Editor Beth Forsyth checks into the prestigious One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin in Glasgow and is wowed by its setting, service and flexibility for weddings
I have a confession to make. I’ve turned into a bit of a wine buff. My weekends are for sampling the stuff, and my holidays are spent exploring Europe’s top wine regions. So I was very keen to see if this glam hotel would take the ‘du vin’ part of its name seriously.
Happily, right from the start of my visit, I can see that it does. Take my room for the night: the Robert Mondavi suite is named after one of America’s most famous winemakers. In fact, the concierge tells me, all the suites take their names from esteemed vineyards.
Bedrooms at Hotel du Vin Glasgow
The ridiculously spacious Robert Mondavi offers White Lotus levels of decadence. I imagine if a rich wine baron invited Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge’s character) to holiday at his château, this is the sort of spot she’d feel right at home in. Stocked with suitably chic L’Occitane toiletries, it has high ceilings, a cushy velvet sofa, a dressing table, and twin sinks in the fabulously decorated bathroom. There’s even a bottle of champagne on ice waiting for me, bien sûr.
Natural light floods in through the room’s two vast bay windows (a roll-top bath sits in one) and there’s ample hanging space and full-length mirrors. It would be a dream to get ready for a wedding in such well-kitted-out surroundings. When I meet with Paige McGhee, the hotel’s weddings and events manager, for a guided tour she tells me that my suite is indeed usually reserved for the couple’s family members or close bridal party.
What’s One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin like for weddings?
One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin comprises five interconnecting Victorian townhouses that are filled with immaculately preserved features typical of the period: ornate cornicing, stunning mosaic floors and sweeping staircases backdropped by impressive stained-glass windows that are a photographer’s dream for newlywed portraits.
Townhouse No.5, which I’m in, can be hired in its entirety for weddings, meaning couples and their guests would have this section of the hotel, its 12 bedrooms and the honeymoon suite all to themselves. (It’s worth noting that taking exclusive use is obligatory if you’ve booked a live band or DJ for your reception – but why would you want to mix with the hoi polloi on your special day anyway?)
My jaw drops when Paige shows me the sumptuous Vettriano honeymoon suite that’s also included in the exclusive-use hire. It’s probably bigger than many flats in Glasgow, and that’s before you venture downstairs to the massive bathroom.
I get to see all the elegant function rooms on the ground floor of the townhouse set for a wedding too. They are so atmospheric and tastefully decorated that you wouldn’t need to do much to the place (but are a nicely neutral canvas if you do).
The airy Glenlivet is the largest space used for ceremonies and receptions. It can sit up to 50 on round tables, or 80 when combined with the neighbouring Ardbeg, itself a delightful spot for intimate parties of up to 16. While it is being turned around ahead of dinner, or the dancefloor laid for the evening do (capacity 100), guests will be moved to the plush Macallan across the hall. It houses the bar and has comfortable, colourful sofas to sink into with a cocktail or a dram. The Rosebank, meanwhile, makes an ideal breakout area for a photobooth, or for kids or other rellies to enjoy some peace.
From the Glengoyne room (where a private breakfast can be laid on for your nearest and dearest the morning after the wedding), there’s access to a ‘secret’ terraced garden where, weather permitting, couples could host a drinks reception.
What’s the wedding food like at Hotel du Vin Glasgow?
As you might expect from a destination that once was home to a Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay restaurant, superb food and drink and impeccable service are the cornerstones of celebrating a marriage at Hotel du Vin. If the scrumptious smoked potato velouté, stuffed chicken breast with truffle jus, and coconut rice pudding I have for dinner are anything to go by, your guests are in for a real treat.
There are three main menus to choose from. You can mix and match from these, or work with the head chef to customise dishes. Paige informs me that some foodie couples upgrade the meal that’s served to the top table. I like their style, and if you do too, you’d be foolish not to take advantage of the services of the sommelier to help you match wines – there’s an incredible 400 varietals and vintages in the wine cellar. Chin chin!
Need to know
This west-end institution has everything you need to stage a sublime celebration
The numbers
All the function rooms can be configured with different tables and seating to suit the size of your guest list. Maximum 80 for ceremony/wedding breakfast; 100 for evening reception. The hotel has 49 bedrooms in total. Dogs are welcome too!
Exclusive use
At peak times (March–September and December) you’ll be charged £5,550 (£5,750 in 2025) for exclusive use of Townhouse No.5. That includes sole access to 12 exquisite bedrooms and the honeymoon suite in addition to the wedding spaces. It’s £5,250 in October, November, January and February (£5,450 for 2025).
Room hire
The events spaces can be hired without exclusive use, with prices from £900 to £1,650 depending on the day and time of year you choose to marry. If you have your ceremony at Hotel du Vin Glasgow and aren’t taking exclusive use, there’s also a charge of £350 for over 50 guests. All bookings include a dedicated wedding coordinator, flowers for table centrepieces, personalised menu cards, a master of ceremonies on the day and more.
The packages
Entry-level Perrier-Jouët (£65pp in 2024; £70pp in 2025) might include a four-course feast of say, haggis, neeps and tatties, pea velouté, braised beef cheek and Valrhona white chocolate cheesecake. Expect even more decadent dining from the Pol Roger (from £70pp) and Laurent-Perrier (from £75pp) selections. Veggie/vegan options, kids’ menus and evening buffets (from £10pp) are available too.
Drinks packages range from £30 to £42pp (these are optional; guests could also ‘pay as they go’ at the bar). All couples are invited in for a menu-tasting about six months ahead of the wedding.