Arts

Business

Events

What are the venue hire rates and minimum catering requirements for different spaces?

Garden Room & Conservatory evening hire (17:30-00:00) costs £7,800+VAT with a minimum catering spend of £3,000+VAT. Frobisher Triple Room day hire (08:30-17:00) costs £3,200+VAT with overnight hold at £950+VAT and minimum catering spend of £1,500+VAT. Cinema 1 day hire is £6,100+VAT and evening hire is £5,100+VAT, both with £5,000+VAT minimum catering spend.

What are the capacity limits for the main event spaces?

Garden Room & Conservatory accommodates 220 banquet, 180 dinner/dance, 450 reception, or 350 fork buffet. Frobisher Triple Room holds 170 theatre, 96 cabaret, or 175 reception. Cinema 1 has a total capacity of 280 in raked auditorium seating with both 220-capacity spaces (Cinema 1 and Auditorium 1) available for bookings.

What AV equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

Frobisher rooms include LCD projector (8000lms, WUXGA resolution), screen, and Wi-Fi. Cinema 1 includes 4K DLP cinema projector (34000lms), screen, PA system, 3 cabled microphones, Wi-Fi, full lighting system, and dedicated technician. Additional options include PA system & microphone for £111+VAT and 55" LCD screens for £175+VAT.

What are the standard event timings and setup requirements?

Day hire runs 08:30-17:00 and evening hire runs 17:30-00:00. Tenancy times include setup and de-rig - recommend 1.5 hours for setup and 30 minutes for de-rig. Events typically require access before start time for preparation, with additional hours available through your sales contact.

What is the payment and contract process?

Invoices must be paid prior to the event going ahead. Contracts must be signed and returned to proceed with bookings. The venue requires both payment and signed contracts before confirming event arrangements.

How far in advance do spaces get booked and what affects availability?

Popular spaces like the 220-capacity Cinema 1 and Auditorium 1 book up quickly, often months in advance. Large conference groups can block availability for multiple days (such as 8th-10th September periods). The venue recommends checking date flexibility if preferred dates are unavailable.

What catering arrangements and restrictions apply?

All spaces have mandatory minimum catering spends that must be met through the venue's catering partner Searcys. The venue can accommodate dietary requirements including halal, vegan, and vegetarian options, or clients may be permitted to bring their own catering in specific circumstances.

Are there any unique venue features or restrictions to be aware of?

The Conservatory is a tropical oasis with over 1,500 species of plants, exotic fish, and currently hosts site-specific art installations. Some spaces can be blacked out for presentations, while others offer natural daylight. The venue is located at Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS with excellent transport links.

What technical support is provided for events?

Cinema 1 includes a dedicated technician for sound and lighting as part of the hire. Other spaces may require additional technical support which can be arranged through your sales contact. The venue has state-of-the-art lighting systems and top-quality AV capabilities built into the spaces.

Can spaces be combined or partitioned for different event requirements?

Frobisher Suites feature sliding partitions enabling them to be opened into larger spaces, providing flexibility for different group sizes. The Garden Room & Conservatory can be used together for events requiring both indoor and unique tropical environments. Multiple room bookings are possible subject to availability.