Iconic Grade-II listed pumping station near Mansfield will reopen as a wedding venue

The iconic former Bestwood Pumping Station – latterly a restaurant and spa – has been transformed into an events venue, ready to open when lockdown restrictions ease.

The station dates back to 1871 and was one of three steam-powered pumping stations built to supply water to Nottingham in the late Victorian era, supplying more than 1.5 million gallons of water per day for storage nearby until 1964.

Between 1982 and 2017, the building, beside the A60 between Mansfield and Nottingham, was home to the Lakeside Tower Restaurant and Spa, celebrating its industrial heritage and showcasing the Victorian architecture, including the mock bell tower, concealing a 52-metre-high chimney, and the Thomas Hawksley Tower viewing gallery.

Now, after being closed for more than three years, it is set to reopen as Lakeside, “a stunning wedding venue, featuring modern function rooms for wedding and events, an intimate fine dining restaurant and a comfortable bar area”, accompanied by “beautiful" gardens featuring a large ornamental lake and fountains in the centre of the 10-acre grounds.

Amy Harrad, Lakeside director, said: “We’re so excited to be opening our doors as soon as Government restrictions allow, welcoming blushing brides and dashing bridegrooms to come and enjoy the most magical day of their lives in one of the most beautiful venues within Nottinghamshire.

“Whether the upcoming restrictions keep wedding sizes to between 15 and 30 guests, or larger wedding parties and receptions are allowed, we know what it takes to make a truly memorable wedding or civil ceremony and understand no two big days are the same.”