Business

Dining

Weddings

What are the room hire rates for the Smeaton Room and what's included?

The Smeaton Room costs £2,600 for a full day (10:00-15:00) or £1,300 for an afternoon session (14:00-17:30). The room includes an integral 86" LED screen, complimentary super-fast WiFi, full wheelchair access, and natural daylight. Additional AV equipment like LCD projectors (£135) and projection screens (£25) are available separately.

What are the capacity limits for different event layouts?

The Smeaton Room accommodates up to 150 people theatre style, 100 people theatre style with catering space, 60 people classroom style, or 60 people boardroom style. For events requiring catering space, the adjoining Brunel Room is typically used and costs £950 for full day or £850 for half day.

What are the minimum catering requirements and costs?

For half-day sessions, tea, coffee and biscuits must be ordered as minimum catering at £4.10 per person per serving. Full catering options include tea/coffee with pastries (£8.60 per person), sandwich lunch with 4 sides (£25 per person), and 2-course 3-choice stand-up fork buffet from £39 per person with minimum numbers of 10.

How are half-day and full-day sessions defined and priced?

A half-day session runs 07:00-13:00 with rates of £950 for Council Room, £850 for Palmer Room, and £625 for Presidents Dining Room. Full day sessions typically run 07:00-17:30. The period of hire shown is the total time you have access to the room, including setup and breakdown requirements.

What audio-visual equipment and technical support is available?

The room includes an integral 86" LED screen. Additional AV includes LCD projector (£135), projection screen (£25), PA system (£275), handheld/lapel radio microphones (£75 each), and technician support up to 10 hours (£500). All rates exclude VAT.

Can the Smeaton Room be combined with adjacent spaces?

Yes, the Smeaton Room adjoins the Brunel Room, which in turn adjoins the Council Room, allowing flexibility in space usage. The Brunel Room is commonly used for catering when booking the Smeaton Room and costs £950 for full day (10:00-15:00) or £850 for half day.

What are the booking and payment procedures?

Show-round appointments are available Monday-Friday 9:30am-17:00pm, though the building is currently under refurbishment so site visits are limited. Spaces can be provisionally held while you make decisions. All rates exclude VAT and are based on minimum delegate numbers as specified.

Are there any restrictions on decorations or entertainment?

The venue does not allow naked flames or smoke for decorations. They work with a range of entertainment suppliers and can provide personal recommendations. The venue has experience with various event types from conferences to fashion shows.

What catering and beverage options are available?

Beverage options include wines from £22 per bottle, sparkling wines from £28, champagne from £58, bottled beer from £4, and non-alcoholic cocktails at £8.45 per litre. Unlimited drinks packages are available for 1-3 hours (£15-£29 per person). Bar setup costs £295 per room including 3 staff members.

What are the accessibility features and venue policies?

The Smeaton Room offers full wheelchair access, high ceilings, and natural daylight. The venue is a sustainable, award-winning Grade II listed building located near Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace with excellent transport links. The venue has won awards for 'Best Conference Venue' and 'Best Gala Dinner Venue'.