Dining

Events

What are the venue hire costs for the Dining space and what's included?

Venue hire ranges from £2,000-£3,000 excluding VAT depending on timing and duration. Standard hire includes exclusive use of the Front Rooms, basic lighting, and access to period features. All prices exclude VAT at 20%, and quotes are valid for 2 weeks with provisional holds available for 1 week.

What are the mandatory staff meal costs I need to budget for?

Hall staff meals are mandatory when hiring the venue - up to 5 staff require feeding on event day. Junior outmess costs £35 per person excluding VAT, while senior outmess costs £48-£50 per person excluding VAT. This covers hall manager and cloakroom staff meals.

Can I use external caterers or am I required to use Searcys?

External caterers are not permitted - Searcys is the exclusive caterer at Saddlers' Hall. All food and beverage must be provided through Searcys, with no exceptions for bringing in outside catering services.

What are the typical per-person costs for dining packages?

Three-course meals range from £79-£126 per person excluding VAT. Drinks packages cost £36-£48 per person excluding VAT, typically including prosecco reception, half bottle of wine per person, and soft drinks. Christmas packages are priced at £120-£150 per person excluding VAT.

What capacity limits apply to the Dining space?

The Front Rooms accommodate intimate dining events, with quotes showing successful events for 60-100 guests for seated dining. The space works well for both formal seated dinners and standing receptions with bowl food and canapés.

What are the booking confirmation requirements and payment terms?

Booking confirmation requires a signed agreement and completed hall application. Provisional holds can be placed for 1 week, after which confirmation is needed. All quotes are valid for 2 weeks and standard terms and conditions apply.

Are there restrictions on event timing or days of the week?

Events typically run from 5:30pm-11pm for evening functions, with some flexibility for earlier starts around 2pm-7pm for afternoon events. Specific availability varies by date, and some popular dates (like late June) may already be booked well in advance.

What AV equipment is available and what are the costs?

AV equipment is not kept on-site and must be outsourced to recommended external suppliers. The venue has a recommended AV supplier, though clients can use their own preferred supplier if desired. Costs vary depending on requirements and must be quoted separately.

Can the Front Rooms be used in conjunction with other spaces?

Yes, the Front Rooms can be used alongside the Great Hall for larger events - for example, using Front Rooms for pre-dinner drinks reception and the Great Hall for main dining. This provides flexibility for different event phases and guest flow.

What happens if I need to make changes after booking?

Substitutions or adjustments may be required in the event of unforeseen circumstances, which will be communicated at the earliest opportunity. The venue reserves the right to make necessary changes, and standard terms and conditions apply to all modifications.