Business

Events

Film and Photo

What are the room hire rates for different spaces and what's included?

Room hire rates vary by space: Waldo Williams 1 costs £595 (VAT exempt) for 09:00-17:00 and accommodates up to 16 guests boardroom style. Ada Salter Suite 1-2 costs £850 for 09:00-17:00 access and accommodates up to 22 cabaret style. Marjorie Sykes room costs £975 for 08:30-17:00 and accommodates up to 28 boardroom style. All venue hire is VAT exempt and includes complimentary water on arrival, dedicated screen or projector, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and complimentary flip chart.

What catering packages are available and what are the costs?

Full day catering packages include: £47 per person (inc VAT) with welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning tea/coffee/biscuits, deli buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, and still/sparkling water. Premium option at £52 per person (inc VAT) includes the same but with hot finger food buffet lunch instead of deli buffet. A premium package at £39 Net per person includes welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning refreshments, working lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, and still/sparkling water.

Does Friends House allow external catering or alcohol service?

External catering is not allowed - all food must be provided by Friends House's in-house catering team. The venue does not serve alcohol, however they have a wide range of non-alcoholic options available including mocktails and other beverages.

What are the booking procedures and payment requirements?

Rooms are not automatically held and are available for others to book until confirmed. New customers must complete a new customer form to hold space in the diary. Final food orders must be submitted with advance notice (example given was 8 days before event for short notice bookings).

Are there minimum spend requirements or guest number restrictions?

Some spaces have minimum requirements - The Light Auditorium is only available on a full day basis with a minimum of 110 people. Budget constraints may limit availability, as the venue has declined bookings with budgets of £100-£200 for room hire, indicating higher minimum rates apply.

What AV equipment and technical facilities are included?

All meeting rooms include a dedicated screen or projector as standard. Larger spaces like Benjamin Lay Suite include projector, lectern, roaming microphones, PA system, and hybrid meeting options. The Light Auditorium can accommodate up to 1,000 guests and has its own entrance and reception area.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue access is typically from 08:00/08:30 to 17:00, though some quotes show 09:00-17:00 access. Meeting spaces are generally available from 9am-5pm. Extended hours may be possible but would need to be confirmed during booking.

Are there any event types or activities that are not permitted?

The venue does not provide dinner service and has stated they are "fully booked and in any case do not provide diners." Some events have been deemed "not suitable for our venue" without specific details provided, suggesting certain event types or requirements may not be accommodated.

What room layouts and capacities are available for different spaces?

Benjamin Lay Suite offers 70 cabaret or 154 theatre capacity in the main room, plus a breakout space for 80 theatre or 42 cabaret that can be split in two. Ada Salter Suite accommodates up to 22 cabaret style. Waldo Williams 1 seats up to 16 boardroom style. Marjorie Sykes room accommodates up to 28 boardroom style.

Is there a charity discount available and what are the rates?

Yes, charity rates are available for eligible organizations. Benjamin Lay Suite has a charity rate of £3,750 (08:00-17:00), VAT exempt. Organizations must be registered charities to qualify for these discounted rates.