Business

Dining

Events

What are the venue hire rates for business meetings and corporate events?

Venue hire rates vary by room and timing. For example, the Council Room costs £1,750 VAT exempt for evening hire (6pm-10pm), while the Radhakrishnan Room costs £1,400 VAT exempt for day hire (9am-5pm). The Reading Room costs £1,700 VAT exempt and the Lee Library £1,600 VAT exempt for day hire. Access for organizers is typically provided 45 minutes before the official start time.

What are the minimum catering spends and typical costs for corporate events?

There is a minimum evening catering spend of £1,000 + VAT. Basic refreshments start from £3.75 + VAT per person for tea and coffee, while lunch options range from £25.00 + VAT per person for sandwich lunch to £39.75 + VAT per person for fork buffet. Breakfast options range from £6.50 + VAT per person for breakfast baps to £15.75 + VAT per person for deluxe breakfast.

What capacity limits apply to different rooms for business events?

The Reading Room holds up to 70 guests for standing receptions, while individual rooms like the Radhakrishnan Room can accommodate up to 30 guests in boardroom style. The Lecture Room is suitable for presentations with theatre-style seating. Room capacities vary significantly, so specific guest numbers should be confirmed when booking.

Are there restrictions on using external suppliers for AV and other services?

Yes, the venue has a detailed list of Approved Suppliers for Audio Visual, Production, and Floristry, plus Recommended suppliers. Use of any third-party suppliers outside of this approved list must be agreed in writing by the venue before booking. This applies to all technical and production services.

What are the standard operating hours and any additional charges for early or late access?

Standard day hire typically runs 9am-5pm with organizer access from 8:15am. Evening events usually run 6pm-10pm with access from 5:15pm. There is an additional catering fee of £300 + VAT per hour for service required before 8am, and late catering fees of £300 + VAT per hour apply after 11pm.

What AV equipment and technical services are available for corporate presentations?

Basic AV packages include screens, PA systems, and up to two microphones. Upgrades are available for up to 4 microphones with a technician, and stages can be added for £350 + VAT. The venue works with approved AV suppliers, and specific technical requirements should be discussed during booking to ensure proper setup.

What is the booking process and payment structure for corporate events?

To proceed with booking, you need to provide full signatory details, organization information, contact details, and address. A 50% deposit invoice is sent upon receipt of the signed hire agreement. Payment should only be made after receiving the official invoice with the invoice number to quote. PO numbers must be provided before deposit invoice generation if required.

Are there any seasonal offers or discounts available for business bookings?

The venue occasionally offers seasonal discounts, such as a £1,000 discount on venue hire for events taking place in October or November. For last-minute bookings, discounts of up to 20% on venue hire may be available. Specific offers should be confirmed at the time of enquiry as they vary by season and availability.

What catering options are available for all-day corporate events and conferences?

For full-day events, catering includes arrival refreshments (£6.60 + VAT per person for tea, coffee and pastries), lunch options (£32.50 + VAT per person for enhanced sandwich lunch), and afternoon refreshments (£6.50 + VAT per person for tea, coffee and biscuits). Breakfast options range from £12.75-£15.75 + VAT per person for continental or English breakfast.

What room combinations are recommended for different corporate event formats?

For events requiring separate presentation and networking spaces, combinations like the Council Room and Barnard Room work well together. The Reading Room with shared lobby access is suitable for standing receptions up to 70 guests. For larger events, the Beatrice Webb Room, Gallery, and Music Room can be hired together for events up to 50 guests with separate catering spaces.