Business

Dining

Events

What are the room hire costs and minimum catering requirements for different spaces?

Room hire varies by space: Al Qasimi (first floor) costs £4,600 + VAT for 9am-5pm with £4,000-£4,950 + VAT minimum catering spend. Ground floor rooms (National Grid/David Sainsbury) cost £2,400 + VAT for 9am-5pm with £1,000-£1,250 + VAT minimum catering. Evening hire (6pm-11pm) is £2,000-£3,000 + VAT depending on the room. External catering is not permitted.

What are the capacity limits for different event layouts in each room?

Al Qasimi accommodates 180 theatre style, 100 cabaret, 120 seated dinner, or 200 reception. Ground floor rooms (National Grid/David Sainsbury) each hold 40 cabaret, 80 theatre, 60 reception, or 24 boardroom. Michael Bishop Foundation seats 50 guests and can be used as overflow space with screen streaming from the main room.

What garden spaces are available and what are the pricing packages?

Three garden options: Waterloo West Garden (150 capacity, 100 minimum) with packages from £78-£115 + VAT per person; Stirling Square Garden (200 capacity, 120 minimum) with packages from £88-£125 + VAT per person; and The Terrace with bespoke pricing. All require Crown Estate approval and must vacate by 9pm. Packages include 3 hours unlimited drinks and food options.

What AV equipment and technical support is included versus additional charges?

Standard AV includes 86-98″ plasma screens, PA system, one complimentary microphone, projector with 3m screen, 6m x 2m staging, LED wall lighting, and basic technical support. Additional charges apply for extra microphones (£75 + VAT), hybrid conference equipment (from £3,000 + VAT), extended technical staffing, and specialized AV requirements.

Are there restrictions on entertainment, decorations, or external suppliers?

Fairground rides and inflatables are prohibited, but garden games like giant Jenga are permitted. External catering is not allowed - all food must be provided by in-house caterer Company of Cooks. For gardens, only unamplified string duos/quartets or outdoor speaker hire for background music is permitted. Decorators require approval for access.

What are the timing restrictions and booking requirements for events?

Standard day hire is 9am-5pm, evening hire 6pm-11pm. Garden events must end by 9pm due to Crown Estate requirements and need approval before booking confirmation. Some promotional offers include 15% off room hire. Venue offers provisional holds while clients consider options, and site visits can be arranged during business hours.

What catering packages are available and what do they include?

Day delegate packages range from £65-£150 + VAT per person including room hire, refreshments, lunch, and basic AV. Reception packages start at £53 + VAT per person for evening events with nibbles and 2-hour drinks. Garden packages include seasonal canapés or bowl food with 3-hour unlimited drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks). All catering must be provided by Company of Cooks.

What are the minimum guest numbers and how do they affect pricing?

Minimum numbers vary by space and package: ground floor rooms typically require 15-50 guests minimum, first floor spaces need 90-180 guests minimum depending on the package. Garden events require 70-120 guests minimum. Reception packages often have 140 guest minimums. Pricing is per person with minimum spend requirements that must be met regardless of actual attendance.

What accessibility features and facilities are available?

All rooms are accessible with lift access to upper floors. The venue features self-service cloakroom facilities (manned cloakroom available for £500 + VAT), complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, and natural daylight. National Grid Room includes a small balcony for fresh air access. Parking options are available for guests but specific details require inquiry.

How far in advance should events be booked and what is the payment process?

The venue can accommodate last-minute bookings (even same week) but with limited catering options. For garden events, Crown Estate approval is required before confirmation but this is typically a quick process. The venue offers provisional holds while clients consider proposals and is flexible to adjust proposals for different needs and budgets.