Business

What are the exact room hire costs for business meeting spaces at Friends House?

Room hire costs vary by space size and duration. The Waldo Williams 1 (16 guests boardroom) costs £595.00 for 09:00-17:00, the Ada Salter Suite 1-2 (22 cabaret) costs £850.00 for 09:00-17:00, and the Marjorie Sykes room (28 boardroom) costs £975.00 for 08:30-17:00. All venue hire is VAT exempt and includes complimentary water, dedicated screen/projector, Wi-Fi, and flip chart.

What catering packages are available and what are the exact costs?

Full day catering packages include: Premium package at £39.00 net per person (welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning tea/coffee/biscuits, working lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, still and sparkling water), £47.00 inc VAT per person (same as premium but with deli buffet lunch), and £52.00 inc VAT per person (same but with hot finger food buffet lunch). External catering is not permitted.

What are the capacity limits for different room layouts in business spaces?

Capacity varies significantly by room and layout. The Ada Salter Suite accommodates up to 22 cabaret style, Waldo Williams 1 holds up to 16 boardroom style, and the Marjorie Sykes room fits up to 28 boardroom style. The Benjamin Lay Suite can accommodate 70 cabaret or 154 theatre style and includes breakout space for 80 theatre or 42 cabaret.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue access is typically 08:00/08:30 to 17:00, with some rooms offering 09:00-17:00 access. Meeting spaces are available from 9am-5pm. The venue does not appear to offer evening access for standard business meetings based on the available information.

What AV equipment is included in the room hire?

All business spaces include a dedicated screen or projector, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and flip chart as standard. Some larger spaces like the Benjamin Lay Suite also include lectern, roving microphones, and PA system. Basic AV is included in the room hire cost.

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

Final food orders must be confirmed with significant advance notice. For short-notice bookings, final food orders need to be confirmed at least 8 days before the event date to ensure availability and proper preparation.

Are rooms held while I make my decision, and what is the booking process?

Rooms are not automatically held and remain available for others to book unless specifically requested. To hold a room in the diary, you need to confirm your interest. New customers must complete a new customer form as part of the booking process.

What budget range should I expect for a typical business meeting?

Budget requirements vary significantly based on group size and requirements. The venue has indicated that budgets of £100-£200 are insufficient for their spaces. Based on room hire costs and catering, expect minimum budgets of £600-£1,000+ for small meetings, with larger meetings requiring substantially higher budgets.

Does Friends House offer accommodation for multi-day events?

Friends House does not offer accommodation. This is explicitly stated in their communications, so delegates requiring overnight stays will need to arrange separate hotel accommodation in London.

Are there any restrictions on the types of business events that can be held?

The venue does not accommodate dinner events and has indicated that certain types of events may not be suitable for their venue. They focus primarily on daytime business meetings, conferences, and training events rather than evening entertainment or dining events.