Business

Dining

Events

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

The Common Room has three pricing options: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM costs £3,600 + VAT with £3,000 minimum spend on food and drinks; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM costs £2,300 + VAT with £1,500 minimum spend; and 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM costs £2,750 + VAT with £5,000 minimum spend. Weekend events require a minimum spend of £10,000 + VAT.

What are the capacity limits for different seating arrangements in The Common Room?

The Common Room can accommodate up to 180 guests theatre style with stage, up to 244 theatre style with stage and catering in adjacent space, up to 96 guests cabaret style with catering served in the room, up to 144 cabaret style with catering served separately, or up to 160 guests for dinner and dance events.

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 and lectern mic, handheld mic, flipchart, and PA system. An AV technician is provided to assist with setup for conference packages.

What catering options and pricing are available through Graysons?

Two-course dinner costs £57 + VAT per person. DDR packages range from £60-£103.50 + VAT per person including room hire, meals, refreshments, and AV equipment. Christmas packages start at £147-£172 + VAT per person including exclusive hire, three-course meal, drinks packages, entertainment, and decorations.

What are the typical event timings and access arrangements?

Evening events typically run 18:30-23:00 or until midnight for special occasions. Organizers get early access one hour before the event start time. Day events can run 9:00-17:00 with organizer access from 8:00 AM.

What additional services are included in event packages?

Most packages include dedicated team on the day, security, complimentary Wi-Fi, digital and directional signage, personalised welcome digital sign, cloakroom facilities (unmanned), filtered water throughout, and registration table space in the main foyer.

Are there restrictions on weekend bookings and August availability?

Weekend bookings require higher minimum spends from £10,000 + VAT as the building is usually closed. The on-site restaurant does not serve food throughout August, though private event spaces remain available with different catering arrangements.

What entertainment and decoration options are available?

The venue provides DJ and dance floor, uplighters for ambience, table centres and crackers for Christmas events, and Christmas decorations. They work with external suppliers for additional entertainment, photo booths (from £950 + VAT), and can assist with decorations and themed events like Great Gatsby or Starry Nights.

What are the booking and payment procedures?

The venue offers provisional holds for 7 days while clients consider options. Site visits can be arranged during weekdays between 09:30-16:30, and clients are welcomed by reception security team who notify the sales manager of arrivals.

What ceremony and wedding-specific packages are offered?

Ceremony packages start at £47.50-£52.50 + VAT per person (minimum 300 guests) including exclusive hire of Common Room and Reading Room 12:00-17:00, prosecco reception, bowl food or finger buffet, AV and staging, and various amenities. The venue has a wedding license and can accommodate wedding receptions.