Business

What are the exact room hire costs for different spaces and time periods?

Room hire varies significantly by space and duration. The Waldo Williams 1 (16 guests boardroom) costs £595.00 VAT exempt for 09:00-17:00. The Ada Salter Suite 1-2 (22 cabaret style) costs £850.00 VAT exempt for 09:00-17:00. The Marjorie Sykes room (28 boardroom) costs £975.00 VAT exempt 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 do they cost?

Full day catering packages include: £47.00 inc VAT per person (welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning tea/coffee/biscuits, deli buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, still/sparkling water) or £52.00 inc VAT per person (same as above but with hot finger food buffet lunch instead of deli). A premium package at £39.00 net per person includes welcome refreshments, mid-morning break, working lunch, afternoon refreshments, and water throughout.

Are there minimum guest numbers or budget requirements for bookings?

Yes, there are minimum requirements that vary by space and event type. The Light Auditorium requires a minimum of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis. Some smaller meeting rooms appear to have budget minimums, as enquiries for £100-£200 budgets have been declined as being outside their range.

How far in advance do final catering orders need to be confirmed?

Final food orders must be confirmed well in advance of your event date. For short notice bookings, final catering orders need to be submitted at least one week before the event date to ensure availability and proper preparation.

Can external catering be brought in for events?

No, external catering is not permitted at Friends House. All food and beverage must be provided through their in-house catering services, though they offer a wide variety of food and drink options to choose from.

Do they provide accommodation for multi-day events?

No, Friends House does not offer accommodation. They can only provide meeting spaces typically from 9am-5pm, so guests requiring overnight stays will need to arrange separate accommodation elsewhere in London.

What is the booking process and how long are spaces held?

Spaces are not automatically held when quoted - they remain available for others to book until you confirm. To secure a room, you must specifically request to hold it in the diary and complete a new customer form if you haven't booked before. The venue will then hold the space while processing your booking.

Are there restrictions on event types or activities?

Yes, certain event types are not suitable for the venue. They do not accommodate dinner events, and some events are deemed unsuitable based on their nature or requirements. The venue appears to focus primarily on daytime business meetings, conferences, and professional events rather than evening entertainment or large social gatherings.

What AV equipment is included in room hire?

All room hire includes a dedicated screen or projector, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and flip chart with pens. Some larger spaces like the Benjamin Lay Suite also include lectern, roving microphones, PA system, and hybrid meeting capabilities for remote participants.

What are the standard operating hours for events?

Events typically run during standard business hours, with most quotes showing access from 08:00/08:30 to 17:00. Some flexibility exists for slightly extended hours, but the venue primarily caters to daytime business events rather than evening functions.