Business

Events

Film and Photo

What are the exact room hire costs for different spaces and time periods?

Room hire varies significantly by space and duration. The Waldo Williams 1 (16 guests boardroom) costs £595.00 for 09:00-17:00, while the Ada Salter Suite 1-2 (22 cabaret) costs £850.00 for 09:00-17:00. The Marjorie Sykes room (28 boardroom) is £975.00 for 08:30-17:00, and the Benjamin Lay Suite (70 cabaret or 154 theatre) costs £3,750.00 charity rate for 08:00-17:00. All venue hire is VAT exempt.

What catering packages are available and what do they cost?

Full day catering packages include: £47.00 inc VAT per person (welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning tea/coffee/biscuits, deli buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, still/sparkling water) or £52.00 inc VAT per person (same as above but with hot finger food buffet lunch instead of deli). A premium package at £39.00 net per person includes welcome refreshments, working lunch, and afternoon refreshments. Canapes are available at £26.00 per person ex VAT with 4 items selected from their menu.

What capacity limits apply to different room layouts?

Capacity varies significantly by room and setup. The Ada Salter Suite accommodates up to 22 cabaret style, Waldo Williams 1 holds 16 boardroom, Marjorie Sykes fits 28 boardroom, and Benjamin Lay Suite can handle 70 cabaret or 154 theatre with an additional breakout space for 80 theatre or 42 cabaret. The Light Auditorium accommodates up to 1,000 guests with its own entrance and reception area.

What AV equipment is included in room hire?

All venue hire includes complimentary dedicated screen or projector, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and complimentary flip chart. The Benjamin Lay Suite additionally includes lectern, roving microphones, PA system, and hybrid options. Some rooms have built-in speakers and PA systems as standard equipment.

Are there restrictions on external catering or specific dietary requirements?

External catering is not allowed - all food and drink must be provided by Friends House. However, they offer a wide variety of food and drink options through their catering menus. They do not serve alcohol but have a wide range of non-alcoholic options available.

What are the minimum booking requirements and advance notice needed?

The Light Auditorium requires a minimum of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis. For catering, final food orders must be confirmed with sufficient advance notice - one example showed orders needed by 8 days before the event. Rooms are not held without confirmation and remain available for others to book.

What budget range should I expect for different event sizes?

Budget requirements vary significantly by event size and requirements. Small meetings under £200 budget are typically declined as unsuitable. The venue appears to target mid to high-end corporate events, with room hire alone ranging from £595 for small boardrooms to £3,750+ for larger suites, plus mandatory catering costs.

What services are not available at Friends House?

Friends House does not provide accommodation for overnight stays, does not serve alcohol, does not allow external catering, and cannot accommodate dinner events. They focus on daytime conferences and meetings typically running from 08:00/09:00 to 17:00/19:00.

How far in advance should I book and what is the booking process?

Availability can be limited, with many enquiries receiving responses that spaces are unavailable on requested dates. The booking process requires providing event details including preferred room setup, guest count, and catering requirements. New customers must complete a customer form, and rooms are not held in the diary without confirmation.

Are there any charity or special rates available?

Yes, charity rates are available for eligible organizations. The Benjamin Lay Suite charity rate is £3,750.00 for 08:00-17:00 access, which appears to be a discounted rate from standard pricing. Organizations must qualify as registered charities to access these rates.