Business

Dining

What is the pricing structure for dinner packages and what's included?

Dinner packages start at £88.70+VAT per person for a basic package including 3-course set menu with coffee and unlimited bottled water. The full dinner package is £108.50+VAT per person including hire of both Stephenson Room for pre-dinner drinks and Council Room for dinner, 2 glasses of house wine for reception, 3-course set dinner menu with coffee, half bottle of house wine with meal, and unlimited bottled water.

What are the capacity limits for different dining setups?

The Council Room accommodates maximum 80 guests for seated dinner, while the Stephenson Room holds maximum 30 guests for standing reception. For events over 30 guests, both interconnected rooms can be used with a recommended maximum of 50 guests total for optimal flow between spaces.

What are the mandatory minimum requirements and additional costs?

All dinner packages require minimum 30 delegates and exclude VAT. Pre-dinner canapés cost £12.50 per person (3 pieces), choice menu upgrade is £13.50 per person (maximum 3 choices per course), and additional course/cheese course is £10.50 per person. Bar setup costs £295.00 including 2 staff members.

What are the standard hire times and late extension fees?

Standard dinner hire runs 18:30-23:00, which includes total room access time for setup and breakdown. Late extension fees are £500.00 for 11pm-midnight, £1,200.00 for 11pm-1am, and £1,900.00 for 11pm-2am.

What restrictions apply to decorations and entertainment?

No naked flames or smoke are permitted in any areas. The venue works with a range of entertainment suppliers and can provide personal recommendations, but all entertainment must comply with venue safety regulations.

Can events be held without alcohol and what are the pricing adjustments?

Yes, alcohol-free events are accommodated with adjusted pricing. The dinner package reduces to £88.70 per person when removing all alcohol, and you can add soft drinks or non-alcoholic options on consumption basis. For alcohol-free events, only the Council Room is needed as the Stephenson Room is primarily for pre-dinner drinks.

What days are available for different event types?

Weddings are exclusively hosted on Saturdays and Sundays only. Corporate dinners and other private dining events can be scheduled Monday through Friday. Show-round appointments are available Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:00pm, though site visits may be limited during building refurbishment periods.

What is the booking process and how far in advance should I book?

Availability is offered on both confirmed and waitlist basis depending on demand. Popular dates like December availability (2nd, 3rd, 16th-18th) fill quickly. The venue can provisionally hold spaces while you confirm details, and show-rounds can be arranged to view the interconnected Stephenson and Council rooms before booking.