Events

What are the pricing options for garden events and what's included in each package?

Prince Philip House offers three garden packages: Royal Garden Package at £120+VAT per person (6 seasonal canapés, 3 hours unlimited drinks), Waterloo Package at £130+VAT per person (bowl food plus 3 hours unlimited drinks), and English Picnic Package at £125+VAT per person. All packages include Prosecco or Pimm's on arrival, house wines, beers, soft drinks, ground floor rooms as wet weather backup, and garden license from The Royal Parks & Crown Estate.

What are the minimum guest requirements and capacity limits for outdoor events?

The West Waterloo garden has a capacity of 150 guests with a minimum of 100 guests required. The Stirling Square garden accommodates up to 200 guests with a minimum of 120 guests, though some quotes show minimums as low as 70 guests for certain packages. The Terrace has bespoke pricing that varies by event size.

What are the mandatory time restrictions for garden events?

All garden events must end by 9PM as required by The Crown Estate who owns the outdoor spaces. Crown Estate approval is mandatory before any garden booking can be confirmed, though this is typically a quick process. Events can continue indoors after 9PM if additional room hire is arranged.

What indoor backup options are available and what do they cost?

Ground floor rooms (National Grid, David Sainsbury, Rolls Royce) are included as wet weather backup in garden packages. For larger events, first floor spaces (Al Qasimi, ERA Foundation) can accommodate up to 180 theatre style or 100 cabaret style. Evening room hire costs £2,000+VAT (6pm-11pm) for first floor spaces, or £3,000+VAT for ground floor rooms.

What entertainment and music restrictions apply to outdoor events?

Amplified music and DJs are not permitted in the gardens. Only unamplified string duos or quartets are allowed for background music. Outdoor speaker hire may be available for background music but full PA systems are prohibited. Fairground rides and inflatables are also not permitted, though garden games like giant Jenga are allowed.

How does the booking and approval process work for garden events?

Garden bookings require approval from The Crown Estate before confirmation, which is typically a speedy process. The venue can provisionally hold space while awaiting approval. All garden events must include the mandatory garden license fee from The Royal Parks & Crown Estate, which is included in the package pricing.

What catering restrictions and options are available?

External catering is not permitted on the premises - all food and beverages must be provided by the venue's in-house catering partner, Company of Cooks. Garden packages include either canapés, bowl food (Mexican, Japanese, or BBQ), or English picnic style food stations. Additional drinks beyond the 3-hour package are charged on a consumption basis.

What are the costs for indoor-only events and what spaces are available?

Ground floor rooms (National Grid and David Sainsbury) cost £2,400+VAT for 9am-5pm with £1,000+VAT minimum catering spend. First floor spaces (Al Qasimi and ERA Foundation) cost £4,600+VAT for 9am-5pm with £4,000-£4,950+VAT minimum catering spend. Evening hire (6pm-11pm) costs £2,000+VAT for first floor spaces.

What AV equipment and technical support is included versus additional charges?

Standard AV includes 86-98" plasma screens, PA system, one complimentary microphone, projector with 3m screen, staging, lectern, and basic technical support. Additional charges apply for extra microphones (£75+VAT), extended technical staffing, hybrid conference equipment (from £3,000+VAT), and specialized AV setups beyond the standard package.

What are the capacity and setup options for different room configurations?

Al Qasimi accommodates 180 theatre style, 100 cabaret, or 120 seated dinner. Ground floor rooms (National Grid/David Sainsbury) each hold 40 cabaret, 80 theatre, or 60 standing reception. The Michael Bishop Foundation seats up to 50 guests. All rooms can be interconnected and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of The Mall and St James's Park.