The Reading Room at Chancery House

Chancery House · Holborn, London, WC2A 1PL · Show map

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Up to 210standing

Up to 120seated

Chancery Lane, Temple, City Thameslinknearest station

Meetingbest for

About this space

Grade II* listed Georgian architecture

In-house catering by Graysons

Wedding licence

Natural light from high ceilings

Gilded wooden gallery with leather-bound books

Marble columns and fireplace frieze

Built-in PA system

Central London location

Located on the ground floor, the Reading Room is prefect for canape receptions, private dinners, award ceremonies, special celebrations. With its fireplace frieze carved by British sculptor Gilbert Bayes, bets known for the Queen of Time clock above Selfridges' main doorway, and flanked by marble columns the spacious Reading Room is exceptionally versatile. Featuring abundant natural light and high ceiling, the beautiful gilded wooden gallery with leather-bound books add to the dramatic grandeur of the room.

Features

Wifi

Flexible seating

Natural light

Wedding licence

Food & Drink

Professional Kitchen

Halal Catering

Space

Disabled Access

240m² (2,583ft²)

Ceiling Height 12.3m (40ft)

Licenses

Licensed Until 1am

Wedding License

Capacities

44 Boardroom

64 Cabaret

60 Classroom

80 Dining

210 Reception

80 Theatre

120 Wedding

Guide prices

Indicative pricing based on standard rates. Request an instant quote for your exact brief.

Business View profile →

Venue Hire Per Day

Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00

£3,180 / Venue Fee

Venue Hire Per Day

Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 - 17:00Sats and Suns, 09:00 - 17:00

£4,800 / Venue Fee

Venue Hire Per Day

Mondays to Fridays, 18:00 - 23:00Mons to Fris, 18:00 - 23:00

£3,540 / Venue Fee

Minimum spend

Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00

£2,640 / Minimum spend

Minimum spend

Mondays to Fridays, 18:00 - 23:00Mons to Fris, 18:00 - 23:00

£3,960 / Minimum spend

Minimum spend

Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 - 17:00Sats and Suns, 09:00 - 17:00

£7,200 / Minimum spend

Dining View profile →

Venue Hire Per Day

Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00

£3,180 / Venue Fee

Venue Hire Per Day

Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 - 17:00Sats and Suns, 09:00 - 17:00

£4,800 / Venue Fee

Venue Hire Per Day

Mondays to Fridays, 18:00 - 23:00Mons to Fris, 18:00 - 23:00

£3,540 / Venue Fee

Minimum spend

Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00

£2,640 / Minimum spend

Minimum spend

Mondays to Fridays, 18:00 - 23:00Mons to Fris, 18:00 - 23:00

£3,960 / Minimum spend

Minimum spend

Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 - 17:00Sats and Suns, 09:00 - 17:00

£7,200 / Minimum spend

Weddings View profile →

Venue Hire Per Day

Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00

£3,180 / Venue Fee

Venue Hire Per Day

Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 - 17:00Sats and Suns, 09:00 - 17:00

£4,800 / Venue Fee

Venue Hire Per Day

Mondays to Fridays, 18:00 - 23:00Mons to Fris, 18:00 - 23:00

£3,540 / Venue Fee

Minimum spend

Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00

£2,640 / Minimum spend

Minimum spend

Mondays to Fridays, 18:00 - 23:00Mons to Fris, 18:00 - 23:00

£3,960 / Minimum spend

Minimum spend

Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 - 17:00Sats and Suns, 09:00 - 17:00

£7,200 / Minimum spend

Great for a...

Georgian grandeur with wedding licence Wedding Dinner

• Wedding licence ensures seamless ceremony transitions
• Gilded wooden gallery creates dramatic photo opportunities
• In-house catering by Graysons delivers exceptional cuisine

Literary elegance with marble columns Private Dining

• Leather-bound books and gallery provide distinguished atmosphere
• Marble columns and fireplace frieze enhance intimate gatherings
• Natural light from high ceilings ensures guest comfort

Historic setting with flexible seating Birthday Dinner

• Grade II* listed architecture creates memorable celebrations
• Flexible seating accommodates various party sizes
• Built-in PA system supports speeches and entertainment

3D tour

Location

Chancery House HolbornUKChancery Lane, City WC2A 1PLLondon

Chancery Lane, Temple, City Thameslink

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Frequently asked questions

What are the room hire costs and minimum spend requirements for dining events?

The Common Room costs £2,750 + VAT for evening hire (18:30-23:00) with a £5,000 + VAT minimum spend on food and drinks. For full day hire (9:00-17:00), the cost is £3,600 + VAT with a £3,000 + VAT minimum spend. Weekend events require a minimum spend of £10,000 + VAT.

What are the capacity limits for different dining setups?

The Common Room accommodates up to 180 guests seated on round tables with stage setup, or up to 96 guests cabaret style with catering served in the room. For larger events, capacity increases to 144 guests cabaret style or 244 theatre style when catering is served in adjacent spaces.

What catering options and pricing are available?

In-house catering is provided exclusively by Graysons. Two-course dinners cost £57 + VAT per person, while three-course formal dining menus with tea, coffee and petit fours are available. Christmas packages start at £172 + VAT per person including prosecco, wine, and entertainment.

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

Standard AV package costs £400 + VAT and includes stage, screen/projector, two repeater screens, lectern with lectern mic, and handheld mic. An AV technician is provided to assist with setup for larger events.

What time slots are available for private dining events?

Evening events typically run 18:30-23:00 or 18:00-23:00. Full day hire is available 9:00-17:00, and afternoon slots 13:00-17:00 are offered. Early access for organisers is usually provided one hour before the event start time.

Are there restrictions on dates or days of the week?

Weekend events have higher minimum spend requirements (£10,000 + VAT) as the building is usually closed. Weekday events are more flexible with lower minimum spends. Some dates may be unavailable due to Law Society activities or prior bookings.

What entertainment and additional services can be arranged?

DJ and dance floor services are available, along with uplighters for ambience. The venue works with external suppliers for additional entertainment, photo booths (from £950 + VAT), and decorations. Christmas events include themed decorations and table centres.

What drinks packages and bar arrangements are offered?

Packages include prosecco on arrival, half bottles of wine per person with meals, and unlimited house wine, beer and soft drinks for specified periods (typically 2-2.5 hours). Pay bars are available for additional drinks, and pre-paid bar tabs can be arranged.

What is included in the venue hire fee?

Venue hire includes dedicated team on the day, security, complimentary Wi-Fi, cloakroom facilities, digital signage, personalised welcome signs, directional signage, standard linen, tableware and glassware. Registration tables can be provided in the main foyer.

Is the venue licensed for weddings and what are the requirements?

Yes, the Common Room has a wedding licence. Weekend wedding venue hire is £4,000 + VAT with a £6,000 + VAT minimum catering spend. The room features abundant natural light, high vaulted ceilings, and can accommodate wedding ceremonies and receptions.

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