Business

Dining

Events

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

Venue hire ranges from £2,000-£3,150 excluding VAT depending on timing and duration. Standard hire (5:30pm-11pm) costs £2,400 excluding VAT, while extended hours (11:30am-11pm) cost £3,150 excluding VAT. The base price includes exclusive use of the Great Hall, Front Rooms for receptions, and access to the Courtyard for outdoor events.

What are the mandatory staff costs that must be added to every booking?

Hall staff meals are mandatory for every event - up to 5 staff members require feeding at £35 excluding VAT per person for junior outmess or £48 excluding VAT per person for senior outmess. This adds £175-£240 excluding VAT to every booking regardless of event size.

What are the capacity limits for different event formats?

The Great Hall accommodates up to 150 guests for conferences in theatre style seating. For seated dinners, capacity varies but quotes show events for 60-120 guests comfortably. Standing receptions can accommodate larger numbers with the venue handling events for up to 200 guests when using multiple spaces.

Can I bring my own caterer or must I use the venue's catering?

External caterers are not permitted - Saddlers Hall uses Searcys as their exclusive caterer for all events. All food and beverage must be provided through Searcys, with no exceptions for outside catering companies.

What are the typical catering costs per person?

Catering costs vary significantly by event type: 3-course seated meals range from £79-£125 per person excluding VAT, drinks packages cost £36-£48 per person excluding VAT, and canapé selections range from £17-£30 per person excluding VAT. Christmas packages command premium pricing at £120-£150 per person excluding VAT.

How long can I hold a provisional booking and what's required to confirm?

Provisional holds can be placed for 1 week maximum, and quotes are valid for 2 weeks. To confirm a booking, you must provide a signed agreement and completed hall application - the booking is not confirmed until both documents are received.

What AV equipment is available and what are the costs?

The venue has a recommended external AV supplier as they don't keep equipment on-site, so all AV must be outsourced. Basic items like a speaker and microphone cost around £50 excluding VAT, but larger setups with projectors and screens require quotes from their preferred supplier.

What are the standard event timings and any restrictions?

Standard evening events run 5:30pm-11pm, though extended hours from 11:30am-11pm are available at higher cost. Day events typically run 9am-5pm with setup access from 8am. All pricing excludes VAT which must be added to every quote.

Are there any additional mandatory fees beyond venue hire and catering?

Yes, several additional costs apply: staff meals (£175-£240 excluding VAT), event staffing fees (around £850 excluding VAT for larger events), and performing rights fees (£20 excluding VAT) for events with music or DJ services.

What spaces are included with the Great Hall hire?

Great Hall hire includes exclusive use of the Front Rooms for pre-dinner drinks receptions and the Courtyard which is perfect for outdoor summer events and BBQ packages. The musicians' gallery provides an elevated space for entertainment, and all spaces feature period details including stained glass windows and chandeliers.