Darwin at QEII Centre
Award winner Named Venue Event Team (Gold) 2026 by Eventex
Up to 40standing
Up to 35seated
Westminster & St James Underground Stationnearest station
Meetingbest for
About this space
Westminster location opposite Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
Natural daylight throughout venue spaces
State-of-the-art wireless AV equipment
Accessible venue with step-free access
Walking distance to 6,000+ hotel beds
Multiple transport hubs nearby
In-house catering team
Dedicated events management team
Professional staging and presentation facilities
The Darwin is an intimate, versatile event space with impressive views of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Filled with natural daylight, it provides an inspiring setting for small meetings, boardrooms, private dining and receptions, and also works perfectly as a syndicate or breakout space within a larger event.
Accommodating up to 35 theatre or 40 for receptions, the Darwin supports a range of flexible layouts including cabaret, classroom and boardroom. Its adaptable design and standout views make it an ideal choice for smaller gatherings that still want to make a lasting impression.
Features
Wifi
Accessible
Natural daylight
Views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye
Food & Drink
Professional Kitchen
Halal Catering
Space
Disabled Access
50m² (538ft²)
Capacities
20 Boardroom
21 Cabaret
20 Classroom
20 Dining
40 Reception
35 Theatre
20 U-Shaped
Guide prices
Indicative pricing based on standard rates. Request an instant quote for your exact brief.
Business
See Business profile →
Venue Hire Per Day
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£2,750 / Venue FeeGreat for a...
Westminster's premier business venue Corporate Meeting
- • Natural daylight creates productive meeting environment
- • State-of-the-art wireless AV ensures seamless presentations
- • Westminster location provides prestigious business address
Inspiring learning environment Professional Development Workshop
- • Natural light enhances focus and engagement
- • Flexible room configurations accommodate various workshop formats
- • Central London location attracts top-tier speakers and attendees
Prestigious corporate gathering space Annual General Meeting
- • Professional staging facilities create authoritative presentation environment
- • Westminster address reinforces corporate credibility
- • Accessible venue ensures full stakeholder participation
Location
/-0.128925,51.500187,15,0/944x525@2x)
QEII Centre WestminsterLondonWestminster SW1P3EELondon
Westminster & St James Underground Station
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Award winner Named Venue Event Team (Gold) 2026 by Eventex
Concierge
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For business events that need human judgement, talk to our team. Free for events of 100+ people, budgets over £10k or ongoing programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the room hire rates for the Business space at QEII Centre?
Room hire rates vary significantly by space and date. For example, the Churchill room costs £15,120 excluding VAT for a full day, while smaller syndicate rooms like Albert and Victoria are £2,880 excluding VAT each. The Gielgud and Burton/Redgrave combined rooms are £3,780 excluding VAT each. All prices exclude 20% VAT which must be added to the final cost.
What capacity limits apply to different rooms in the Business space?
The Churchill room accommodates up to 410 people in theatre style. Smaller syndicate rooms like Albert, Victoria, Gielgud, and Burton/Redgrave combined each accommodate different capacities for breakout sessions. Room capacity determines pricing, with larger spaces commanding higher rates.
What AV equipment is included in the room hire rates?
Each room includes comprehensive AV packages: Churchill includes stage, projection screen, sound system with multiple microphones, WUXGA projector, laptop PC, and 2 technicians for 8:00-17:30. Smaller syndicate rooms include projection screens, sound systems, projectors, and 1 technician each. All rooms include induction loops and standard lighting systems.
What additional services are included at no extra cost?
The venue hire package includes security, porterage and cleaning during standard hours (08:00-18:00), free visitor Wi-Fi, QEII Centre furniture, manned cloakroom, dedicated registration area and desks, business centre facilities, and a delivery team including Event Manager, AV Project Manager, and QEII Taste Manager. These services are provided at no additional charge.
When is the QEII Centre closed and unavailable for bookings?
The Centre is closed during August and unavailable for any events during this period. If your preferred dates fall in August, you will need to consider alternative months. The venue operates during standard hours from 08:00-18:00 for included services.
How does the booking confirmation process work?
No booking is considered confirmed until a contract has been signed by both parties and a deposit paid. All correspondence is subject to contract until binding contracts are concluded. The Centre accepts no responsibility for costs incurred before contract signature and deposit payment.
What are the standard operating hours and technician coverage?
Standard operating hours are 08:00-18:00, during which security, porterage, and cleaning services are included. AV technicians are provided from 08:00-17:30 with a 30-minute break. The Churchill room includes 2 technicians while smaller syndicate rooms include 1 technician each during these hours.
Can I get availability for specific dates and what information is needed for quotes?
Availability varies significantly by date, with some periods showing limited options or requiring alternative dates. To receive a detailed quote, you need to provide your company information, event details, number of attendees, preferred room setup, and budget range. The sales team will then check availability and provide specific pricing.
What discount options are available on room hire rates?
The venue offers discounts on room hire rates in certain circumstances. For example, a 10% discount on room hire rates has been offered in proposals. Discount availability depends on factors such as event dates, duration, and booking circumstances.
Are there restrictions on dates or whole centre bookings that could affect availability?
Yes, some dates may be unavailable due to whole centre events that book the entire facility. When this occurs, no individual rooms are available for hire. The venue will suggest alternative dates if your preferred dates conflict with whole centre bookings.
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