Arts

Dining

Events

What are the hire fees for different types of events at Mall Galleries?

Evening drinks receptions cost £6,500+VAT for up to 350 standing guests with exhibition backdrop. Full day events cost £7,000+VAT (yoga event example) to £11,000+VAT (corporate hire). All-day blank canvas hire is available but has very limited availability, with next slots in February and August 2025.

What capacity limits apply to different areas of the venue?

The venue can accommodate up to 350 people standing across all three galleries for drinks receptions. The venue offers over 450sqm of dedicated events space across three connecting ground-level galleries, with the West Gallery being the largest space and East Gallery suitable for smaller groups of around 35 people.

What's included in the standard hire fee?

All hire fees include a Venue Supervisor and gallery staff, one security guard during the event, two parking spaces outside 17 Carlton House Terrace, parking permits for deliveries along the Mall, and use of furniture and technical equipment. Technical equipment includes a small stage, lectern, two roving microphones, adjustable lighting, AV and audio facilities, free WiFi, and cloak rails.

Are there restrictions on catering and what are the additional costs?

All clients must use one of Mall Galleries' approved caterers - catering is not included in hire fees and must be arranged directly with caterers. If you wish to use a caterer not on their approved supplier list, there's a £500+VAT buy-out fee.

What are the availability restrictions for daytime events?

Mall Galleries has very limited daytime availability due to public exhibitions. They currently have no remaining daytime hire availability for the remainder of 2024, with next available all-day blank canvas hire slots in February and August 2025. Evening hire is more readily available.

How do exhibitions affect event bookings and what backdrops are available?

Most events take place with ongoing exhibitions as backdrops, which cannot be removed. For example, December events feature the Royal Institute of Oil Painters exhibition, and May events feature the Society of Botanical Artists exhibition. Filming must occur outside opening hours (before 10am or after 5pm) when exhibitions are running.

What are the timing restrictions for different types of bookings?

The venue is open to the public from 10am-5pm, so filming and some events must occur outside these hours. Evening events are more flexible. For blank canvas hire, the venue must be completely clear of exhibitions, which severely limits availability to specific windows throughout the year.

What is the booking process and how far in advance should I book?

Contact the Gallery Hire Sales Manager directly for availability and quotes. Due to limited availability, especially for daytime and blank canvas hire, booking well in advance is essential. The venue frequently has to decline bookings due to lack of availability, particularly for specific dates and daytime slots.

Are there any additional mandatory fees beyond the base hire cost?

Beyond the base hire fee, you must arrange catering through approved suppliers (additional cost) or pay a £500+VAT buy-out fee for external caterers. Security guard service is included for standard duration, but extended hours may incur additional charges. All prices quoted are plus VAT.

What technical and AV capabilities are available for events?

The venue includes a fully equipped PA system with hand-held and lectern microphones, adjustable 3-circuit energy efficient gallery lighting, AV and audio facilities, free WiFi, a small stage, and lectern. All technical equipment is included in the hire fee and the venue is equipped to the highest specification.