Business

Dining

Events

What are the different event spaces available and their capacities?

Holmes Hotel offers several event spaces: The Billiard Room accommodates up to 14-15 guests (though 15 will be tight), The Conservatory seats 8-10 guests maximum, The Gallery holds up to 37 in cabaret layout or 60 standing, and The Residence (comprising Billiard, Pantry, Conservatory, Library, Laboratory, and Cellar rooms) accommodates up to 80 people standing. For meetings, boardroom and U-shape layouts accommodate 18 guests comfortably, with possibility to add 2 more though it may feel tight.

What are the pricing structures for private dining events?

Private dining packages start at £100 plus VAT per person for The Billiard Room, including 1 glass of prosecco on arrival, 3-course dinner (£65 set menu), half bottle of mineral water, half bottle of house wine, room hire, and cloakroom. A 12.5% discretionary service charge is added to all bills. For larger events, dinner packages range from £105-£155 plus VAT per person depending on the package level and inclusions.

What are the minimum spend requirements for events?

Minimum spend requirements vary by space and event type. The Gallery has a minimum spend of £2,250 plus VAT (reduced from £3,500) for drinks receptions. Some events require minimum spends of £2,700 including VAT or £4,000 plus VAT depending on the space and package selected. All minimum spends are fully inclusive of food and drinks with no additional room hire fees.

What deposit and payment terms are required?

A 50% deposit is required to secure the space for all events. Final event details must be provided 10 days before the event date. The venue operates on a 'Joint First Option' hold system, meaning spaces are held temporarily while clients make decisions, but may be released if no confirmation is received.

What reception packages are available for standing events?

Three reception packages are offered: Bronze at £47 plus VAT per person (1 glass prosecco, 2 glasses wine/beer, 3 canapés), Silver at £62 plus VAT per person (1 glass prosecco, 3 glasses wine/beer, 6 canapés), and Gold at £82 plus VAT per person (1 glass champagne, 3 glasses wine/beer, 3 canapés plus 3 bowl foods). All packages include staff, room hire, cloakroom, plasma screen, and WiFi.

What are the corkage charges and alcohol policies?

Corkage charges are £30 per bottle for bringing your own wine. The venue can also provide cash bar services where guests pay for their own drinks based on consumption throughout the event. All alcohol service is subject to the venue's licensing requirements and policies.

What events does the venue NOT accommodate?

Holmes Hotel does not host 18th birthday parties. The venue may decline events that don't meet their standards or budget requirements, and they reserve the right to determine if an event is unsuitable for their venue based on the nature of the celebration or other factors.

What are the typical event timings and setup options?

Private dining events typically run 19:00-22:00 (3 hours), while reception events often run 18:00-21:00 or 15:00-20:00. The venue can accommodate various layouts including cabaret style, boardroom, U-shape, theatre style up to 60 people, and standing reception formats. Setup requirements and timing flexibility should be discussed during the booking process.

What catering options and dietary accommodations are available?

Catering is provided by Kitchen at Holmes restaurant with set menus for private dining (£65 set menu mentioned). The venue offers 3 bowl food options on menus but can adjust ingredients to accommodate specific dietary requirements. Canapé menus are available with various hot and cold options, and the venue can accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice.

What additional services and amenities are included?

All packages include professional staff service, room hire, cloakroom facilities, complimentary use of plasma screens, and WiFi. The venue can arrange simple stylish decoration, has facilities for live music/DJs, works with florists for enhanced decoration, and offers cocktail masterclasses. An in-house music team can provide DJ suggestions for events.