Business

Dining

Events

What are the capacity limits for different dining layouts in the Dining space?

The Lecture Hall can accommodate up to 120 guests in theatre layout or up to 80-100 guests in cabaret style with tables of 10. For private dining events, the space works well for seated dinners up to 90 guests in banqueting style. The adjoining Council Chamber provides additional space for catering and networking, accommodating up to 80 guests in theatre layout or 32 cabaret-style.

What is the Day Delegate Rate pricing and what does it include?

The Day Delegate Rate is £89.00 plus VAT per person with a minimum of 60-80 guests depending on the event. This includes room hire of both the Lecture Hall and Council Chamber from 08:00-17:00, arrival refreshments (JING tea, Searcys coffee and pastries), morning refreshments, finger food buffet lunch, afternoon refreshments, AV equipment (built-in screen, projector and speakers), manned cloakroom, and flavoured water station. You can upgrade to a hot fork buffet lunch for an additional £10-20 plus VAT per person.

What are the room hire costs for private dining events?

For evening private dining events, the Lecture Hall and Council Chamber hire costs £2,500 plus VAT with a minimum catering spend of £3,000 plus VAT. Access is typically from 6pm to 10:30pm. The venue also offers festive dining packages at £144-200 plus VAT per person with minimum numbers of 60-75 guests, which includes room hire, three-course dinner, drinks, and Christmas decorations.

What AV equipment is included and are there additional technical capabilities?

The venue includes built-in dropdown screen and projector, built-in speakers, an in-built stage with lectern and lectern microphone, plus 2 hand-held or lapel microphones. AV assistance is provided upon arrival and on calls. The venue also has video-conference facilities and can accommodate cameras and operators for recording events.

How far in advance do you hold space reservations and what are the booking requirements?

The venue typically holds space in option for 5 working days to several weeks depending on the event size and timing. For example, quotes have been held until specific dates like 17 February 2025 or 28 May 2025. To secure an event, they send a contract and deposit invoice, and preorders are required for catering menus.

What are the operating hours and day-of-week restrictions?

The venue is closed on Saturdays and Sundays for most events. Weekday events typically run from 08:00-17:00 for conferences or 18:00-23:00 for evening events. Some flexibility exists for Friday evening events, with one example showing availability until 23:00 on Friday and events running as late as 1am for special occasions.

What catering options and pricing are available beyond the standard packages?

Beyond the Day Delegate Rate, the venue offers reception packages at £115 plus VAT per person including glass of sparkling wine, 3 canapés and 3 bowls, plus 3-hour unlimited house wine, beer and soft drinks. Drinks packages are available at £20 for 1 hour, £30 for 2 hours, or £37 for 3 hours plus VAT per person. All food and drink count towards minimum spends, with menu prices starting from £45 plus VAT per person.

Are there any mandatory additional costs or service charges?

A discretionary service charge of 12.5% applies to catering. Security and staffing are included in most packages, but for some events security is mentioned as mandatory. Cloakroom service with attendant is included in most packages. All prices are quoted plus VAT at 20%.

What is the maximum capacity the venue can accommodate and are there size restrictions?

The venue cannot accommodate events larger than 120 guests in theatre layout in the Lecture Hall. For events requiring more than this capacity, they will decline the booking. The space works best for groups of 20-120 depending on the layout, with most packages requiring minimum numbers of 20-80 guests.

What setup and access arrangements are available for events?

The venue can provide access from 6am for setup if needed. There is a side door entrance via Little Sanctuary from Great George Street for equipment loading. The venue has no on-site parking but nearby parking options are available. The space includes natural light via large windows, and curtains can be closed for privacy while still allowing natural light in.