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New owners of Grade II listed Sessions House in Spalding have big plans to do former court justice as wedding and events venue




The new owners of a Grade II listed courthouse have big plans to do the town centre landmark justice.

Andrew Blach and Erika Yao have now moved into The Sessions House, Sheep Market, Spalding and are holding an open day on Saturday (July 13) for people to meet them and have a look round.

The couple will continue to run the historic venue primarily for weddings and host a range of events including a Valentine’s Ball, Christmas market, Thanksgiving, coffee mornings, school proms, birthdays and afternoon teas.

Andrew Blach and Erika Yao have moved into The Sessions House, Spalding. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE
Andrew Blach and Erika Yao have moved into The Sessions House, Spalding. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE

Andrew said: “We wanted a property that was unique and to live closer to my parents.

“They own and still run the village store in Swineshead where I grew up and, now in their seventies, they have a strong sense of community.

“We were looking for a character property and one that will give us the ability to get more involved with the community.”

Andrew Blach and Erika Yao in the iconic building. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE
Andrew Blach and Erika Yao in the iconic building. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE

Having worked in London, Hong Kong, Russia, Dubai, Mexico and the Czech Republic, Andrew will continue to work for banking giant HSBC alongside this new venture.

Erika, who was raised in New York and has worked in corporate jobs including in Hong Kong, is the founder of a dog collar business.

She said: “I want this place to be why people come into the town centre.

Andrew Blach and Erika Yao are keen to make The Sessions House part of the community. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE
Andrew Blach and Erika Yao are keen to make The Sessions House part of the community. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE

“We want to see what we can do that will bring people in.

“We want to get involved with the flower parade and other community events.”

Previous owners Oliver and Dorota Snaith restored parts of the turrets and gave the prominent building a new lease of life for the last seven years.

Andrew Blach and Erika Yao have big plans for the wedding venue. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE
Andrew Blach and Erika Yao have big plans for the wedding venue. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE

The courtroom has space for a wedding ceremony, dining and is then turned into a dance floor for the evening’s merriment and couples can even have a personalised flag atop the roof plus perfect photo opportunities on the summer staircase.

Andrew and Erika will be making some changes, adding carpets, red and gold velvet regal curtains, updating ornate radiators to rejuvenate the premises and give it a stately home feel.

There is a separate bar and a purpose-built dance floor, where the dock used to be, which leads down to the cells.

The couple are keen to make connections and partner with other businesses in the area.

Andrew Blach and Erika Yao have big plans for The Sessions House in Spalding as a wedding venue and holding other events. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE
Andrew Blach and Erika Yao have big plans for The Sessions House in Spalding as a wedding venue and holding other events. PHOTO: JENNY BEAKE

Erika said: “Coming from a big city I’ve always wanted to be part of a closer-knit community.

“We have received many messages of welcome and even some flowers, it is so touching.

“This is more than a business to us and I am intrigued about the history in this part of England.”

The location of the building, constructed in 1843, means that the couple want to be able to contribute to injecting life into the town centre.

Andrew said: “We have walked around the town and we love it but our observation is that it seemed quiet.

“The Sessions House is iconic and has great versatility for small or large private events.

“We are really looking forward to seeing a full wedding in action.”

The couple plans to turn the venue into a ‘festive magnet and bring a touch of the festival to our ‘lovely town’ and ask that arts, craft and artisan food businesses contact them to run a stall.

The Sessions House Open Day takes place Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

Contact Erika Yao on WhatsApp 07340 423610 or info@thesessionshouse.com and Facebook for further information.

Will you be going along to the open day? Post your comments below.



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