Business

Dining

Events

What are the room hire rates and minimum spend requirements for the Main Hall?

The Main Hall room hire varies significantly based on dates and negotiations, ranging from £1,000-£4,500 + VAT. There is typically a minimum food and beverage spend of £1,800-£2,000 + VAT attached to the hire. For example, one quote showed £1,500 + VAT room hire with £1,800 + VAT minimum F&B spend, while another showed £4,500 + VAT reduced to £1,500 + VAT with the same minimum spend.

What is the maximum capacity for different seating arrangements in the Main Hall?

The Main Hall can accommodate up to 280 people in theatre style, 200 people in cabaret style, and up to 240 guests for dinner and evening entertainment. The space is located on the third floor and features high ceilings, large windows, and skylights with views of the Shard.

What catering options and pricing are available for dining events?

Catering options include 3-course dinners at £70 + VAT per person, hot fork buffets (2 mains, 2 sides, 1 dessert) at £36 + VAT, and finger buffets (6 items) at £30 + VAT. Bowl food ranges from £29-£42 per person depending on the number of items (4-6 per person). Canapés are priced from £22-£55 per person based on quantity (4-10 pieces).

What drinks packages and bar options are available?

One-hour drinks receptions with house wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options cost £20-£25 + VAT per person, with Prosecco upgrades available for £28 + VAT. Extended drinks packages cost £55 + VAT per person for 3 hours. Cashless or account bars can be set up with a minimum spend of £750 + VAT - if this minimum isn't reached, the remainder is added to your bill.

What AV equipment and technical support is included with the Main Hall?

The Main Hall includes lectern with laptop, PA system, 2x LCD projectors, 2x screens, 1x lectern microphone, 4x roving microphones, 3x lapel microphones, 6x tabletop microphones, Wi-Fi, infra-red hearing system, and an AV technician for support during events. All standard AV equipment is included in the room hire.

Are there additional spaces included with Main Hall hire?

Yes, hire of the Main Hall includes private use of the adjoining 3rd floor foyer area, which is ideal for catering, exhibitions, or pre-dinner drinks receptions. Complimentary use of the atrium for morning registration is also included, and you get exclusive access to the entire 3rd floor.

What are the mandatory additional costs for evening events?

Evening events require mandatory staffing at £25 + VAT per hour and security at £25 + VAT per hour for events running past 19:00. Security requires a minimum 4-hour shift (£100 + VAT minimum). Weekend events incur an additional £500 + VAT staff fee.

What are the payment terms and deposit requirements?

A 10% deposit is required in advance via card payment to secure the booking. For some bookings, 100% prepayment is required based on contracted minimums. Any additions after the initial contract are invoiced separately or added to the final bill if made close to the event date.

Can the venue accommodate exhibitions and what are the limitations?

The Main Hall foyer can accommodate up to 15 exhibition stands maximum. Additional exhibitors must be accommodated on a separate floor below, which requires exclusive hire of the entire floor at £5,000 + VAT. The foyer space is included with Main Hall hire for exhibitions, catering, or networking.

What are the access times and setup arrangements?

Events typically run from 8am-5pm for day conferences, with evening hire available from 18:00. The venue sets up the room in your requested seating style prior to your event start time. Access times can be negotiated, and AV technicians are available to assist with setup and technical requirements throughout your event.