Dining

Events

Weddings

What are the venue hire costs and minimum spend requirements for the Garden Room & Conservatory?

Evening venue hire (17:30-00:00) costs £7,800+VAT with a minimum catering spend of £3,000+VAT. The space accommodates 220 banquet, 180 dinner/dance, 450 reception, 180 seated buffet, or 350 fork buffet. All pricing is subject to VAT at 20%.

What capacity limits apply to different event layouts in the Garden Room & Conservatory?

The combined space can accommodate 220 guests for banquet style, 180 for dinner/dance, 450 for standing reception, 180 for seated buffet, or 350 for fork buffet. The Garden Room adjoins the Conservatory, making it easy to accommodate up to 200 guests with seamless flow between spaces.

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

PA system and microphone are available for £111.00+VAT, and 55" LCD screens cost £175.00+VAT. The venue features a state-of-the-art lighting system with LED colour changing ceiling panels. All AV equipment pricing is subject to VAT.

What are the standard operating hours and access times for events?

Evening venue hire runs from 17:30-00:00. The venue requires invoices to be paid prior to the event going ahead, and contracts must be signed before the event date. Setup and breakdown times are included within the hire period.

What unique features does the Conservatory space offer for events?

The Conservatory is a tropical oasis housing exotic fish and over 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees. It currently hosts a site-specific commission by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar, creating a distinctive backdrop for events. The space offers an unusual and memorable setting in the heart of London.

What catering arrangements and restrictions apply?

All catering is provided by Searcys with a minimum spend of £3,000+VAT required. The banqueting team can create original menus and discuss theming options to bring event ideas to life. External catering is not mentioned as an option.

What are the key features and amenities included with the Garden Room?

The Garden Room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Barbican Lakeside, St Giles Church and the city of London. It includes blackout blinds, comfort cooling, LED colour changing ceiling panels, natural daylight, and a staffed cloakroom. The space is excellent for evening receptions and post-dinner dancing.

How far in advance should bookings be made and what is the booking process?

The venue experiences high demand with spaces frequently booked months in advance. Popular dates like October evenings and September periods are often unavailable. The booking process requires contract signing and invoice payment prior to the event, with the sales team checking availability before providing quotes.

Are there any restrictions on event types or activities in the Conservatory?

The Conservatory houses live exotic fish and over 1,500 species of tropical plants, which may impose restrictions on certain activities, decorations, or entertainment that could disturb the ecosystem. The venue is suitable for networking events, drinks receptions, private parties, product launches, and private dining experiences.

What sustainability credentials does the Barbican Centre offer?

The Barbican Centre has dedicated sustainability information available and appears to prioritize environmental considerations. This may be relevant for corporate clients seeking venues with strong environmental credentials for their events.