Business

Dining

Events

What are the venue hire costs and minimum spend requirements?

Venue hire varies by space and event type, with examples including Assembly Hall at £8,580 ex VAT, Hoare Memorial Hall at £5,460 ex VAT, and Harvey Goodwin Suite at £3,642 ex VAT for day hire. There is a minimum venue hire of £8,000 ex VAT for weekend bookings. Catering has minimum spends ranging from £41.50-£69.50 per person depending on the event, with minimum guest numbers typically 100-330 guests.

What spaces are available and what are their capacities?

Key spaces include the Assembly Hall (main conference space for large events), Hoare Memorial Hall (270 theatre style, often used for catering or breakouts), Harvey Goodwin Suite (180 theatre), Convocation Hall (100 theatre), and Bishop Partridge Hall (150 standing for drinks receptions). Multiple spaces can be hired together, such as the popular combination of Assembly Hall with Hoare Memorial Hall for catering.

What AV packages are available and what do they cost?

Standard AV packages range from £1,830 ex VAT (Convocation Hall) to £4,794 ex VAT (Assembly Hall). Assembly Hall package includes 4K laser projector, 8-speaker sound system, stage lighting, lectern microphones, lapel mics, handheld mics, and dedicated sound/video engineers. Harvey Goodwin Suite package (£2,796 ex VAT) includes LCD projector, sound system, lighting, and engineer support.

What are the typical event timings and access hours?

Standard day hire runs from 08:30-17:00, with evening events extending to 18:00-22:00 or later. Setup access can be arranged the evening prior (typically 18:30-21:30) for an additional £11,940 ex VAT. The venue must be cleared by 22:00 on setup nights, and full derig access is available until late on event days.

How far in advance do I need to book and what dates are typically unavailable?

Popular dates book up quickly, with examples showing full bookings on specific dates like 23rd September 2025, 21st October 2025, and 26th June 2025. The venue operates a provisional booking system and will suggest alternative dates if your preferred date is unavailable. It's recommended to have flexible dates when enquiring.

What catering options and pricing are available?

Day Delegate Rates start from £59,400 ex VAT for 500 guests (£49,500 ex VAT base rate), including room hire, arrival refreshments, mid-morning/afternoon breaks, and lunch. Individual catering items include minimum spends of £69.50 per person for 250 minimum guests (£17,375 total). Drinks receptions start from £29.50 ex VAT per person.

Can I use external suppliers or am I restricted to in-house services?

The venue has preferred suppliers, particularly Searcys for catering, and in-house AV services. While the source material doesn't explicitly state restrictions on external suppliers, all pricing examples reference in-house services. You should clarify supplier policies during the booking process, especially for specialized requirements like filming (which has a dedicated contact).

What is the booking and payment process?

The venue operates through a sales team led by Charlotte Brumby and Marina Papadopoulou who handle enquiries and provide detailed proposals. Site visits can be arranged (as mentioned in correspondence), and the team will work within your budget constraints. Specific payment terms and deposit requirements are not detailed in the available information but would be outlined in formal proposals.

Are there any restrictions on event types or special requirements?

The venue accommodates various event types including conferences, awards ceremonies, boxing events, and filming. Special events like boxing shows are possible with appropriate setup (tables around the ring plus standing areas). Filming enquiries are handled by a specialist team member. The venue appears flexible on event formats but specific restrictions would need to be confirmed during booking.

What happens if my budget is lower than the standard packages?

The venue team actively works with budget constraints, as evidenced by one client mentioning a £5,000-£6,000 budget that exceeded their proposal, and the team asking about budget flexibility. They can suggest alternative space combinations or scaled-back options to meet budget requirements, such as keeping everything in one room to reduce costs.