Business

Film and Photo

What are the exact room hire costs for the Film and Photo space?

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, dedicated screen/projector, Wi-Fi, and flip chart.

What catering options are available and what are the costs?

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

What are the capacity limits for different room setups?

Capacity varies significantly by room and setup style. Examples include up to 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). The 71.80 sqm Hilda Clark Suite offers flexible setup options for filming and photography.

What AV equipment is included and what are additional costs?

All rooms include complimentary dedicated screen or projector, Wi-Fi access, and flip chart. The Benjamin Lay Suite includes projector, lectern, roving microphones, and PA system with hybrid options available. The Hilda Clark Suite specifically features data projector, PA system, and free Wi-Fi suitable for film and photo productions.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue access is typically 8:30am-5pm or 9am-5pm depending on the space. The Light Auditorium requires a minimum of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis. Some quotes show extended hours like 8am-7pm, but specific timing requirements should be confirmed during booking.

How far in advance must catering orders be confirmed?

Final food orders must be confirmed with significant advance notice. For short-notice bookings, final catering orders need to be confirmed at least one week before the event date to ensure availability and proper preparation.

What restrictions apply to external suppliers and equipment?

External catering is strictly prohibited - all food and drink must be provided by Friends House. The venue does not provide dinner services, only daytime catering options. For AV requirements beyond standard equipment, clients should discuss specific needs during the booking process to determine if external equipment is permitted.

Are there minimum spend requirements or guest minimums?

The Light Auditorium has a minimum requirement of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis. Budget constraints are clearly enforced - enquiries with budgets of £100-£200 for room hire are typically declined as insufficient. Specific minimum spends vary by space and should be confirmed during enquiry.

What unique features does the Film and Photo space offer?

The Hilda Clark Suite offers 71.80 sqm of flexible space with abundant natural daylight, making it ideal for film and photo shoots. The venue includes access to outdoor garden and courtyard areas for additional backdrop options, plus standard AV equipment including data projector and PA system for production needs.

How does the booking process work and what information is required?

Initial enquiries require event date, guest numbers, preferred room setup, timing requirements, and budget. Spaces are not automatically held during the enquiry process - rooms remain available for others to book until formally reserved. New customers must complete a customer form to proceed with bookings.