Business

Dining

Events

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

Venue hire rates vary by building and day of week. For 10 Carlton House Terrace (Council Room, Barnard Room, Radhakrishnan Room): weekday hire from £4,825 VAT exempt, weekend hire from £7,175 VAT exempt, both from 2pm until midnight with supplier access from 12pm. For 11 Carlton House Terrace (Gallery, Music Room, Beatrice Webb Room): same pricing structure applies. Individual room hire ranges from £1,100-£3,100 VAT exempt depending on room and duration.

What are the maximum capacity limits for different event formats?

Maximum seated capacity for ceremony and dinner is 100 guests in the Beatrice Webb Room. Standing receptions can accommodate up to 150 guests across multiple rooms. The Music Room alone cannot accommodate dinner and drinks for 50+ guests and requires booking an additional room. Individual rooms vary: Reading Room holds up to 70 standing reception style, Lecture Room accommodates various layouts for meetings and presentations.

What are the mandatory catering requirements and minimum spends?

All catering is provided exclusively by Searcys, the in-house catering partner. Evening events have a minimum spend of £1,000 + VAT. Christmas packages have minimum guest requirements (55 guests for Festive Dinner & DJ package at £145 + VAT per person). Service before 8am incurs an additional £300 + VAT per hour charge.

What supplier restrictions apply and how do approvals work?

The venue maintains detailed lists of Approved Suppliers for Audio Visual, Production, and Floristry, plus Recommended suppliers. Use of any third-party suppliers outside these lists must be agreed in writing by the venue before booking. This applies to all external vendors including DJs, photographers, and decorators.

What are the booking and payment procedures?

Bookings require a signed hire agreement with full signatory details, organization information, and contact details for both signatory and finance contacts. A 50% deposit invoice is sent upon receipt of the signed agreement. December bookings operate on a first-to-confirm basis due to high demand. PO numbers must be provided before deposit invoice generation if required.

Are there seasonal pricing differences or special offers available?

Yes, the venue offers seasonal promotions. Winter weddings in October or November 2025 receive £1,000 discount on venue hire. Christmas period (December) operates at premium rates with specialized packages. Weekday rates are significantly lower than weekend rates across all room categories.

What timing restrictions and access arrangements apply?

Standard venue hire includes access from 2pm until midnight for full building hire, with supplier setup access from 12pm. Individual room hire varies by duration (e.g., 9am-12:30pm for morning events, 6pm-10pm for evening events). Organizer access typically begins 45 minutes before event start time. Late catering service after 11pm incurs £300 + VAT per hour.

What AV equipment and technical services are available?

Basic AV packages include screens, PA systems, and up to two microphones. Upgrades available for additional microphones (up to 4) with sit-in technician, staging for £350 + VAT, and specialized equipment for live streaming. The venue has approved AV suppliers for more complex technical requirements, and all external AV providers must be pre-approved.

What catering options and pricing are available for different event types?

Refreshments range from £3.75 + VAT (tea/coffee) to £6.60 + VAT (with pastries). Breakfast options £6.50-£15.75 + VAT per person. Lunch from £25.00 + VAT (sandwich lunch) to £39.75 + VAT (fork buffet). Canapes £23.50-£30.00 + VAT per person. Three-course dinners £66.50 + VAT per person. Wine packages £17.00-£27.00 + VAT per person depending on selection.

What are the Christmas party packages and requirements?

Festive Dinner & DJ package costs £145 + VAT per person with 55-guest minimum, including sparkling wine on arrival, 3-course dinner, half bottle house wine per person, tea/coffee with mince pies, post-dinner nibbles, manned cloakroom, poseur tables, Christmas crackers, and DJ from Blank Canvas Entertainment. Dancefloor mandatory for carpeted rooms (additional £795 + VAT).