Business

Dining

Events

What are the minimum venue hire costs and spending requirements?

Minimum venue hire is £8,000 ex VAT for weekend bookings. There is a minimum catering spend of £69.50 per person with a minimum of 250 guests (£17,375 total). For smaller events, minimum catering spend is £41.50 per person with a minimum of 280 guests (£11,620 total).

What spaces are available and what are their capacities?

Available spaces include the Assembly Hall (main conference space for up to 350 theatre style), Hoare Memorial Hall (250 standing for catering/exhibitions), Harvey Goodwin Suite (180 theatre for breakouts), Convocation Hall (100 theatre for breakouts), and smaller rooms like Charter Room and College Room for individual meetings or green rooms. Multiple spaces can be hired together for larger events.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue hire runs from 08:30 to 17:00 for day events. Evening access for setup can be arranged from 18:30-21:30 for an additional £11,940 ex VAT, with venues cleared by 22:00. Extended hours until 19:00 are available for drinks receptions at additional cost.

What AV packages are included and what do they cost?

Assembly Hall AV package costs £4,794 ex VAT and includes 4K laser projector, 5.6m projection screen, 8-speaker sound system, laptops, microphones, stage lighting, and engineers. Harvey Goodwin Suite AV is £2,796 ex VAT with LCD projector, screen, sound system, and lighting. Convocation Hall AV is £1,830 ex VAT with 95" LED screen and basic sound setup.

How far in advance do I need to book and what is the booking process?

Popular dates book up quickly - several enquiries show venues fully booked months in advance for specific dates. The venue offers 2nd option holds while clients consider proposals. Contact Charlotte Brumby at +44 (0)20 7390 1544 or the main sales team for availability checks and proposals.

What catering options are available and how is pricing structured?

Day Delegate Rate (DDR) packages start from £59.50-£65.50 ex VAT per person including room hire, arrival refreshments, mid-morning/afternoon breaks, and lunch. Hot fork buffet options from £52.00 ex VAT per person. Drinks receptions from £29.50 ex VAT per person. All catering provided by Searcys using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Are there any restrictions on event types or special requirements?

The venue accommodates conferences, meetings, workshops, and corporate events. Filming enquiries are handled by a separate specialist team member. Boxing events and theatrical productions have been accommodated, suggesting flexibility for creative event formats. The venue is fully accessible and carbon-neutral certified.

What happens if my preferred date is unavailable?

If your preferred date is fully booked, the sales team will suggest alternative dates and can help find alternative venues if needed. They maintain flexibility by offering 2nd option holds and work with clients to find suitable alternatives within their date ranges.

What additional costs should I budget for beyond the basic venue hire?

Beyond venue hire, budget for mandatory AV packages (£1,830-£4,794 ex VAT depending on room), minimum catering spends, and potential setup fees for evening-before access (£11,940 ex VAT). Weekend bookings incur additional charges, and extended hours beyond 17:00 cost extra.

Can I arrange site visits and how do I get detailed proposals?

Site visits can be arranged by contacting the sales team directly. Detailed proposals are provided via email attachment after initial enquiry. The venue is located at Dean's Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3NZ, walking distance from Central Hall Westminster but they are separate venues.