Business

Dining

What are the room hire rates and minimum catering requirements for business events?

Room hire rates vary by space and duration - for example, the Council Room costs £1,900 for a full day (07:00-17:30) or £950 for a half day (07:00-13:00). For half-day sessions, minimum catering of tea, coffee and biscuits at £4.10 per person per serving is required. Full day delegate packages start at £96 per person including room hire, all catering breaks, and basic AV equipment.

What capacity limits apply to different room configurations for meetings and conferences?

Capacities vary significantly by room and setup - the Council Room holds 50 theatre style or 40 cabaret style, the Smeaton Room accommodates up to 100 theatre style or 60 boardroom style, while the Telford Theatre can seat up to 238 delegates theatre style. The Great Hall can accommodate up to 400 for larger events, and smaller rooms like the President's Dining Room hold up to 18 boardroom style.

What are the standard operating hours and late extension fees?

Standard venue access is typically 07:00-17:30 for day events, with evening events running until 23:00. Late extension fees apply for events running beyond 11pm: £500 for 11pm-midnight, £1,200 for 11pm-1am, and £1,900 for 11pm-2am. Show round appointments are available Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:00pm.

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

Basic AV varies by room - some include integral 86" LED screens, while others require additional equipment. The Telford Theatre includes comprehensive AV with technician, projection screen, PA system, microphones, and recording facilities. Additional AV costs include LCD projector £135, handheld/lapel radio microphones £75 each, PA system £275, and technician services £500 for up to 10 hours.

What catering packages are available and what are the per-person costs?

Day Delegate Rate packages start at £96 per person including all breaks and lunch. Individual catering options include tea/coffee with biscuits £4.10 per person per serving, tea/coffee with pastries £8.60 per person, sandwich lunch with sides £25 per person, and 2-course buffet lunch from £39 per person. Dinner packages start at £88.70 per person for 3-course meals without alcohol.

How far in advance can events be provisionally held and what is the booking process?

Events can be provisionally held while quotes are being considered, with availability confirmed at time of enquiry. The venue requires confirmation of final numbers and specific requirements before finalizing bookings. Some popular rooms like the Stephenson Room may only be available on a waitlist basis if already held by another client.

What are the restrictions on decorations, entertainment, and external suppliers?

The venue prohibits naked flames and smoke for safety reasons. They work with a range of entertainment suppliers and can provide recommendations. External suppliers and entertainment options can be discussed with the events team, and the venue can accommodate various setup requirements for corporate presentations and conferences.

What additional services and fees should be budgeted for business events?

Additional costs to consider include bar setup at £295 per room (includes 2-3 staff members), choice menu upgrades £13.50-£15 per person, pre-event canapés £12.50-£12.75 per person, and various beverage packages. All quoted rates exclude VAT, and minimum delegate numbers typically apply (usually 30-40 depending on the package).