Swindon & Wiltshire News
Restaurant opens following £1.5 million investment
A new 78-seat restaurant and event space has opened its doors at Basset Down Complex on Hay Lane in South Swindon.
The recently extended complex designed by owners Juliette and William Nutland is the culmination of five years’ work from concept to creation and opening.
“We now offer members of the public a fantastic venue full of experiences,” Juliette said.
“People can come along for a meal, book a private event, use our driving range, play golf or footgolf.
“Thanks to our two new function rooms, we can also now host business events, wedding receptions and much more. We’re thrilled to have achieved this at such a challenging time for businesses across the country.”
Basset Down Complex, which sits just off Junction 16 of the M4, was originally a dairy farm.
However, after facing challenges in 2005, Juliette and William felt they had to diversify to survive, and changed the use of the land to a pay and play golf course.
Over time, the club has expanded into offering more family-friendly and innovative options, such as footgolf and Toptracer technology on the driving range.
“About five years ago we realised we were outgrowing ourselves and we began planning to become even more of a ‘go-to’ venue for people across Swindon, North Wiltshire and beyond. We wanted to offer exciting menus, a modern event space as well as fun, sporting experiences for all.
“Our extension opened up just over six weeks ago now, and we have been thrilled with the feedback and results so far. During this time, we’ve already hosted wedding anniversaries, Rotary Club meetings, wakes, birthday parties, corporate wellbeing days and golf societies.
“Enquiries for Christmas parties have been coming in thick and fast since August, and next year’s diary is starting to fill up too. It’s taken a long time to turn our dreams into the reality we see today,” Juliette said.
The family-run complex has a contemporary country-designed restaurant reflective of its surroundings, and offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and Sunday lunches.
Guests can come for the food, the atmosphere or for a private event and there is also the added benefit of being able to add sport into the mix during a visit.
“Even though we have been predominately a golf club for the last 16 years, we have always been an open, inclusive and family-friendly destination,” said Juliette.
“Whilst the golfing side of our complex remains just as important to us, the addition of our new restaurant and event spaces allows us to offer a range of experiences to the local community, and all in a beautiful spot overlooking the unspoiled Wiltshire countryside.”
Pictured: The Bassett Down team including front middle (left to right), events manager Amber Fisher, owner Juliette Nutland and general manager Rosie Nutland. In the back row, left to right, head greenkeeper Nick Pusey, owner Will Nutland and restaurant and bar manager Fraser Digby.
