Business

Dining

Film and Photo

What are the exact venue hire costs for different room configurations and time periods?

The Council Room costs £1,650 (VAT exempt) for full day hire (8:30am-5:30pm) or £980 (VAT exempt) for half-day hire. The Manufacturing Room costs £1,310 (VAT exempt) for full day or £870 (VAT exempt) for half-day. For combined spaces like Manufacturing Room and Whittle Room together, half-day hire costs £1,335 (VAT exempt) from 8:30am-1pm.

What are the capacity limits for different seating arrangements in each business space?

The Council Room accommodates up to 24 guests boardroom style, 30 in hollow square, 40 in cabaret style, or 60 in theatre style. The Manufacturing Room holds 30 guests boardroom style, 40 in cabaret style, or 60 in theatre style. For dinner events, the Council Room fits 48 people maximum but leaves no space for drinks or dancing when full of tables.

What audio-visual equipment is available and what are the exact costs?

Standard AV options include: Full Hybrid package with 85" screen, HD camera, sound and microphones for £275 (plus VAT), 85" screen and soundbar only for £165 (plus VAT), laptop for £66 (plus VAT), lectern for £22 (plus VAT), and flipcharts for £22 each (plus VAT). All AV packages include technical support from a specialized technician on the day.

Are there mandatory catering requirements or can clients bring external food?

All catering must be provided by approved suppliers including Company of Cooks (in-house) or other listed suppliers who provide bespoke quotes. Guests can go off-site for meals but cannot bring external food back into the venue. Day delegate rates start from £38.80 plus VAT per person and include arrival refreshments, mid-morning breaks, working lunch, and afternoon refreshments.

What are the standard operating hours and costs for time extensions?

Standard weekday hours are 8:30am-5:30pm for full day hire, with half-day options of 8:30am-1pm or 2pm-5:30pm. Evening events typically run 6:30pm-10pm. Time extensions beyond standard hours are available at additional cost, though specific extension rates are not detailed in the available information.

Can events be held on weekends and what are the minimum charges?

Weekend events are available but operate on a minimum hire charge of £6,000 (VAT exempt) for 8-hour access between 8:30am-10pm. This includes setup of chosen spaces, use of a technician if required, and an on-site event manager for the day. The venue is not usually open on weekends, so this represents exclusive hire.

What is the booking process and how far in advance can events be scheduled?

The venue takes bookings up to 12 months ahead. The process involves initial enquiry, provisional holds on dates, venue viewings (available between 10am-4pm on available days), and then formal contracting. Clients can book individual rooms or multiple spaces, and holds can be adjusted as requirements change.

Are there restrictions on event types or specific requirements for private dining events?

The venue accommodates various business events including meetings, seminars, training, and private dining. For wedding ceremonies, they cannot host the ceremony itself but can accommodate wedding receptions and dinners. Some events may be declined if they are very last minute and low budget, indicating minimum spend requirements apply.

What additional services are included in the venue hire and what costs extra?

Venue hire includes basic room setup, natural lighting, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Additional costs include all AV equipment (subject to VAT), catering (subject to VAT), cloakroom service (staffed or self-service options available), and any third-party suppliers who must complete site visits, provide PLI & PAT testing certification, and risk assessments.

What are the policies for external suppliers and technical requirements?

Third-party AV suppliers must schedule a site visit with an OBW technician to discuss setup requirements, provide certification for current PLI & PAT testing for equipment, and complete a risk assessment. They must use their own AV equipment. The venue works with approved catering suppliers, and external suppliers must meet specific certification and safety requirements.