Venue Spotlight: The Old Cow Shed, Kirby Bellars – Rustic Charm Meets Relaxed Luxury
If you’re dreaming of a countryside wedding that’s full of character, flexibility, and personality, The Old Cow Shed wedding venue in Leicestershire should definitely be on your shortlist. This beautiful rustic barn in Kirby Bellars blends relaxed country charm with refined style is the perfect backdrop.
We’ve had the pleasure of catering weddings at The Old Cow Shed and can honestly say that it’s a dream setting for couples who want their day to feel like them. Here’s why we love it -and how our team at Thomas the Caterer can help make it even more unforgettable.
A Hidden Gem in the Leicestershire Countryside
Tucked away on Great Dalby Road in Kirby Bellars, just outside Melton Mowbray, The Old Cow Shed is surrounded by open fields and rolling countryside. It’s the perfect escape for couples wanting a relaxed, rural setting that still feels close to home.
From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by a charming collection of rustic buildings, open spaces, and cosy corners. It’s instantly welcoming, with plenty of scope to make the space your own.
The Spaces: Flexible, Beautiful and Full of Character
What makes The Old Cow Shed special is the sheer variety of spaces you can use, all centred around the venue’s signature rustic barn style.
The Shed
A beautifully restored barn that offers a warm, intimate atmosphere. It’s ideal for smaller weddings or for those planning a winter celebration (the venue recommends keeping numbers around 70 guests in the colder months). Think twinkling lights, candlelit tables, hearty food and that unmistakable barn-wedding cosiness. If you wish to get married at The Old Cow Shed, you can have your wedding ceremony here!
The Courtyard
A larger, open space that connects seamlessly to the Shed. The courtyard is perfect for dining, dancing, and summer celebrations. Its mix of rustic textures and open air gives you the flexibility to create your ideal setup.
The Paddock
Behind the barn, the Paddock opens up to sweeping views – ideal for outdoor ceremonies, lawn games, or a marquee for larger guest numbers. In summer, it’s a blank canvas for creativity (and those sunset photos are chef’s kiss).
Stay the Weekend
Another big plus for The Old Cow Shed is its on-site accommodation.
Couples can enjoy The Big Barn, which includes a gorgeous bridal suite and three double rooms for close family or friends. Then there are three “Carry-on-Camping” shepherd huts, each with a king-size bed, kitchenette, wood-burning stove and a patio with a fire pit.
This setup means you can turn your wedding into a full weekend experience – from a relaxed Friday evening arrival to a Sunday morning brunch.
Freedom to Make It Yours
The Old Cow Shed is a dry-hire venue – which means you get the space, furniture, lighting and the freedom to bring in your own suppliers.
For couples, that’s brilliant news: you’re not tied to a fixed package or menu, and you can truly design a wedding that reflects your personalities. You get the charm of a rustic barn with the flexibility to make every detail your own – and that’s where we at Thomas the Caterer come in.
Catering That Complements The Old Cow Shed
Because this venue gives you so much freedom, the food can be just as unique as your celebration. We’ve worked with couples at The Old Cow Shed to create menus that feel authentic, seasonal and deliciously memorable, from elegant plated dining to relaxed grazing tables.
Our approach is always the same: seasonal, flexible, and centred around your story. Whether you’re after something formal or fun and informal, as a bespoke caterer, we tailor everything to the space, the vibe, and what food makes you happiest.
Why We Love Working Here
The Old Cow Shed suits our style perfectly – laid-back, personal and creative. It’s the kind of place where we can really get to know our couples, understand what they want from their day, and bring that to life through food and service.
We love that the venue is family-run, pet-friendly, and built on warmth and authenticity -values that we share wholeheartedly. Every wedding we’ve catered there has felt relaxed, filled with laughter and just that little bit different.
Here is some of our delicious food for some inspiration!
Thinking About The Old Cow Shed for Your Wedding?
If this venue sounds like your dream- rustic, flexible, and full of heart, we’d love to help you make it happen.
We know the spaces, the flow of the day, and how to make your menu work perfectly within them. From hearty winter feasts to summer grazing, our team will help you create a menu that fits your vision and makes your guests rave about the food long after the day is over.
Get in touch to chat about your plans for The Old Cow Shed or any of our other favourite Leicestershire wedding venues.
Visit www.oldcowshed.com to explore the venue.
Then come back to us at Thomas the Caterer to enquire to plan the food that brings it all together.