Business

Dining

Events

What are the minimum spend requirements for exclusive hire at SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden?

Exclusive hire minimum spend starts from £45,000 excluding VAT and service charge. For specific events, minimums vary: £25,000 excluding VAT for some evening events, with an additional 15-18% service charge applied. All minimum spends are for food and beverage only and do not include additional mandatory charges.

What are the capacity limits for different event formats?

For exclusive hire, the venue accommodates maximum 300 guests standing or 116 seated. The semi-private restaurant area can host up to 80 guests standing across multiple tables with drinks reception space near the sushi counter. The Speakeasy bar accommodates up to 30 guests standing only.

What additional mandatory charges apply beyond the minimum spend?

Security is mandatory at £300 including VAT for 2 additional security personnel. Furniture removal costs up to £2,000-£3,000 including VAT depending on requirements and final guest numbers. Service charge of 15-18% is applied to all food and beverage minimum spends but is excluded from the base minimum.

What are the standard event timings and access arrangements?

Evening exclusive hire typically runs 18:00 to midnight with access from 17:00 onwards. Semi-private bookings run 6pm till close. The Speakeasy bar operates 18:30 to 21:30. Events require confirmation by 4pm the day before for next-week bookings.

How far in advance can events be booked?

Semi-private areas are bookable two months in advance. Dates are only held upon specific request and require confirmation within tight timeframes - some quotes require confirmation by 4pm the following day for events the next week.

What are the pricing differences between semi-private and exclusive hire options?

Semi-private restaurant area (up to 80 guests) has minimum spends from £15,000-£18,000 including VAT excluding 15% service charge. Exclusive hire (up to 300 guests) starts from £25,000-£45,000 excluding VAT and service charge, plus mandatory security and furniture removal fees.

What group booking options are available for smaller events?

Group bookings start from £150 per person in December for restaurant dining. The Speakeasy bar offers intimate space for up to 30 guests with £2,500 minimum spend including VAT excluding 15% service charge. Semi-private areas accommodate up to 80 guests with higher minimum spends.

Can furniture be removed and what are the setup options?

Tables can be removed for standing receptions to create a more open layout, with furniture removal costs up to £2,000-£3,000 including VAT. However, booth seating remains in place as part of the fixed layout during standing receptions. Setup changes depend on final guest numbers and specific requirements.

What happens if my budget doesn't meet the minimum requirements?

The venue has strict minimum spend requirements and will decline bookings that don't meet them. For example, budgets under £45,000 for exclusive hire or under the specified minimums for semi-private areas will not be accommodated, with the venue suggesting clients find alternative venues.

Are there different service charge rates for different areas?

Service charges vary by area and event type: 15% for most bookings including semi-private areas and the Speakeasy bar, but 18% for some exclusive hire events. The service charge is always excluded from the minimum spend and calculated as an additional cost on top.