Business

Dining

Weddings

What are the room hire costs and minimum catering requirements for business events?

Room hire varies by space and duration: Great Room costs £7,140+VAT for 8:30am-5pm, Queen Elizabeth II room costs £1,150+VAT for the same hours, and Prince Philip room costs £1,400+VAT for 6pm-11pm. All bookings require minimum catering spends: £600+VAT for Queen Elizabeth II room, £1,100+VAT for Prince Philip room, with Great Room typically requiring higher minimums based on event size.

What are the capacity limits for different room layouts in the main spaces?

Great Room accommodates 180 theatre, 80 cabaret (up to 100 with 10 tables of 10), 35 boardroom, 200 reception, or 130 dining with round tables. Benjamin Franklin room holds 100 theatre, 48 cabaret, 35 boardroom, 150 reception, or 90 dining. Queen Elizabeth II room is smaller at 30 theatre, 21 cabaret, 22 boardroom, or 30 dining maximum.

How long can you hold dates and what are the booking confirmation requirements?

RSA House will hold dates for up to two weeks while you decide on the venue. If they need a decision sooner, they provide 48 hours notice to either confirm with a signed contract or release the date. Weekend events require approximately £12,000+VAT to open the house as it's normally closed.

What audio-visual equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

Great Room AV package costs £940-£1,182+VAT and includes data projector, screen, stage, lectern with microphone, 1 handheld microphone, surround sound, and AV technician support for up to 8 hours. Additional handheld or lapel microphones cost £68-£75+VAT each, and wireless uplighters are £22-£25+VAT each (maximum 16, subject to availability).

Does RSA House allow external catering or dry hire arrangements?

No, RSA House does not offer dry hire and does not permit any external catering. All food and beverage must be provided through their in-house catering services, and venue hire always includes mandatory minimum catering spends that must be met or exceeded.

What approval process is required for events and what restrictions apply?

Events require detailed briefing including organization details, event purpose, attendee information, speakers, security requirements, and confirmation that the event aligns with RSA's vision, mission, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments. Events with controversial speakers, political figures, or those requiring additional security undergo additional scrutiny and may be declined.

What are the standard operating hours and access arrangements?

Standard venue hours appear to be 8:30am-5pm for daytime events, with evening events typically running 6pm-11pm. Weekend hire requires special arrangements and costs approximately £12,000+VAT to open the house. Access times for setup and breakdown should be confirmed during booking as they vary by event requirements.

What catering packages are available and how is pricing structured?

Day delegate packages cost £70-£84+VAT per person including arrival refreshments, mid-morning break, lunch, and afternoon refreshments. Christmas packages range from £143-£239+VAT per person. Individual items include market choice canapés at £36+VAT per person for 8 pieces, and drinks packages at £30.50+VAT per person for two hours unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks.

Which rooms work together and what are the recommended combinations?

Great Room and Benjamin Franklin room work hand-in-hand, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the catering space directly beneath the Great Room for presentations. Queen Elizabeth II room adjoins Prince Philip room on the 1st floor. The Vaults offer four interconnecting spaces with separate Strand entrance, accommodating up to 220 reception or 160 exhibition style.

What additional services and equipment can be hired?

Additional services include flipcharts with pens from £15+VAT each, TV screens from £200+VAT each, armchair hire from £50-£55+VAT per chair (green and navy blue available), and various catering add-ons. All additional audio-visual equipment is subject to availability and additional charges beyond the standard packages.