Business

Dining

Film and Photo

What are the venue hire costs for the Council Room for private dining events?

The Council Room costs £1,650 (VAT exempt) for evening hire from 6:30pm until 10pm. For 50+ guests, you'll need the Library at £3,500 (VAT exempt) or Marble Hall & Gallery at £3,000 (VAT exempt). Time extensions are available at additional cost.

What are the capacity limits for seated dining in different spaces?

The Council Room accommodates up to 48 guests for dinner on round tables or 30 guests on a long table, with space inside for reception. For 50+ guests, the Library or Marble Hall & Gallery are required, with the Library accommodating up to 120 guests for seated dinner.

What catering arrangements are required and who provides the food?

All catering must be provided by One Birdcage Walk's approved suppliers, with Company of Cooks being the recommended caterer for evening events. Guests cannot bring external food back inside the venue, and all catering prices are subject to VAT.

What audio-visual equipment is available and what are the costs?

Available AV includes laptop (£66), lectern (£22), flipchart (£22 each), and PA system with up to 2 handheld mics/bluetooth connectivity (£198). All AV prices are subject to VAT and include technical support from a specialized technician.

Can decorations be set up prior to the event?

Based on client inquiries about decorations being done in the hall prior to events, setup arrangements appear to be possible. However, specific decoration policies, timing, and any associated costs would need to be confirmed directly with the venue.

What are the weekend hire requirements and costs?

Weekend hire (Saturday/Sunday) requires a minimum charge of £6,000 (VAT exempt) for 8-hour access between 8:30am-10:00pm. This includes setup of chosen spaces, technician if required, and an on-site event manager for the day.

Are there restrictions on space usage when the room reaches capacity?

Yes, when the Council Room is set for 48 people for dinner, there is no space for drinks or dancing as the space will be full of tables. For events requiring both dining and reception/dancing space, you'll need to book additional spaces or larger venues.

What is the booking process and how far in advance can events be booked?

The venue takes bookings up to 12 months ahead. The process involves provisional holds on dates, followed by contracting when ready to confirm. Events can be placed on hold while finalizing details, and the venue may decline very last-minute or low-budget requests.

What are the standard operating hours and time extension costs?

Standard evening hire runs from 6:30pm until 10:00pm. Time extensions beyond 10pm are available at an additional cost of £550 (VAT exempt). The venue is not usually open on weekends, requiring special weekend hire arrangements.

Are there any budget minimums or restrictions for private dining events?

The venue has indicated they decline very last-minute and low-budget requests. Weekend events have a minimum hire charge of £6,000 (VAT exempt), and there appears to be significant price differences between smaller and larger spaces that may affect budget planning.