Arts

Business

Film and Photo

What is the room hire cost for the Arts space and what does it include?

The Arts space (Benjamin Lay Suite) costs £3,750 for charity bookings or £4,550-£5,460 for standard bookings from 08:00-17:00 or 08:00-19:00, VAT exempt. This includes complimentary water on arrival, dedicated projector/screen, complimentary Wi-Fi access, complimentary flip chart, PA system, lectern, and roving microphones.

What are the capacity limits and layout options for the Arts space?

The main room accommodates up to 70 people in cabaret style or 154 people in theatre style. There's also a breakout space that can hold 80 people theatre style or 42 cabaret style, which can be split into two separate rooms if needed.

What are the standard operating hours and can I book outside these times?

Standard venue access is from 08:00-17:00 or 08:00-19:00 depending on your booking. Events typically run from 9:00am-5:00pm, with some flexibility for evening events ending around 23:00 or midnight for special occasions.

What catering options are available and what are the costs?

Full day catering packages range from £39-£52 per person including VAT. The £47 package includes welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning refreshments, deli buffet lunch, and afternoon tea/coffee/cake. Canapes are available at £26 per person excluding VAT with a selection of 4 items from the menu.

Can I bring my own catering or external suppliers?

No, external catering is not allowed. Friends House has a wide variety of food and drink options available through their in-house catering team, with various packages and menu options to choose from.

What AV equipment is included and are there additional options?

The space includes a projector/screen, PA system, lectern, roving microphones, and hybrid conferencing options. All basic AV equipment is included in the room hire cost, with no additional charges for standard presentation equipment.

How far in advance do I need to confirm catering orders?

Final food orders must be confirmed at least one week before your event date. For short-notice bookings, catering orders may need to be finalized even earlier to ensure availability.

Is there outdoor space available for breaks or networking?

Yes, there is a courtyard available for use, weather permitting. The suite also has a central catering/networking space that can be used for breaks and informal networking between sessions.

What is the booking process and how do I hold a date?

Spaces are not automatically held and remain available for others to book until confirmed. To hold a room in the diary, you need to return the new customer form and confirm your booking. As a new customer, additional documentation may be required.

Are there any restrictions on event types or activities?

The venue does not provide dinner services and some events may not be suitable depending on their nature. Friends House maintains standards appropriate for their Quaker values, so events should align with their peaceful and inclusive ethos.

What budget range should I expect for a full-day event with catering?

For a typical full-day event, expect £4,550-£5,460 for room hire plus £39-£52 per person for catering. A 70-person event with full catering would total approximately £7,280-£9,100 including VAT, depending on the catering package selected.