Business

Dining

Events

What are the venue hire costs for the Foyer dining space?

The Foyer is available for evening hire (access from 17:30) at £4,352.00 +VAT for charity events with discount applied. Standard evening hire pricing for the Foyer and Atrium combined is £3,790.00 +VAT for the Atrium alone, though specific Foyer-only pricing would need to be confirmed. All prices exclude catering and additional services.

What is the maximum capacity for seated dinners in the Foyer?

The Foyer can accommodate up to 300 guests for seated dinners when combined with the adjacent Atrium space, with guests seated across both levels at round tables. For standing receptions, the space can host up to 150 guests in the Atrium portion alone. The open-plan nature makes it ideal for both formal sit-down dinners and more relaxed dining atmospheres.

What time can I access the venue for evening events?

Evening access to the Foyer begins at 17:30 when the museum closes to the public. This applies to all evening hire arrangements including dinners, receptions, and private events. Setup and catering preparation can commence from this time.

Who provides catering and what are the requirements?

All catering is provided by the museum's in-house catering partners, Searcys, or from their list of approved caterers. You cannot bring external caterers without approval. Searcys offers various options including 3-course seated dinners, fork buffets, and bowl food style events, with menus and pricing provided upon request.

Are there any mandatory additional costs I should budget for?

Yes, if hiring on a Monday when the museum is normally closed, there is a mandatory security charge of approximately £187.00 +VAT to have the main doors opened and manned throughout your hire. All venue hire prices are subject to 20% VAT, and catering costs are additional to the venue hire fee.

What AV equipment and staging is included in the hire?

The Foyer includes localised speakers with input and a light grid with 6 presets. Additional staging, microphones, and uplighters can be provided as needed. For presentations or speeches, equipment would need to be arranged separately as the Foyer is primarily designed as a dining and reception space rather than a conference facility.

Can I hold my event on any day of the week?

The Foyer is available for evening hire most days, but Monday bookings require additional security costs as the museum is normally closed to the public. Weekend availability varies, and some dates may have internal holds or existing bookings that need to be checked. It's recommended to provide multiple date options when enquiring.

What is the booking process and payment timeline?

To confirm your booking, you'll need to complete and sign an order agreement with your company details, contact information, and full address. Once signed and returned, the finance team will issue an invoice to your specified email address. For events requiring security (like Monday bookings), a separate security agreement must also be signed and returned.

Are there special rates available for charity events?

Yes, registered charities receive a discount on venue hire fees. For example, charity dinner pricing shows £4,352.00 +VAT for combined Foyer and Atrium hire, which reflects the charitable discount. You'll need to provide proof of your charity registration number to qualify for these reduced rates.

What furniture and setup options are available?

The Foyer includes soft modular seating that can be arranged as needed, plus removable welcome desk and security desk. Round tables for dining can be hired through the catering team. The space features high ceilings and modern finish with an open-plan layout that works well for both formal banquet-style dinners and more relaxed reception setups.