Iconic Bestwood Pumping Station transformed into wedding and dining venue

Entrepreneurial duo Amy Harrad and Richard Berridge took on challenge of renovating the historic building – which dates back to Victorian times – which had previously been converted into a leisure facility in the 1990s but had sat empty since 2017 and fallen into a state of disrepair.

Originally known as Bestwood Pumpiing Station and now known as Lakeside, it was bought by Amy and Richard for £1.55 million in 2019.

The pair have since invested more than £7 million into the restoration project.

Keeping as many original features as possible was a key part of the renovation process.

The new owners wanted to fuse traditional and contemporary construction methods to transform, convert and extend the Lakeside to return it to the iconic building it once was.

The brickwork and beams within the grand hall have been left exposed and the arches uncovered too.

The work also included dredging the silt and sludge that had built up at the bottom of the lake, as well as pruning the trees and shrubs around the edge and laying new pathways.

Three new fountains have been installed and a large terrace constructed on the north shore for alfresco dining and drinks.

The iconic tower situated near to the main lake will be open to the public for the first time, and has been restored so guests can climb to the original viewing gallery.

A two-bedroom cottage has also been fully renovated on-site for use as accommodation for the bridal party or hospitality guests, whilst plans for 15 high end lodges to be built within the grounds will commence in September this year.

It is hoped the terrace bar will be able to re-open on April 12.

Amy Harrad said: “Lakeside came along at the perfect moment in time.

"We’ve had ambitions to create a wedding and dining destination for some time now and when we first found out that we were the proud owners of this beautiful site, we knew it was the start of something great.”