Business

Dining

Events

What are the minimum venue hire costs and catering requirements?

Weekend bookings have a minimum venue hire of £8,000 ex VAT. Catering has a minimum spend of £69.50 per person with a minimum of 250 guests (£17,375 total). For smaller events, there's a minimum catering spend of £2,500 ex VAT for 100 guests, and some spaces require minimum spends of £41.50 per person with 280 minimum guests.

What spaces are available and what are their capacities?

The venue offers multiple spaces including the Assembly Hall (main conference space), Hoare Memorial Hall (catering and exhibition space for 250 standing), Bishop Partridge Hall (150 standing for drinks reception), Harvey Goodwin Suite (180 theatre style), Convocation Hall (100 theatre), and various smaller rooms like Charter Room and College Room. Spaces can be hired individually or as packages.

What does the standard AV package include and what does it cost?

AV packages start from £4,495 ex VAT. The Assembly Hall package (£3,995 ex VAT) includes 4K laser projector, large screens, sound system, microphones, lighting, and engineers. Harvey Goodwin Suite AV costs £2,330 ex VAT and Convocation Hall AV costs £1,525 ex VAT, all including screens, projectors, sound systems, and technical support.

How far in advance do I need to book and what are the payment terms?

The venue gets fully booked well in advance, with many dates showing as unavailable 6-12 months ahead. Popular dates like September, October, and June fill up quickly. Payment terms and booking procedures are handled through detailed proposals sent after initial enquiry, with specific terms outlined in individual contracts.

What catering options are available and can I bring my own?

Catering is provided by in-house partner Searcys with various options including Day Delegate Rates (DDR), fork buffets, afternoon tea, and drinks receptions. DDR packages start from £49.50 per person and can include breakfast, refreshments, and lunch. External catering is not mentioned as an option in the available information.

Are there restrictions on event types or timing?

The venue accommodates conferences, award ceremonies, Christmas parties, boxing events, and corporate functions. Events typically run during standard business hours (8:30am-5pm) with some evening events extending to 7pm or later. Setup access is available the evening prior (6pm-8pm) for larger events, with venue clearance required by 10pm or 11pm.

What is included in a Day Delegate Rate (DDR) package?

DDR packages vary by guest numbers and requirements. A typical DDR for 500 guests costs £49,500 ex VAT and includes room hire of multiple spaces (Assembly Hall, Hoare Memorial Hall, Bishop Partridge Hall, Harvey Goodwin Suite), arrival refreshments, mid-morning and afternoon refreshments, and a two-choice standing fork buffet lunch with minimum 330 guests.

Can the venue accommodate large conferences and what are the capacity limits?

The venue can accommodate up to 600 guests across multiple spaces. The Assembly Hall serves as the main plenary space, with additional breakout rooms available. For events over 350 people, exclusive hire of the first floor may be required at £21,535 ex VAT, which includes Assembly Hall, Hoare Memorial Hall, Bishop Partridge Hall, Convocation Hall, and several smaller meeting rooms.

What are the costs for filming and special events?

Filming enquiries are handled by a specialist colleague named Ben. For special events like boxing matches, there are specific minimum spends for weekend bookings (£8,000 ex VAT venue hire minimum mentioned). Unique events require individual proposals with pricing based on specific requirements and space usage.

Is the venue available for site visits and how do I arrange one?

Site visits are available and encouraged, typically arranged through the sales team. Visitors should ask for the specific sales executive at reception upon arrival. Site visits help determine space suitability and can influence final proposals, as seen with clients who visited before confirming bookings.