Business

Dining

Events

What are the minimum venue hire costs and catering requirements for the dining space?

There is a minimum venue hire of £8,000 ex VAT for weekend bookings. Catering has a minimum spend requirement, with examples showing £4,150 ex VAT for smaller events and higher minimums for larger groups. The minimum catering spend per person is £41.50, with some events requiring a minimum of 100-280 guests depending on the space configuration.

What spaces are typically used together for dining events and what are their capacities?

For dining events, multiple spaces are commonly combined: the Assembly Hall serves as the main dining space, while the Hoare Memorial Hall and Bishops Partridge Hall are used for catering and drinks receptions. The Harvey Goodwin Suite is often used as an additional catering space or breakout area, and the Robert Runcie Room serves as a catering space for smaller events.

What AV equipment is included and what are the costs?

Standard AV packages start from £4,495 ex VAT. The Assembly Hall AV package (£3,995 ex VAT) includes projection screen, 4K laser projector, sound system, microphones, stage lighting, and engineers. Smaller spaces like the Harvey Goodwin Suite have AV packages from £2,330 ex VAT including screen, projector, sound system, and lighting.

What are the typical event timings and access requirements?

Events typically run from 08:30-17:00 for day events, with evening events extending to 18:00-22:00. Setup access the evening prior can be arranged from 18:30-21:30 for an additional £11,940 ex VAT, with the venue needing to be cleared by 22:00pm.

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

The venue experiences high demand with frequent full bookings. Multiple dates in 2025 are already fully booked including September 23rd, October 21st, June 26th, and July 12th. It's advisable to have flexible dates and book well in advance, as the venue regularly suggests alternative dates when first choices are unavailable.

What catering options are available and how is pricing structured?

Catering is provided by Searcys with various options including Day Delegate Rates (DDR), fork buffets, and formal dining. DDR packages include arrival refreshments, mid-morning and afternoon breaks, and lunch. Minimum catering spends range from £69.50 per person for larger events to £41.50 per person for smaller groups, with minimum guest requirements typically between 100-280 people.

Are there different pricing structures for weekdays versus weekends?

Yes, weekend bookings have higher minimum spends. There is a minimum venue hire of £8,000 ex VAT specifically mentioned for weekend bookings, and AV packages incur an extra £500 per package for weekend events. The venue appears to have different pricing tiers based on the day of the week.

What is the booking and payment process?

The venue uses a proposal-based system where detailed quotes are provided after initial enquiry. Multiple events show budget discussions where proposals exceed client budgets (one example showed a proposal exceeding a £5,000-£6,000 budget). The venue works with clients on budget flexibility and can suggest alternative configurations to meet budget requirements.

Can the venue accommodate special event formats like awards ceremonies or theatrical productions?

Yes, the venue regularly hosts awards ceremonies, conferences, and special events. The Assembly Hall can be configured for cabaret style dining with stage setups, and the venue has experience with events requiring staging, theatrical productions, and formal presentations. AV packages include stage lighting, projection screens, and professional sound systems suitable for formal presentations.

What are the capacity limits for different dining configurations?

Capacity varies significantly by space and configuration. The Assembly Hall can accommodate large groups (examples show 250-350+ for dining events), while smaller spaces like the Harvey Goodwin Suite work for more intimate dining experiences. The venue can accommodate up to 600 guests across multiple spaces when used together, with specific room combinations recommended based on guest numbers.