Business

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 hire includes exclusive use of the Great Hall, Front Rooms, and Courtyard, plus basic furniture and lighting.

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

Hall staff meals are mandatory for every event - up to 5 staff members require feeding on the day. Junior outmess costs £35 excluding VAT per person, while senior outmess costs £48-£50 excluding VAT per person. This covers the hall manager, cloakroom staff, and any additional venue personnel working your event.

What is the maximum capacity for different event formats?

The Great Hall accommodates up to 150 guests for conferences in theatre-style seating. For seated dinners, capacity varies by layout but quotes show events for 70-120 guests regularly hosted. Standing receptions can accommodate larger numbers, with quotes showing up to 200 guests for networking events.

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

External caterers are not permitted - Saddlers Hall uses Searcys as their exclusive catering partner 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?

Three-course seated meals cost £79-£81 excluding VAT per person including tea, coffee and petit fours. Drinks packages range from £36-£48 excluding VAT per person (typically including prosecco reception and half bottle of wine). Christmas packages cost £120-£125 excluding VAT per person including festive menu and drinks.

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 your booking, you must provide a signed agreement and completed hall application. Full confirmation only occurs once these documents are received by the venue.

What AV equipment is available and what are the costs?

AV equipment is not kept on-site and must be outsourced to their recommended external supplier. Basic speaker and microphone costs £50 excluding VAT. More extensive AV setups for conferences and presentations require quotes from their preferred supplier, with costs varying based on requirements.

Are there any restrictions on event timing or days of the week?

The venue operates standard event hours with most bookings running 5:30pm-11pm for evening events. Extended hours from 11:30am-11pm are available at higher rates. Availability varies significantly by date, with many popular dates (particularly in June) already sold out well in advance.

What spaces are included when I hire the venue?

Venue hire includes exclusive use of the Great Hall (main event space with stained-glass windows and chandeliers), the Front Rooms (suitable for pre-dinner receptions), and the Courtyard (perfect for summer events and outdoor receptions). All spaces can be used flexibly throughout your event.

What additional costs should I budget for beyond the basic hire and catering?

Beyond venue hire and catering, budget for mandatory staff meals (£175-£250 total), VAT at 20% on all costs, potential AV equipment rental, and any entertainment like DJ services (£1,100-£2,000 excluding VAT). Performing rights fees of £20 excluding VAT apply if music is played.