Dining

Events

What are the venue hire costs and what's included in the base price?

Venue hire ranges from £2,000-£3,150 excluding VAT depending on timing and duration. Standard hire (5:30pm-11pm) costs £2,400 excluding VAT, while extended hours (11:30am-11pm) cost £3,150 excluding VAT. The hire includes exclusive use of the Great Hall, Front Rooms for receptions, and access to the Courtyard for outdoor events.

What are the mandatory staff costs that must be added to every booking?

Hall staff meals are mandatory for every event - up to 5 staff members require feeding at £35 excluding VAT per person for junior outmess or £48 excluding VAT per person for senior outmess. This adds £175-£240 excluding VAT to every booking regardless of event size.

What are the capacity limits for different event formats?

The Great Hall accommodates up to 150 guests for conferences in theatre style seating. For seated dinners, capacity varies by layout but quotes show events for 60-200 guests. The venue can handle standing receptions for up to 200 people using both the Great Hall and Front Rooms.

Can I use external caterers or must I use the venue's catering partner?

External caterers are not permitted - Saddlers' Hall uses Searcys as their exclusive caterer. All food and beverage must be provided through Searcys, with no exceptions for bringing in outside catering companies.

What are typical catering costs per person for different event types?

Day delegate rates start at £95-£102 per person excluding VAT. Three-course seated dinners range from £79-£81 per person excluding VAT. Christmas packages cost £120-£150 per person excluding VAT. Drinks packages range from £36-£48 per person excluding VAT, and canapé selections cost £17-£30 per person excluding VAT.

How long can I hold a provisional booking and what's required to confirm?

Provisional holds can be placed for 1 week maximum. To confirm a booking, you need a signed agreement and completed hall application. Quotes are valid for 2 weeks from issue date, and all prices exclude VAT.

What AV equipment is available and are there additional costs?

The venue does not keep AV equipment on-site, so all audio-visual needs must be outsourced to their recommended external supplier. Basic items like a speaker and microphone cost around £50 excluding VAT, but full conference setups with screens and technicians will incur additional charges from the external provider.

What spaces are available for different parts of my event?

The Great Hall serves as the main event space with stained-glass windows, five chandeliers, and a musicians' gallery. The Front Rooms are perfect for pre-dinner drinks receptions. The Courtyard provides outdoor space for BBQs, summer receptions, and can accommodate 100 guests with marquee setup as a wet weather backup.

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

The venue appears to have good availability across weekdays, with events commonly running from 5:30pm-11pm for evening functions or 9am-5pm for conferences. Extended hours are available but may incur higher venue hire costs. Specific date availability varies and should be confirmed directly.

What makes this venue unique compared to other City of London event spaces?

Saddlers' Hall is one of the oldest Livery Halls in the City of London, located moments from St. Paul's Cathedral. The Great Hall features exquisite stained-glass windows, five chandeliers, period mouldings, and a bespoke musicians' gallery, creating an opulent historic atmosphere that's rare in modern event venues.