Business

Dining

Events

What are the minimum venue hire costs for the Business space?

There is a minimum venue hire of £8,000 ex VAT for weekend bookings. Weekday rates vary by specific room and duration, with individual spaces like the Harvey Goodwin Suite starting from £3,642 ex VAT for a full day (08:30-17:00).

What are the catering minimum spends and requirements?

There is a minimum catering spend of £69.50 per person with a minimum of 250 guests for larger events. For smaller meetings, the minimum food spend is £2,500 ex VAT based on 100 guests, with a per-person minimum of £41.50-£43.50 ex VAT depending on the event.

Which specific rooms are available for business meetings and what are their capacities?

Available spaces include the Assembly Hall (main conference space), Hoare Memorial Hall (catering/exhibition space), Harvey Goodwin Suite (up to 180 theatre style), Convocation Hall (100 theatre style), and various smaller rooms like Charter Room and College Room for breakouts or green rooms. The Assembly Hall can accommodate up to 600 guests in a single space.

What AV packages are included and what are the costs?

Standard AV packages start from £1,830 ex VAT for smaller rooms like Convocation Hall, £2,796 ex VAT for Harvey Goodwin Suite, and £4,794 ex VAT for Assembly Hall. Packages include projectors, screens, sound systems, microphones, lighting, and technical engineers.

What are the standard operating hours and setup access times?

Standard venue hire runs from 08:30-17:00 for day events. Evening setup access is available from 18:30-21:30 for an additional £11,940 ex VAT, with venues to be cleared by 22:00. Extended hours until 19:00 incur additional charges.

How far in advance do I need to book and what is the booking process?

Popular dates book up quickly, with some dates showing as fully booked months in advance (September 2025 dates were unavailable when quoted in late 2024). The venue uses a proposal system where detailed quotes are provided after initial enquiry, and site visits can be arranged with sales executives.

Are there any restrictions on event types or special requirements?

The venue accommodates various corporate events including conferences, meetings, and even boxing events. Filming enquiries are handled by a separate specialist team. The venue is fully accessible and offers sustainable credentials, having achieved carbon-neutral status.

What catering options are available and can I use external caterers?

Catering is provided by in-house partner Searcys with options including Day Delegate Rates (DDR), buffets, and formal dining. DDR packages start from £52-£65.50 ex VAT per person including refreshments and meals. External catering arrangements are not mentioned in available information.

What is included in a typical Day Delegate Rate package?

DDR packages typically include room hire, arrival refreshments (tea, coffee, pastries), mid-morning refreshments, lunch (buffet or plated options), and afternoon refreshments. Prices range from £52-£65.50 ex VAT per person with minimum numbers typically required.

Are there additional costs I should budget for beyond venue hire and catering?

Yes, AV packages are charged separately (£1,830-£4,794 ex VAT depending on room), evening setup access costs £11,940 ex VAT, and weekend bookings incur additional charges. All prices quoted are exclusive of VAT, so add 20% to all costs.