Business

Dining

Events

What are the venue hire rates for dining events and what's included in the base price?

Venue hire rates start from £4,825 VAT exempt for weekday hire or £7,175 VAT exempt for weekend hire, covering 2pm until midnight with supplier access from 12pm. For smaller dining spaces, individual rooms range from £1,400-£1,750 VAT exempt for evening hire (6pm-10pm). The base price includes the room space only - all catering, AV, and additional services are charged separately.

What are the maximum dining capacities for seated events?

The maximum seated capacity for ceremony and dinner is 100 guests in the Beatrice Webb Room. For smaller dining events, the Council Room seats up to 70 guests, while individual rooms like the Music Room require additional space for both dinner and drinks service. The venue comprises two townhouses (10 and 11 Carlton House Terrace) with different room combinations available depending on guest numbers.

What are the mandatory catering costs and minimum spends?

A minimum evening spend of £1,000 + VAT applies for all dining events. Three-course dinners cost £66.50 + VAT per person, with wine packages at £17-£27 + VAT per person depending on selection. Welcome drinks start at £8 + VAT per person for prosecco, with canapes at £17.50 + VAT per person for 3 pieces. All catering is provided exclusively by Searcys.

Are there restrictions on external suppliers and what approval is required?

The venue has a detailed list of Approved Suppliers for Audio Visual, Production, and Floristry, plus Recommended suppliers. Use of any third-party suppliers outside this approved list must be agreed in writing by {10-11} Carlton House Terrace before booking. All suppliers must work within the venue's access times and setup restrictions.

What are the booking deposit and payment requirements?

Upon receipt of the signed hire agreement, a 50% deposit invoice is sent and must be paid before the booking is confirmed. You must wait to receive the official invoice before making payment as you'll need to quote the invoice number. If a PO number is required, it must be provided before the deposit invoice is generated to avoid confirmation delays.

What additional fees apply for extended hours or special requirements?

Late catering service after 11pm incurs a £300 + VAT per hour fee. Catering service before 8am costs £300 + VAT per hour. Additional hours after 10pm for venue hire cost £500 VAT exempt per hour. Manned cloakroom service is available at additional cost (price on request), while unmanned cloakroom with coat rails is complimentary.

Can the venue accommodate specific dietary requirements and cuisine types?

Searcys can provide halal catering and South Asian inspired menus, though they note they are not specialized in South Asian catering. The venue offers vegetarian/vegan options as standard with all dinner packages. Custom menu design is available through consultation with Searcys, and seasonal menus can be found on their website.

What are the access times and setup arrangements for dining events?

Standard access for organizers begins 75 minutes before the hire period (e.g., 5:15pm for 6pm events). Supplier setup access is typically from 12pm for events starting at 2pm. Earlier access at 7:30am may be possible for presentation setup, and the venue is accessible from 8am for day events. All access times must be confirmed during booking.

Are there seasonal offers or discounts available for dining events?

A winter offer provides £1,000 discount on venue hire for weddings taking place in October or November 2025. Last-minute bookings may receive up to 20% discount on venue hire rates. December bookings operate on a first-to-confirm basis due to high demand, and Christmas packages start from £145 + VAT per person with minimum guest requirements.

What room combinations are recommended for different dining event sizes?

For 40-50 guests: Music Room requires additional space for drinks service. For 50-70 guests: Council Room for dinner with Barnard Room for reception. For 70-100 guests: Beatrice Webb Room with Gallery and Music Room as catering spaces. For larger events up to 150: split dining between Beatrice Webb and Radhakrishnan Rooms with Gallery/Music Room for drinks and dancing.