Business

Dining

Events

What is the minimum number of guests required to book the Events space?

All meeting spaces and banqueting bookings require a minimum of 30 people for meetings and 50 people for banqueting events. Groups smaller than these minimums cannot be accommodated at the venue.

What are the Day Delegate Rate packages and pricing?

The Classic DDR Package starts from £53 per person plus VAT and includes main suite hire, arrival tea/coffee with pastries and fruit, mid-morning refreshments, finger buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee, water, projector and screen, flipchart, WiFi, car parking, and dedicated event manager. Premier DDR Package is available at £64 plus VAT with enhanced menu options.

Can I bring my own caterer or use external catering?

The venue does not operate on a pure dry hire basis and external catering is not normally allowed on site. You must use one of their contracted preferred caterers who will quote for both room hire and catering as part of their package, and you need to organize show rounds directly with your chosen caterer.

What are the capacity limits for different event layouts?

The Diomed suite can accommodate up to 500 people in theatre style and 224 people in cabaret style. The venue cannot accommodate events requiring 700 guests with 500 seated, as their kitchen facilities and largest halls cannot service these numbers in seated capacity.

What additional room hire fees apply beyond the DDR packages?

Room hire fees vary by space - the Mezzanine area costs £1,000 plus VAT, breakout rooms range from £300-£1,800 plus VAT (often discounted), and catering space hire is £2,000 plus VAT. The venue hire for breakout spaces can be £2,000 plus VAT.

What AV equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

Basic projector, screen, and built-in PA system are included in DDR packages. Additional AV costs are: lectern and microphone £90 plus VAT, standalone microphone £70 plus VAT, and medium stage £350 plus VAT.

Are there any restrictions on event timing or setup requirements?

Events typically require setup from 7am with conferences running 9am-5pm. The venue cannot accommodate very late start times like 11pm conferences, and external catering restrictions may limit certain event formats.

What dining and entertainment packages are available?

All-inclusive dining packages start from £67 per person including VAT (exclusive party suite, non-alcoholic arrival drink, three-course menu, staffing, security, and car parking). Additional options include half bottle of wine per person at £18.75, DJ and dance floor at £400 plus VAT.

What are the different event spaces available and their capacities?

Main spaces include the Diomed suite (500 theatre/224 cabaret), Blue Ribband suite with private terrace (150 people), Oaks Hall for exhibitions, Downs View suite (60 cabaret), Gallops suite (48 cabaret), and Double Box (24 cabaret). Spaces can be interconnected for larger events.

What canapé and drinks reception options are available?

Standard canapé packages offer 3 items at £13.09 per person plus VAT, while premium packages provide 3 items at £18.67 per person plus VAT. These can be combined with drinks receptions, and the venue can accommodate 2-hour canapé receptions as part of conference packages.