Arts

Business

Events

What are the venue hire rates and minimum catering requirements for the Barbican Centre Business spaces?

The Garden Room & Conservatory evening hire (17:30-00:00) costs £7,800+VAT with a minimum catering spend of £3,000+VAT. The Frobisher Triple Room day hire (08:30-17:00) costs £3,200+VAT with a minimum catering spend of £1,500+VAT, plus an overnight hold fee of £950+VAT. Cinema 1 day hire costs £6,100+VAT and evening hire costs £5,100+VAT, both with £5,000+VAT minimum catering spend.

What are the capacity limits for different event setups in the main Business spaces?

The Garden Room & Conservatory accommodates 220 banquet, 180 dinner/dance, 450 reception, 180 seated buffet, or 350 fork buffet. The Frobisher Triple Room holds 170 theatre style or 96 cabaret. Cinema 1 has a total capacity of 280 in raked auditorium seating with fixed theatre-style layout.

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

Cinema 1 includes a 34000lms 4K DLP cinema projector, screen, PA system, 3 cabled microphones, Wi-Fi, full house lighting system, and dedicated technician. The Frobisher rooms include LCD projector (8000lms WUXGA resolution), screen, and Wi-Fi. Additional equipment available: PA system & microphone £111+VAT, 55" LCD screens £175+VAT.

What are the standard event timings and setup requirements?

Day hire runs 08:30-17:00 and evening hire runs 17:30-00:00 or 18:00-00:00. Tenancy times include setup and de-rig - allow 1.5 hours for setup and 30 minutes for de-rig. Additional hours beyond standard times can be arranged by speaking with your sales contact.

What is the booking and payment process?

Invoices must be paid prior to the event going ahead. A signed contract is required before the event can proceed. The venue requires both payment and signed contract completion as mandatory steps in the booking process.

Are there any restrictions on event dates or availability?

The venue experiences high demand with frequent bookings. Specific spaces like Cinema 1 and Auditorium 1 (both 220 capacity) can be fully booked on certain dates. Large conference groups can block availability across multiple days, so early booking and date flexibility are recommended.

What catering options are available and who provides the service?

Catering is provided by Searcys with professional kitchen facilities available. Halal catering is available upon request. The venue can accommodate themed events with original menu creation and decor tailoring. All spaces have mandatory minimum catering spends that must be met.

What makes the Conservatory unique for events?

The Conservatory is a tropical oasis in the heart of the city, home to exotic fish and over 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees. It currently hosts site-specific art commissions, creating a distinctive backdrop for events. The space can be themed and decorated according to client requirements.

What accessibility and technical support is provided?

The Barbican Theatre spaces are disabled accessible. Cinema 1 includes a dedicated technician for sound and lighting as part of the hire. The venue has state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and professional lighting systems available.

Can events extend beyond standard hours and what are the additional costs?

Events can extend beyond standard evening hours (which end at 00:00). Additional hours are available at extra cost - contact your sales representative for specific hourly rates and arrangements for extended event times.