Business

Dining

Events

What are the room hire costs and minimum catering requirements for dining events?

Room hire varies by space and duration - ground floor rooms (National Grid/David Sainsbury) cost £2,400 + VAT for 9am-5pm, while first floor spaces (Al Qasimi/ERA Foundation) cost £4,600 + VAT for the same period. Evening hire (6pm-11pm) is £2,000-£3,000 + VAT depending on the room. Minimum catering spend ranges from £1,000-£4,950 + VAT depending on guest numbers and room selection.

What dining capacities can the venue accommodate for seated events?

The Al Qasimi room accommodates up to 120 guests for formal seated dinners, while ground floor rooms can handle smaller intimate dinners for 24-28 guests in cabaret style. For standing receptions, capacities increase to 60-200 guests depending on the room configuration and setup requirements.

Is external catering permitted or must we use the in-house catering partner?

External catering is not allowed on the premises. All food and beverage must be provided by Company of Cooks, the venue's exclusive catering partner. They offer extensive menu options from formal dining packages to canapés and bowl food for various event styles.

What AV equipment is included with dining room bookings?

All rooms include state-of-the-art AV equipment: 86-98" plasma screens, PA systems, multifunctional LED wall lighting with touchpad controls, and connectivity via ClickShare or HDMI. The Al Qasimi room also features a high-definition projector with 3m screen, 6m x 2m staging, and video camera/audio bar for hybrid events. One microphone is complimentary, with additional microphones available at £75 + VAT.

What are the standard operating hours and any time restrictions?

Standard daytime hire runs 9am-5pm, with evening hire available 6pm-11pm. Garden events must end by 9pm as required by The Crown Estate. Events can start as early as 8am with prior arrangement, and extended hours may be available depending on the specific requirements and venue availability.

Are there package deals available for dining events with drinks included?

Yes, reception packages start from £53 + VAT per person (minimum 140 guests) including room hire, nibbles, and 2 hours unlimited drinks. More comprehensive packages range from £65-£136 + VAT per person depending on duration, catering level, and room selection. Garden party packages start at £110 + VAT per person with 3 hours unlimited drinks and canapés.

What deposit and payment terms are required to secure a booking?

Specific deposit and payment terms are not detailed in the available information, but the venue offers provisional holds while clients consider options. Payment schedules and deposit requirements would be confirmed during the booking process based on the event size and date.

Can the venue accommodate special dietary requirements and themed dining events?

Company of Cooks provides extensive catering options including halal requirements and various themed menus (Mexican, Japanese, BBQ bowl food options are mentioned). The venue can accommodate special dietary needs through their catering partner, though specific restrictions or additional costs for specialized menus would need to be discussed during planning.

What outdoor dining options are available and what are the restrictions?

Three outdoor spaces are available: Waterloo West Gardens (capacity 150), Stirling Square Gardens (capacity 200), and The Terrace. Garden packages range from £110-£130 + VAT per person with minimum numbers of 70-120 guests. All garden events require Crown Estate approval and must end by 9pm, with ground floor rooms provided as wet weather backup.

Are there any restrictions on decorations, entertainment, or event setup?

Fairground rides and inflatables are not permitted, but garden games like giant Jenga are allowed. The venue can arrange soft furnishings to match themes or color palettes for an additional quote. Unamplified string duos/quartets are permitted in gardens, and outdoor speaker hire is available for background music.