Venue Hire at The Russell Arms
A warm, relaxed Chilterns venue for the moments that matter
From wedding receptions and milestone birthdays to wakes, anniversaries and creative workshops, The Russell Arms offers a flexible country-pub setting for the gatherings that bring people together. Low beams, a welcoming bar, a kitchen with a real feel for seasonal British food and plenty of space to gather comfortably.
Tucked into the village of Butlers Cross at the foot of the Chilterns, we're an easy drive from Aylesbury, Wendover and the surrounding villages, close enough to be convenient, quiet enough to feel like an occasion.
The events we host
Wedding receptions
Whether you're planning an intimate wedding breakfast, a relaxed evening reception, or a full celebration for friends and family, we'll help you shape a day that feels like yours. Our dining room offers a warm, characterful setting for the meal itself; exclusive use of the whole pub is possible too, for larger receptions or couples who'd rather have the place entirely to themselves.
Wakes and celebrations of life
A quiet, welcoming space to gather after a funeral, remember someone special, and share stories over food and drink. We understand how much the small details matter — a team that handles the logistics gently, a private room with the option of the whole venue, and food that feels right for the occasion. Whatever you need, we'll make it as easy as we can.
Milestone birthdays and anniversaries
A big round-number birthday, a significant anniversary, a family reunion with a reason. However you want to mark it — sit-down meal, relaxed buffet, drinks and nibbles — we'll set the room up around you.
Workshops and creative events
We're a favourite venue for painting evenings, supper clubs and community classes. If you're an artist, maker or course leader looking for a welcoming spot with good food and good light, we'd love to hear from you.
Two ways to hire the venue
Every event is different, so we keep the options simple.
Private dining room hire
Hire our dining room exclusively for your group, with the front of the pub staying open for regular trade. Ideal for private parties, smaller receptions, wakes, workshops and family gatherings…a private space without losing the character of the pub.
Whole-pub exclusive hire
For weddings, larger celebrations or any event where you'd rather have the place entirely to yourselves, we can close the pub to the public for your booking. It works beautifully for weddings, significant birthdays and gatherings that need a bit of room to breathe.
Not sure which fits? Tell us what you're planning in your enquiry and we'll suggest the best setup.
Food and drink, made easy
Our kitchen handles the catering for every event, so you've got one team looking after everything on the day. We'll work with you to put together something that suits the tone of the occasion, from a relaxed buffet to a full sit-down menu, built around seasonal British produce.
Behind the bar, you'll find everything you'd expect from a proper country pub: local cask ales, a well-chosen wine list, the full spirits selection and plenty of non-alcoholic options. Welcome drinks, wine pairings, drinks packages or a simple bar tab, however you'd like it set up, we'll make it straightforward.
Full menu options and drinks packages are shared as part of your proposal.
Booking, made simple
1. Send us an enquiry. Tell us your date (or a few options), rough numbers, and what kind of event you're planning — we'll take it from there.
2. We'll come back to you with a proposal. Menu options, drinks, set-up, timings, costs — all laid out clearly, with plenty of room to tweak.
3. Confirm with a deposit. Once you're happy, a small deposit secures the date. The rest is settled closer to the day.
From enquiry to event, you'll have one point of contact here — someone who knows your booking inside out.
Venue Hire Enquiry Form
A few things people often ask
What kind of events do you host? All sorts — wedding receptions, wakes and celebrations of life, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, workshops, class evenings and team gatherings. If you're planning something that'll feel at home in a relaxed country pub, we'd love to hear about it.
Can we hire the whole pub? Yes. For weddings, larger celebrations, or any event where you'd like full exclusivity, we can close the pub to the public for your booking. For smaller gatherings, dining room hire with the pub still open is usually the better fit.
Can you cater for dietary requirements? Yes, always. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies — we'll ask for details once numbers are confirmed and make sure everyone's looked after.
How far in advance should we book? For weekend weddings and whole-pub events, as early as you can — six to twelve months is typical. For weekday bookings, workshops and smaller gatherings, there's usually more flexibility. Get in touch and we'll tell you what's available.
Is there parking? Yes — on-site parking is free, with plenty of space for your guests.
Can we bring our own entertainment, decorations or suppliers? In most cases, yes. Musicians, DJs, florists, cake-makers, photographers — all welcome. Just let us know in your enquiry so we can make sure the room is set up for it.