Business

Film and Photo

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

Room hire rates vary by space and duration, with examples including £595 for Waldo Williams 1 (9am-5pm, up to 16 guests boardroom), £850 for Ada Salter Suite 1-2 (9am-5pm, up to 22 cabaret), and £975 for Marjorie Sykes room (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 are the catering options and minimum spend requirements?

Full day catering packages range from £39-£52 per person including VAT, covering welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning refreshments, lunch (deli buffet or hot finger food), afternoon tea/coffee/cake, and still/sparkling water. External catering is not permitted - all food and drink must be provided by the venue's in-house catering team.

What are the capacity limits for different room layouts?

Capacity varies significantly by room and setup - examples include 16 boardroom (Waldo Williams 1), 22 cabaret (Ada Salter Suite), 28 boardroom (Marjorie Sykes), 70 cabaret or 154 theatre (Benjamin Lay Suite main room), and up to 1,000 guests (Light Auditorium). Each space has specific maximum capacities that cannot be exceeded.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue access is typically 8:30am-5pm or 9am-5pm depending on the space. Events can run from 9am-5pm with some flexibility, but evening events and extended hours may have different pricing structures or restrictions.

How far in advance must final catering orders be confirmed?

Final food orders must be confirmed with significant advance notice - for example, orders needed to be confirmed by 8th January for a 16th January event. This suggests approximately 8 days minimum notice is required for catering arrangements.

What AV equipment is included and what are the technical capabilities?

All rooms include a dedicated screen or projector as standard. Larger spaces like Benjamin Lay Suite include projector, lectern, roving microphones, PA system, and hybrid meeting capabilities. The Light Auditorium can accommodate up to 1,000 guests with full AV capabilities.

Are there restrictions on event types or activities?

The venue does not accommodate dinner events or provide evening dining services. Some events are deemed unsuitable - the venue reserves the right to decline bookings that don't align with their event policies or facility capabilities.

What is the booking process and how long are spaces held?

Spaces are not automatically held and remain available for others to book until confirmed. New customers must complete a new customer form to secure bookings. The venue requires specific event details including preferred room setup, timings, and guest numbers before providing quotes.

Is there a minimum budget threshold for bookings?

The venue has indicated they cannot accommodate events with budgets of £100-£200 for room hire, suggesting minimum spend requirements exist. Specific minimum thresholds vary by space size and guest numbers but appear to be significantly higher than £200.

What accommodation options are available?

Friends House does not offer accommodation on-site. Guests requiring overnight stays must arrange separate hotel bookings independently, though the venue's central London location opposite Euston Station provides easy access to nearby hotels.