Events

What are the room hire costs and minimum catering spends for private dining and party events?

Room hire varies by space and timing: Great Room costs £3,000-£7,140 + VAT depending on duration, Prince Philip room £1,400 + VAT for evening hire (6pm-11pm), and Queen Elizabeth II room £1,150 + VAT for day hire (8:30am-5pm). All spaces require minimum catering spends: Great Room has no specified minimum in quotes, Prince Philip requires £1,100 + VAT minimum, and Queen Elizabeth II requires £600 + VAT minimum catering spend that must be met or exceeded with food and beverage items.

What are the capacity limits for different event setups across the main event spaces?

Great Room accommodates up to 200 reception, 180 standing buffet, 130 dining (round tables), or 48 dining (long table). Benjamin Franklin room holds up to 150 reception, 130 standing buffet, 90 dining (round tables), or 36 dining (long table). Prince Philip room fits up to 60 reception, 50 standing buffet, 50 dining (round tables), or 32 dining (long table). The Vaults can accommodate up to 220 reception, 200 standing buffet, 80 dining (round tables), or 56 dining (long table).

What are the Christmas party package options and pricing?

RSA House offers comprehensive Christmas packages starting at £143 + VAT per person for Benjamin Franklin and Great Room hire (6:30pm-11pm), including two glasses of sparkling wine on arrival, three-course Christmas menu, half bottle of house wine with meal, and service. The Vaults Christmas package costs £239 + VAT per person (minimum 70 guests) and includes exclusive hire 6:30pm-midnight, one-hour sparkling wine reception, three-course meal, two hours unlimited drinks (9:30pm-11:30pm), DJ, dance floor, and private cloakroom.

What additional costs apply for AV equipment, lighting, and other add-ons?

Handheld or lapel microphones cost £68-£75 + VAT each (PA system required). Wireless uplighters are £22-£25 + VAT each with a maximum of 16 available subject to availability. Flipcharts with pens cost £15 + VAT each. The Great Room AV package including projector, screen, stage, lectern with microphone, handheld mic, surround sound and 8-hour AV technician support costs £940-£1,182 + VAT. TV screens cost £200 + VAT each.

What are the booking hold periods and contract requirements?

RSA House will hold dates for up to two weeks while you decide on the venue. If they need a decision sooner, they provide 48 hours notice to either confirm with a signed contract or release the date. For weekend events, they may hold dates for up to five working days. All bookings require a signed contract to confirm the reservation.

What are the weekend hire costs and restrictions?

Weekend events incur significantly higher costs as RSA House is normally closed. Weekend hire costs approximately £12,000 + VAT to open the house. For weddings, the venue offers exclusive hire on weekends which creates an intimate atmosphere, with wedding packages available for different guest numbers and the venue can accommodate up to 220 guests for evening receptions.

What catering restrictions and policies apply to private events?

RSA House does not offer dry hire and does not permit any external catering. All food and beverages must be provided by their in-house catering team. Minimum catering spends must be met or exceeded with food and beverage items of your choice. The venue provides sample menus and can accommodate various dietary requirements through their catering packages.

What approval process is required for events and what types of events may be restricted?

RSA House requires detailed information about your organization, event purpose, speakers, attendees, and whether the event aligns with RSA's vision, mission, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments. They ask about controversial speakers, political figures, press coverage, security requirements, and whether events will be recorded or broadcast. The organizer must understand and accept RSA's values, and events must align with their charitable mission.

Which spaces work together and what are the typical event flow options?

The Great Room and Benjamin Franklin room work hand-in-hand, with Benjamin Franklin directly beneath the Great Room serving as the ideal catering space. Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II rooms adjoin each other on the 1st floor. The Vaults offer four interconnecting spaces with their own Strand entrance, manned cloakroom and reception desk, making them perfect for exclusive hire events with separate arrival areas.

What are the venue's operating hours and access arrangements?

Standard venue hire typically runs from 8:30am-5pm for day events, with evening events commonly from 6pm-11pm. The venue can extend to midnight or later with additional charges. Weekend opening requires special arrangements and significantly higher costs. Event organizers typically need access before official start times for setup, though specific setup times should be confirmed when booking.