Business

Dining

Events

What are the room hire fees and minimum spend requirements for The Lounge?

The Lounge room hire fee varies by event timing: £2,000-£5,000 for evening events (18:00-23:00), with reduced rates available for earlier start times (£3,500 if starting at 17:00). Minimum spend on food and drinks ranges from £4,000-£7,000 depending on the event size and date. All prices include VAT, and a 13.5% service charge applies to the final food and beverage bill.

What capacity limits apply to different event layouts in The Lounge?

The Lounge accommodates up to 60 guests maximum in cabaret style seating for conferences and presentations. For standing receptions and parties, capacity details aren't specified in available information. The space covers the entire top floor and can be configured as a blank canvas for various event types.

What AV equipment is included with The Lounge hire?

The room hire fee includes projector and large screen with sound, 2 handheld microphones, lectern, flipchart, laptop connection capability, and a portable DJ booth with equipment. You can plug directly into the system via phone or laptop. All AV equipment is included in the room hire fee at no additional cost.

What are the standard event hours and late license options?

Standard exclusive access runs from 18:00-23:00 for evening events, though earlier start times are available (some events quoted 15:00-21:00 or 17:00-23:00). An optional late license until 02:00 is available for £500 extra. The venue is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

What additional services are included in the room hire fee?

The room hire fee includes manned cloakroom, furniture removal and setup, security, and exclusive access to the members' lounge during your event hours. However, furniture removal and setup beyond what's included costs £255 per 2-hour job if additional work is required.

What are the food and beverage ordering requirements?

You must pre-order both food and beverage choices one week prior to your booking. The venue offers canapés (cold £4.50, hot £4.50, dessert £3.50 each with 20-piece minimums per type), bowl food options, and three-course menus. All food and drink purchases count toward your minimum spend requirement.

How far in advance can bookings be held and what's the booking process?

Bookings can be held for one week while you decide (example: hold placed until Wednesday 14th May for a November event). The booking process involves sending a contract and invoice once you confirm. You'll need to provide your direct email address as HireSpace enquiries use generic addresses that prevent direct contract sending.

Are there any day-of-week restrictions or seasonal limitations?

The venue is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so events are only available Monday through Friday. Thursday availability appears limited based on correspondence mentioning no Thursday availability in late November/December. Festive 2024 brochures are available, with 2025 brochures becoming available around July.

What setup time is available and are there timing flexibility options?

Setup time varies by event start time - some events include setup from 16:00 for 17:00 start, others from 15:00 for 15:00 events. Room hire fees can be reduced for flexible timing (example: £5,000 reduced to £3,500 for 17:00 vs 15:00 start). The venue may need to close to members for setup, affecting pricing.

What smaller private dining options are available as alternatives?

The Library Rooms (ground floor mezzanine) accommodate up to 18 guests at £130/hour (3-hour minimum) with £1,000 minimum spend. The Lower Ground Round Room seats up to 14 guests at £90/hour (3-hour minimum) with £1,000 minimum spend. Both include VAT and are subject to 13.5% service charge.