Business

Events

Film and Photo

What are the room hire costs and minimum spend requirements for The Common Room?

The Common Room costs £2,750 + VAT for evening hire (18:30-23:00) or £3,600 + VAT for full day hire (9:00-17:00). Evening events require a minimum food and drink spend of £5,000 + VAT, while day events require £3,000 + VAT minimum spend. There's also a half-day option (13:00-17:00) at £2,300 + VAT with £1,500 + VAT minimum spend.

What are the capacity limits for different event layouts in The Common Room?

The Common Room accommodates up to 96 guests cabaret style with catering served in the room, or 144 guests with catering in a separate room. For theatre style, it holds 150 guests with catering in the room or 244 guests with catering in an adjacent space. For dinner events with round tables and stage setup, capacity is 180 guests.

What AV equipment is included and what does it cost?

Standard AV package costs £400 + VAT and includes stage, screen/projector, two repeater screens, lectern with lectern microphone, and handheld microphone. The Common Room has built-in top-of-the-range sound and AV systems, and an AV technician is available to assist with setup for larger events.

What catering options are available and what are the costs?

All catering is provided exclusively by in-house caterer Graysons. Two-course dinner costs £57 + VAT per person. Christmas packages start from £147-£172 + VAT per person including three-course meal, drinks, and entertainment. DDR packages for conferences start from £60 + VAT per person including meals, refreshments, and AV equipment.

Are there any restrictions on weekend events or special requirements?

Weekend events have higher minimum spend requirements starting from £10,000 + VAT as the building is normally closed. The venue is a Grade II* listed building with traditional features, and all events must use the in-house catering service. Security is included for evening events.

What additional services and amenities are included in event packages?

Event packages typically include dedicated event team, security for evening events, complimentary Wi-Fi, digital signage with personalized welcome messages, directional signage, cloakroom facilities (unmanned), and uplighters for ambience. Early access for organizers is usually provided one hour before the event start time.

Can external suppliers be used for decorations, entertainment, or other services?

The venue works with various external suppliers for decorations, DJs, entertainment, and additional services like photo booths (from £950 + VAT). However, all food and beverage must be provided by the in-house caterer Graysons. The venue can assist with sourcing additional entertainment and bespoke options.

What is the booking process and how long can dates be held provisionally?

The venue offers provisional holds for 7 days while clients make decisions. Site visits can be arranged with the Sales and Marketing Manager, and detailed proposals with costings are provided based on specific requirements. The venue is located at 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL, with reception security greeting guests on arrival.

Are there any seasonal restrictions or special considerations?

The on-site restaurant does not serve food throughout August, which may affect some catering options. Christmas events have special themed packages with decorations, crackers, and festive menus. The venue offers Christmas tastings closer to event dates and can provide various themed decorations for special occasions.

What ceremony and wedding packages are available?

The Common Room has a wedding license and offers ceremony packages from £47.50-£52.50 + VAT per person (minimum 300 guests). Packages include exclusive hire of Common Room and Reading Room (12:00-17:00), prosecco reception, bowl food or finger buffet, AV equipment, and various amenities. Weekend wedding venue hire is £4,000 + VAT with £6,000 + VAT minimum catering spend.