What It’s Really Like to Host an Event at New Craven Hall (And Why It’s Not Your Typical Venue)

From magical weddings to unforgettable parties, no two events look the same at New Craven Hall.

As New Craven Hall approaches its 10th anniversary, we’re reflecting on a decade of incredible events. Known for its industrial aesthetic and highly personalised approach, the venue has become a go-to for bespoke celebrations in Leeds.

Rather than take their word for it, we spoke to guests who’ve hosted milestone moments at the venue, digging deeper into what sets New Craven Hall apart.

A fusion wedding brought to life

Credit: David Scholes Photo

From their very first visit, Raj and Stef knew they’d stumbled across something special. The venue’s calmness and sophisticated decor stood out right away, but it was the team’s approach that really impressed them. Welcoming, attentive and genuinely invested from the start, they created an environment where nothing felt like too much trouble.

Their fusion wedding brought together two cultures, blending Indian traditions with a more conventional ceremony. That meant planning a completely bespoke set up – including installing a temple space for blessings. While many venues might struggle with the logistics, the team at New Craven Hall embraced it, working closely with the couple to make sure that every detail felt authentic and seamless.

With everything taken care of, the couple were free to just enjoy the day. “Having a day where we got to marry each other is without doubt the best day of our lives. But having New Craven Hall as the venue made it the absolute cherry on top,” they said.

A corporate event tailored to suit

Credit: New Craven Hall

When Ilk Agency needed a venue for their event, they turned to New Craven Hall – and quickly found a team that understood exactly what they were looking for. The process was straightforward from the start, with a bespoke package built around their needs and the flexibility to refine plans along the way.

It’s that adaptability that has kept them coming back. As their events have evolved, so too has the support from the team, with new ideas and formats helping to shape each one. Backed by strong industry knowledge and a clear understanding of what works for different group sizes, New Craven Hall gives businesses the confidence to try something new without the risk.

For Ilk Agency, that consistency is what stands out most. “Seeing how NCH has established itself as a go-to event venue within the city makes me feel confident that they will continue to deliver,” they said.

A birthday celebration with no set template

Credit: Alt Wedding Co Photography

For Lily Kerbey, finding a venue that could flex around her ideas was key when planning her birthday. Having worked at New Craven Hall herself, she’d seen first-hand the level of care that goes into each and every event – from founders Ben and Jane, through to the team running things on the day.

Her vision called for something completely bespoke – and this was where New Craven Hall stood out. Rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach, its flexibility meant that different ideas could be explored and built out. With years of experience behind them, the team were proactive in suggesting ways to elevate the event, while taking all the coordination off Lily’s plate.

The space itself made that even easier. With adaptable interiors and outdoor space for food trucks or entertainment, it can shift to suit anything you have in mind. As Lily put it, “You really can do anything there – and that, plus the personal touch of the team, makes it such a perfect venue for any event.”