion with a number of separate dishes in each Remove. Each Remove may include meat, fish, sweet, savoury, salads and vegetable dishes.

We usually serve ale and appropriate wine as well as fruit cordial (usually elderflower).

Entertainment

Jester(s) and Minstrels provide appropriate 16th C. style entertainment.

TImings

The evening usually lasts from about 7.30pm to 11pm and works best when it is dark as it is more atmospheric.

Numbers

The Great Hall can accommodate 60 (up to 70 at a pinch). Greater numbers (up to about 100) can be accommodated by using the Great Hall and Dining Room together. The Overcroft can accommodate 160.