Business

What are the room hire rates and what's included in the base price?

Room hire rates vary significantly by space and date, with examples ranging from £2,880 for smaller syndicate rooms like Victoria to £15,120 for the Churchill auditorium. Base prices are quoted excluding VAT (20% additional). All room hire includes comprehensive AV packages with projectors, screens, sound systems, microphones, technicians, plus venue inclusions like security, cleaning, Wi-Fi, furniture, cloakroom, registration area, and dedicated event management team.

What are the capacity limits for different room configurations?

The Churchill auditorium accommodates up to 410 theatre style, while syndicate rooms like Gielgud, Burton/Redgrave combined, Albert, and Victoria typically handle smaller groups. Room capacities and configurations vary by specific space, with options for theatre, cabaret, classroom, and boardroom setups depending on the room selected.

Are there any seasonal closures or restricted booking periods?

The venue is closed during August and unavailable for bookings during this period. Additionally, some dates may be blocked for whole centre events, which prevents individual room bookings on those specific dates.

What is the booking process and deposit requirements?

Bookings are offered on a first option basis initially, with a 10% discount sometimes available on room hire rates. No booking is confirmed until a signed contract and deposit payment are received. All correspondence is subject to contract until binding agreements are executed, and the venue accepts no responsibility for costs incurred before contract signing.

What AV equipment and technical support is included?

Comprehensive AV packages are included with room hire featuring WUXGA high-definition projectors, motorised screens, sound systems with multiple microphones (wired lectern, top table, and radio handheld), induction loops, digital recording capabilities, lighting systems, and dedicated technicians during standard hours (08:00-17:30 with breaks). Additional equipment like confidence monitors and specialized setups are available.

What are the standard operating hours and setup access times?

Standard operating hours are 08:00-18:00, with security, porterage, and cleaning services included during these times. Events typically run during business hours, though specific access times for setup and breakdown can be arranged as part of the booking.

Can rooms be combined and what flexibility exists for space configuration?

Yes, certain rooms can be combined using moveable walls to increase capacity. For example, Burton and Redgrave can be combined, and the venue offers flexibility in room configurations. Multiple rooms can be booked simultaneously for events requiring plenary and breakout spaces.

What catering options are available and are external caterers permitted?

The venue features QEII Taste by Leith's as the in-house catering provider, with costs included in event proposals. Catering packages can include breakfast, lunch, tea/coffee breaks, and dinner service. The venue can accommodate various dietary requirements and provides dedicated catering spaces like Pickwick for meal service.

What additional services and amenities are included with venue hire?

Venue hire includes manned cloakroom, free visitor Wi-Fi, QEII Centre furniture (excluding exhibition furniture), dedicated registration area with desks, business centre facilities, and a complete delivery team including Event Manager, AV Project Manager, and QEII Taste Manager. Security, porterage, and cleaning services are provided during standard hours.

How far in advance should bookings be made and what is the cancellation policy?

The venue processes enquiries and provides proposals promptly, with availability checked on a first-come basis. Specific cancellation policies and booking lead times are established in the signed contract. Popular dates and larger spaces may require earlier booking, particularly given the venue's central Westminster location and limited availability during peak periods.