Dining

Events

What are the minimum spend requirements for different days of the week?

The Bloomsbury Ballroom operates with minimum spend requirements that vary by day due to The London Cabaret Club shows. Best rates are available on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with higher minimum spends on Thursday, Friday and Saturday when cabaret shows typically run. For example, Saturday events require a minimum spend on F&B of £35,000 + VAT, while weekday events start from £12,500 + VAT on Tuesdays.

What capacity limits apply for different event layouts?

The Ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests standing reception style, 350 guests in theatre style seating, or up to 300 guests seated banqueting style. For cabaret-style seating with round tables, capacity is typically 240-280 guests depending on the specific layout requirements.

What are the dry hire rates and what's included?

Dry hire starts from £9,000 + VAT for basic venue access, with higher rates for premium days - for example, Friday dry hire is £21,000 + VAT due to cancelled cabaret shows. The dry hire includes exclusive use of the Ballroom, Rose Bar, Long Bar and Kitchen, but does not include staff or furniture.

What venue hire charges apply beyond the minimum spend?

In addition to minimum spend requirements, there's a venue hire charge from £5,000-£6,000 + VAT that includes AV technician, security, cloakroom attendant, and furniture setup. Some quotes show additional charges of £915-£1,000 + VAT for security and cloakroom services depending on the event requirements.

What AV equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

The venue includes complimentary in-house AV equipment worth £2,500 + VAT, featuring 6 projector walls, microphones, remote clicker, stage, multiple light settings, uplighters, and sound system. An AV technician is included in venue hire packages, though some spaces like the Rose Bar may require an additional AV technician at £500 + VAT.

What are the food and beverage pricing ranges?

Three-course meals start from £64 + VAT per person, with packages from £110 + VAT including welcome bubbly, three courses, half bottle of wine and water. Canapés start from £15 + VAT per person, finger buffet lunches from £26.90 + VAT, and drinks packages range from £29.75 + VAT for one hour to £72.50 + VAT for four hours of unlimited house wine, beer and soft drinks.

How does the booking hold system work and what are the deadlines?

The venue does not automatically hold spaces for enquiries - quotes specifically state "the space is currently not on hold for you." If clients don't respond to follow-up emails within one week, the venue releases the space assuming the booking is no longer required.

What additional entertainment and service costs should I budget for?

DJ services cost £450 + VAT, while entertainment ranges from £2,400 + VAT to £10,000 + VAT for a full cabaret show. Late finishes until 2AM incur an additional £1,500 + VAT charge. Early access before 10AM costs £500 + VAT per day.

Are there restrictions on event types or external suppliers?

The venue accommodates casino-style events and allows external entertainment suppliers. However, availability is significantly limited on Thursday, Friday and Saturday due to The London Cabaret Club shows, which would need to be cancelled for private events, resulting in much higher pricing on these premium days.

What budget ranges are typically required for different event sizes?

Based on venue responses, budgets under £10,000 for 300 guests are considered too low and typically declined. Saturday events with 150 guests require budgets around £35,000+ due to minimum spends, while weekday events for similar numbers can work with budgets from £15,000-£25,000 depending on requirements.