Dronfield Eye Issue 213 September 2023

EYE on business
Medieval venue with modern day appeal
The Barn recently
hosted a meeting of
the Destination
Chesterfield
business
organisation, with
delegates being
served with sweet
and savoury
afternoon teas
IT’S now seven years since Dronfield Hall Barn was
opened to the public, with 2023 marking the start of an
exciting new chapter.
Charity Dronfield Heritage Trust runs the Grade II* listed Barn
which has 600 years of history behind it. This year, its
management team has welcomed two new members; Olivia
Taylor, weddings manager, and Andrea Kilner, coffee shop and
catering manager.
Creative manager, Sam Reavey, said: “Olivia and Andrea have
really hit the ground running with improving and updating what
we offer at The Barn, building on the hard work of their
predecessors.
“They have brought new ideas and a new ethos to take us
into the future.”
Dozens of couples have already enjoyed perfect wedding
days at The Barn, attracted by the heritage building with
modern amenities. Add to this its beautiful gardens, all tended
by volunteers, which are ideal for photographs.
Under Olivia’s management, The Barn is offering brides and
grooms fresh stylings and now working with The Cricket Inn, at
Totley, to provide catering, with new options and menus.
The ever-popular coffee shop, with Andrea at the helm, has
also introduced new menus with an emphasis on local
producers and suppliers, utilising fresh herbs and other
ingredients grown in the gardens.
2023 has been a hugely successful year for events at The
Barn, with an increasingly varied programme.
From historical walking tours, to craft and cookery workshops,
there has been something for everyone.
The Barn’s Artisan and Producers’ Markets and Christmas
Market have also been expanded with community-led
exhibitions staged throughout the year on art and history.
The Arts Festival in July was another success - watch this
space for confirmation of the dates for next year’s.
In the mean time there is a Medieval Christmas weekend to
look forward to on December 9th and 10th.
Over the last few years The Barn has formed a
partnership with Eckington School and this continues. Each
year a group of business students work on helping the
Barn to develop its corporate links with local business.
As a charity, commercial bookings as well as the support
of the local community are vital to keeping The Barn at the
centre of Dronfield life.
For more information on what’s happening at Dronfield Hall
Barn visit the website dronfieldhallbarn.org
• See Page 74.
Dronfield Hall Barn, High Street, Dronfield.
Tel: Coffee Shop 01246 418122; weddings and
corporate hire 07931 830597; events 07814 140034.
Web: dronfieldhallbarn.org
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