Events

What are the room hire costs and minimum catering requirements for private events?

Room hire varies by space and duration: ground floor rooms (National Grid/David Sainsbury) cost £2,400 + VAT for 9am-5pm with £1,000 + VAT minimum catering spend, while first floor spaces (Al Qasimi/ERA Foundation) cost £4,600 + VAT for 9am-5pm with £4,000-£4,950 + VAT minimum catering spend. Evening hire (6pm-11pm) for ground floor rooms is £3,000 + VAT, and first floor evening hire is £2,000 + VAT.

What are the capacity limits for different room configurations?

The Al Qasimi room accommodates up to 180 theatre style, 100 cabaret, or 120 seated dinner. Ground floor rooms (National Grid/David Sainsbury) each hold up to 40 cabaret, 80 theatre, or 60 standing reception. The Michael Bishop Foundation room seats up to 50 guests, while the Rolls Royce room is suitable for smaller gatherings of around 30 people.

Are external caterers allowed and what are the catering policies?

External catering is not permitted on the premises. All food and beverages must be provided by the venue's in-house catering partner, Company of Cooks. The venue offers extensive catering options from canapés and bowl food to formal dinners, with packages starting from £53 + VAT per person for basic reception packages.

What garden spaces are available for summer parties and what do they cost?

Three outdoor spaces are available: Waterloo West Garden (capacity 150, minimum 100 guests), Stirling Square Garden (capacity 200, minimum 120 guests), and The Terrace. Summer packages range from £78-£125 + VAT per person depending on the garden and package selected. All gardens require approval from The Crown Estate and must be vacated by 9pm.

What AV equipment is included and what are additional charges?

Standard AV includes 86-98″ plasma screens, PA systems, one complimentary microphone, projectors with 3m screens, and multifunctional LED wall lighting. Additional microphones cost £75 + VAT, technical staffing beyond complimentary support incurs extra charges, and hybrid conference packages start from £3,000 + VAT for streaming/recording equipment.

What are the booking and payment procedures?

The venue offers provisional holds while clients consider options and is flexible to adjust proposals for different needs and budgets. A 15% discount on room hire is occasionally offered as a special promotion. Site visits can be arranged, and the venue provides 3D virtual tours for clients to preview spaces before booking.

What restrictions apply to entertainment and decorations?

Fairground rides and inflatables are not permitted, but garden games like giant Jenga are allowed. For outdoor spaces, only unamplified string duos/quartets or outdoor speaker hire for background music is permitted. The venue can arrange soft furnishings and decorations to suit themes or colour palettes through trusted suppliers.

What are the operating hours and timing restrictions?

Standard daytime hire runs 9am-5pm, with evening hire available 6pm-11pm. Garden spaces must be vacated by 9pm as required by The Crown Estate. Events can run as early as 8am with additional arrangements, and the venue can accommodate various timing requirements from half-day to full-day events.

What package deals are available for drinks receptions?

Reception packages start at £53 + VAT per person (minimum 140 guests) including 2 hours unlimited drinks, nibbles, and room hire for 6pm-10pm. Premium packages at £136 + VAT per person (minimum 30 guests) include 5 canapés, 3 hours unlimited drinks, and room hire for 7pm-11pm. All packages include house wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Can the venue accommodate weddings and what spaces are suitable?

The venue welcomes weddings and can provide flexible proposals adjusted for different needs and budgets. The Al Qasimi room can accommodate up to 120 for seated dinners, while garden spaces offer romantic outdoor ceremony options. The venue's historic Grade I listed building provides an elegant backdrop overlooking The Mall and St James's Park.