Business

Dining

What are the venue hire rates and what's included in the base price?

Venue hire rates vary by room and timing. For example, the Reading Room costs £1,900 VAT exempt for 6pm-10pm with access from 5:15pm, while the Council Room is £1,750 VAT exempt for evening hire. The Lecture Room is £1,100 VAT exempt for 9am-12:30pm with access from 8:15am. Base prices include room hire only - catering, AV equipment, and additional services are charged separately.

What are the minimum catering spends and typical costs per person?

There's a minimum evening catering spend of £1,000 + VAT that applies to all bookings. Basic refreshments start from £3.75 + VAT per person for tea and coffee, while full meals range from £25 + VAT per person for sandwich lunch to £66.50 + VAT per person for a 3-course dinner. Breakfast options range from £6.50-£15.75 + VAT per person.

What are the capacity limits for different room configurations?

The Reading Room holds up to 70 guests for standing receptions. The Council Room seats up to 70 for dinner. The Beatrice Webb Room accommodates up to 50 guests in cabaret style or 94 in theatre style. The Music Room alone is not suitable for dinner and drinks for 50+ guests and requires booking an additional room.

What are the standard event timings and access arrangements?

Most daytime events run 9am-5pm with organiser access from 8:15am. Evening events typically run 6pm-10pm with access from 5:15pm. Wedding hire runs 2pm-midnight with supplier setup access from 12pm. Additional hours after 10pm cost £500 VAT exempt per hour.

Are there restrictions on using external suppliers?

Yes, the venue has a detailed list of Approved Suppliers for Audio Visual, Production, and Floristry, plus Recommended suppliers. Use of any third-party suppliers outside this approved list must be agreed in writing by the venue before booking. Searcys is the exclusive in-house catering partner.

What AV equipment is available and what are the costs?

Basic AV packages include up to two microphones and are available for corporate events. Upgrades include adding a stage for £350 + VAT, or upgrading to packages with up to 4 microphones and a sit-in technician. The Reading Room has a built-in screen. Full AV brochures are provided with detailed pricing upon enquiry.

What is the booking process and payment structure?

To proceed with booking, you need to provide full signatory details, organisation information, contact details, and address. A signed hire agreement is required, after which a 50% deposit invoice is sent. You must wait to receive the invoice before making payment and quote the invoice number when paying.

Are there additional fees for early morning or late evening events?

Yes, there's a catering fee of £300 + VAT per hour for any catering service required before 8am. Late catering fees of £300 + VAT per hour apply after 11pm. Access to spaces typically starts from 8am, with earlier access requiring additional arrangements and fees.

What room combinations are recommended for different event sizes?

For 40-50 guests, single rooms like the Reading Room work for receptions. For larger corporate events, combinations are recommended: Council Room and Barnard Room for 70 guests (dinner and drinks), or Beatrice Webb Room with Gallery and Music Room for events up to 100 guests with separate catering spaces.

What are the Christmas party packages and pricing?

The Festive Dinner & DJ package costs £145 + VAT per person with a minimum of 55 guests. This includes 2 rooms from 6:30pm-midnight, sparkling wine on arrival, 3-course dinner, half bottle of house wine per person, tea/coffee with mince pies, nibbles, manned cloakroom, and DJ from Blank Canvas Entertainment.