Business

What are the room hire rates for business events and what's included?

Room hire rates vary by space and duration - for example, the Palmer Room costs £1,700 for 7:00-14:00 or £850 for half-day sessions (7:00-13:00). The Council Room ranges from £950-£1,900 depending on duration. All rates exclude VAT and include basic room setup, but catering must be ordered separately with minimum requirements for half-day bookings.

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 sandwich lunch with 4 sides at £25 per person, tea/coffee with pastries at £8.60 per person, and Day Delegate Packages starting from £96 per person including room hire, meals and refreshments.

What capacity limits apply to different room layouts?

The Palmer Room accommodates 36-70 people depending on layout, while the Council Room holds maximum 50 theatre style or 40 cabaret style (8 per table). The Smeaton Room can accommodate up to 100 delegates theatre style or 60 boardroom style. Specific capacity depends on your chosen room configuration.

What audio-visual equipment is available and at what cost?

Basic AV includes LCD projector (£135), projection screen (£25), and laptop connectivity. The Palmer Room has an integral 86" LED screen included. Advanced options include PA system (£275), handheld/lapel radio microphones (£75 each), and technician support up to 10 hours (£500). Some rooms include built-in AV as standard.

What are the standard operating hours and extension fees?

Standard business hours appear to be 7:00-17:30 based on quoted packages. Late extension fees apply: 11pm-midnight costs £500-£550, 11pm-1am costs £1,200-£1,300, and 11pm-2am costs £1,900. Access times can be arranged from earlier in the day if needed for setup.

How do I arrange a site visit and what are the viewing hours?

Show-round appointments are available Monday-Friday 9:30am-17:00pm, but must be scheduled in advance as same-day visits are not typically available. The building is currently under refurbishment, so site visits are limited. Contact the sales team to arrange a viewing appointment.

What are the booking and payment procedures?

Spaces can be provisionally held while you make decisions, and some rooms may be available on a waitlist basis if already held by another client. The venue requires advance booking for site visits and quotes are provided based on specific requirements. Payment terms and deposit requirements are discussed during the booking process.

Are there restrictions on decorations, entertainment, or external suppliers?

The venue prohibits naked flames and smoke for safety reasons. They work with a range of entertainment suppliers and can provide recommendations. External suppliers and decorations are subject to venue approval, and specific restrictions apply to ensure compliance with the Grade II listed building requirements.

What breakout room options are available for conferences?

Multiple breakout rooms are available including the Presidents Dining Room (15-18 boardroom style), Tredgold Room (15 boardroom style), Palmer Room (20-30 cabaret style), and Stephenson Room. Breakout room hire ranges from £625-£1,300 depending on size and duration, with some rooms interconnected for flexible use.

What catering upgrade options and dietary requirements can be accommodated?

Catering upgrades include choice menus (£13.50-£15 per person for maximum 3 choices per course), additional courses (£10.50-£11 per person), pre-dinner canapés (£12.50-£12.75 per person for 3 pieces), and various beverage packages. The in-house catering team can accommodate dietary requirements and serves modern European cuisine.