Business

Events

Film and Photo

What are the room hire rates for business meetings and conferences?

Room hire rates vary by space and duration. The Waldo Williams 1 costs £595.00 (VAT exempt) for 09:00-17:00 and accommodates up to 16 guests boardroom style. The Ada Salter Suite 1-2 costs £850.00 (VAT exempt) for 09:00-17:00 and accommodates up to 22 cabaret style. The Marjorie Sykes room costs £975.00 for 08:30-17:00 and accommodates up to 28 boardroom style. All venue hire is VAT exempt.

What catering packages are available and what do they cost?

Full day catering packages are available at £47.00 inc VAT per person (includes welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning tea/coffee/biscuits, deli buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, still and sparkling water) or £52.00 inc VAT per person (same as above but with hot finger food buffet lunch instead of deli). A premium full day package is available at £39.00 net per person including welcome refreshments, working lunch, and afternoon refreshments. External catering is not permitted.

What AV equipment is included with room hire?

All room hire includes complimentary dedicated screen or projector, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and complimentary flip chart. Some spaces like the Benjamin Lay Suite include projector, lectern, roving microphones, and PA system. The Waldo Williams Suite has an inbuilt PA system and data projector.

How far in advance do I need to confirm catering orders?

Due to short notice requirements, final food orders need to be confirmed at least one week before your event date. For example, for events in January, final food orders must be submitted by early January to ensure availability.

Are rooms held while I make my decision?

No, rooms are not automatically held and remain available for others to book. You must specifically request to hold a room in the diary to secure your date. As a new customer, you'll need to return a new customer form to hold the space.

What are the standard operating hours for events?

Standard event 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. The venue can accommodate some evening events but availability varies by space.

What budget range should I expect for a business meeting or conference?

The venue indicated that budgets of £100-£200 for room hire are insufficient for their spaces. Based on quoted rates, expect minimum room hire costs of £595-£975 for standard meeting rooms, plus catering costs of £39-£52 per person for full day packages.

Does Friends House provide accommodation for multi-day events?

No, Friends House does not offer accommodation. For multi-day conferences or training events requiring overnight stays, you'll need to arrange separate hotel accommodation nearby.

What restrictions apply to external suppliers and equipment?

External catering is not permitted - all food and beverage must be provided by Friends House. The venue has various catering menus available but does not serve alcohol, though they offer a wide range of non-alcoholic options.

Are there minimum guest numbers or spending requirements?

The Light Auditorium requires a minimum of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis. Other meeting rooms don't appear to have minimum guest requirements, but the venue has indicated they cannot accommodate certain events that fall below their budget thresholds.