Business

Events

Film and Photo

What are the room hire rates and what's included in the base price?

Room hire rates vary by space and duration. Examples include: Ada Salter Suite 1-2 at £850 for 9am-5pm access (up to 22 cabaret style), Waldo Williams 1 at £595 for 9am-5pm (up to 16 boardroom), and Marjorie Sykes room at £975 for 8:30am-5pm (up to 28 boardroom). 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 includes hot finger food buffet lunch instead of deli buffet. A premium package at £39 net per person includes working lunch instead of buffet lunch.

Are there minimum guest numbers or budget requirements for bookings?

The Light Auditorium requires a minimum of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis. Some smaller rooms appear to have budget thresholds, as enquiries for £100-£200 room hire budgets have been declined as being outside their range. Specific minimum numbers vary by room type.

Can I bring external catering or alcohol to events?

External catering is not allowed - all food must be provided by Friends House. The venue does not serve alcohol but offers a wide range of non-alcoholic options including mocktails and specialty beverages.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard access is typically 8:30am-5pm or 9am-5pm depending on the room. Meeting spaces are available from 9am-5pm for most bookings. The venue can accommodate events running until evening hours in some cases.

How far in advance do I need to confirm final catering numbers?

Final food orders need to be confirmed with sufficient notice - for example, an event on January 16th required final food orders by January 8th. This suggests approximately 8 days advance notice is needed for catering confirmations.

Do you offer charity rates and what documentation is required?

Yes, charity rates are available. For example, the Benjamin Lay Suite is offered at a charity rate of £3,750 for 8am-5pm access (compared to standard commercial rates). You'll need to provide documentation proving your registered charity status to qualify for these discounted rates.

What AV equipment is included and are there additional technical services?

All rooms include a dedicated screen or projector, and some spaces have PA systems, lecterns, and roving microphones. The Benjamin Lay Suite includes projector, lectern, roving microphones, PA system with hybrid options available. Basic AV is included in room hire, but specific technical requirements may incur additional costs.

Is accommodation available on-site?

No, Friends House does not offer accommodation. Guests requiring overnight stays will need to arrange separate hotel bookings in the area.

How do room holds and booking confirmations work?

Rooms are not automatically held during the enquiry process and remain available for others to book. You must specifically request to hold a room in the diary to secure it. New customers need to complete a new customer form as part of the booking process.