Lending a Hand: An Interview with Holly of Croyde Concierge
Interviews 09.12.2024
Holly and the rest of her team at Croyde Concierge are indispensable when you need an extra pair of hands – or two. We first caught up with Holly last year but recently managed to grab a few words with her, in between serving drinks and making bacon butties, to talk about her new massage service, as well as all the other amazing things she does at Ash Barton.
Holly, just remind us of the services you offer to Ash Barton couples
“We offer ourselves as a staffing service. We do so many different things up at Ash Barton. We often get asked to help out with serving drinks, preparing and serving food, cleaning, arranging childcare, working the bar if people choose to supply their own drinks, staffing BBQs and dinner parties and arranging massage treatments or yoga.
“We had Holly at Croyde Concierge for childcare and clean up after the pre-wedding brunch. Amazing.” Ellie and Liam
Yes, tell us about the massage service
“I’m a qualified massage therapist, so I’ve been offering this as an add on service for guests while they stay on site. It's a nice thing to do as a group or individually, especially in the winter months when the weather can be a bit more unpredictable. It’s also a nice gift to say thank you to family members and friends for helping out leading up to the big day. I do it the day before or the day after the wedding.”
And tell us a bit more about the ‘day after’ services you offer
“Most people don't want to clear up a huge barn of glasses, food waste and sort out the recycling the day after the night before! So we come in like little pixies of the night and get all of this done along with tables and chairs put back to where they should be and the floors mopped and hoovered.
“We also offer a breakfast service if no one wants to be on cooking duty and you just want your guests to relax. Most people fill the fridges themselves and we come in and get it all cooked and laid out for you, replenishing as we go. And of course tidying it all up afterwards!”
“I also work in conjunction with a few private chefs, so if you wanted food provided and fancied something a little different we can arrange that also. This works the same with any other meals or if you want a BBQ on the day after the wedding. We provide the lovely people to make it happen.”
“We had Croyde Concierge come and help us for a few hours on the Friday night, serving drinks and helping us keep the kitchen tidy. Holly and Zoe were honestly AMAZING. Would recommend them to anyone. The guests loved them and just wanted to stay in the kitchen chatting with them!” Rosie and James
So what happens on the actual day of the wedding? What time do you arrive?
“It varies depending on what staffing requirements people need. Sometimes we’re up there from early morning breakfast until the last bar drinkers of the night are standing! Other times, we’re maybe there for just four hours helping serve post ceremony drinks.”
“Croyde Concierge were a massive help ensuring the glamping loos/ showers were pristine and even looking after our dog on the wedding day!!!” Amy and Matt
And do you still work other suppliers?
“Absolutely! That’s what is so great about what we do. We get to fill in the gaps alongside the caterers and wedding planners, and work with everyone. But also if people are having a smaller scale event and just need a helping hand we can step in.”
“Because my team all know Ash Barton so well, people like wedding co-ordinator Katie from Best Day Ever or the Latitudes Catering guys and many others hire us if they get the booking, and we work with them. Guests will often book all of us and we all work alongside each other. It’s a nice friendly approach, keeping it all amongst friends that know the estate so well. There are so many wonderful suppliers we love working with and it is always fun meeting new ones that have come from far and wide.”
“They get a lot of praise on this group already, but we can confirm they are a great team. Made everything super easy, they knew exactly what they were doing. All really lovely as well.” Lydia and Josh
How often do you meet or talk to couples before the big day?
“Usually about a year before. But if people are really organised then it’s two! There always lots of emails and chats beforehand. Sometimes we get last minute bookings if people change their plans and decide to provide their own alcohol for the bar for example and just need manpower. We can easily step in. We don’t provide any stock. We are literally just pairs of hands and big smiles!"
“Holly and her team at CC are incredible. Super knowledgeable, quick and detail oriented. If we did anything different, we’d have more of her team over the weekend to allow for family to further step back. Thank you again, Holly, you and your team are wizards.” Jasmine and Stephen
What tips would you give to Ash Barton couples to ensure their day runs smoothly?
“Honestly, anything goes at Ash Barton. It’s a blank canvas to do whatever you choose. There are enough fabulous people on hand to pull the strings and pull it all together for you.”
“We roped these guys in last minute and we are so glad we did! Holly and her team went above and beyond with what we had asked of them on the day and we are so grateful! Meg and Matt
And finally, what do you most love about an Ash Barton wedding?
“It might sound cheesy, but honestly, it’s the energy you get from all the happy people. You forget where you are when you’re up there and it genuinely feels nice being part of it and helping everyone. It’s also great, working alongside all the brilliant Ash Barton suppliers and friends. It’s a magical place and I’m very grateful to work there!"
“Croyde Concierge came to man the bar for us. They were making up jugs of Pimm’s, serving snacks and even making up desserts. Words cannot express how utterly incredible Holly and her team are. From the moment they arrived they were so on top of things and were a huge help as we pivoted our plans due to the rain. They helped serve drinks in our ‘pub’ before the ceremony and they also served the reception drinks in the courtyard afterwards too. They used any spare moments to keep all our different areas neat and tidy! Absolutely cannot recommend Croyde Concierge enough!” Olivia and Paul