Business

Dining

Events

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

Minimum venue hire is £8,000 ex VAT for weekend bookings. Catering has a minimum spend of £69.50 per person with a minimum of 250 guests (£17,375 total). For smaller events, there's a minimum catering spend of £2,500 ex VAT based on 100 guests minimum.

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

The Assembly Hall is commonly used as the main dining space for up to 250 guests, with the Hoare Memorial Hall serving as the catering/drinks reception area. The Harvey Goodwin Suite and Robert Runcie Room are often used together for smaller dining events, with additional spaces like the Bishops Partridge Hall available for drinks receptions.

What AV equipment is included in the standard packages and what are the costs?

Standard AV packages start from £4,495 ex VAT. The Assembly Hall package (£3,995 ex VAT) includes projection screen, 4K laser projector, sound system, microphones, stage lighting, and engineers. Harvey Goodwin Suite AV (£2,330 ex VAT) includes LCD projector, sound system, microphones, and lighting with engineer support.

Are there specific restrictions on event timing and setup access?

Events typically run from 08:30-17:00 for day bookings, with evening extensions available until 19:00-22:00. Setup access the evening prior is available from 18:30-21:30 for an additional £11,940 ex VAT, with venues to be cleared by 22:00pm.

What dining layouts and seating arrangements are available in the main spaces?

The Assembly Hall can accommodate cabaret style dining, banquet style, or theatre style seating. For dining events, cabaret style around tables is commonly used, with the space able to handle formal sit-down dinners as well as standing reception formats.

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

The venue experiences high demand with frequent full bookings on specific dates. Popular dates like September 23rd, October 21st, and June 26th are often fully booked well in advance. Flexibility with dates is recommended, and bookings should be made as early as possible.

What catering options are available and can external caterers be used?

The venue works with Searcys as their catering partner, providing menus with fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. Day Delegate Rates are available starting from £59,400 for 500 guests including room hire and full catering. External catering arrangements are not mentioned in available information.

Are there additional mandatory costs beyond venue hire and catering?

Yes, AV packages are typically required starting from £1,525-£3,995 ex VAT depending on the space. Weekend bookings incur additional charges, and there may be extra costs for gallery overflow speakers (£350-£420 ex VAT) and extended evening access.

What is the process for site visits and finalizing bookings?

Site visits can be arranged with the sales team, typically scheduled for 11:00am appointments. Upon arrival, ask the welcome team that you're there to see your sales contact who will meet you. Proposals are provided via email with detailed breakdowns of costs and space allocations.

Is the venue fully accessible and what transport links are available?

The venue offers full wheelchair accessibility and WiFi throughout. Located at Dean's Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3NZ, it's situated in the heart of Westminster with convenient access to public transport and proximity to Westminster Abbey.