Business

Dining

What are the pricing options for private dining events and what's included?

The Private Dinner Package is £99.00 per person (minimum 35 people) or £105.00 per person for smaller groups, both including VAT. This includes private room hire, arrival drink (sparkling wine or juice), 3-course set menu with tea/coffee and petit fours, half bottle of house wine per person, half bottle of water per person, and dedicated event planner. Service charge is included in the £99 package but additional for the £105 option.

What is the maximum capacity for dining events and what spaces are available?

The Canterbury Suite accommodates up to 50 people in banqueting style with 65.33 sqm of space on the 1st floor. The Ballroom Suite can accommodate up to 120 people for dining events with 174.24 sqm of space, also on the 1st floor. Both spaces feature natural daylight, air conditioning, heating, disabled access, and WiFi.

How flexible are the menu options for private dining events?

For the standard package, you get maximum 2-2-2 choices (2 starters, 2 mains, 2 desserts) for the whole group. For Christmas packages, this increases to maximum 3-3-3 choices. Menu choices must be confirmed at least 14 days prior to the event, and name cards/seating plans are self-arranged.

What are the booking hold periods and decision deadlines?

Spaces are typically held on 1st option for 1 week, with automatic release if not confirmed by the specified deadline (usually by 5pm on the given date). Some bookings may be held on shared option, meaning multiple clients can hold the same date until one confirms with a signed contract.

What are the minimum spend requirements for drinks and additional services?

For drinks receptions, minimum spend options include £500.00 including VAT (recommended) or £600.00 including VAT for greater flexibility. Additional drinks beyond the package are charged on consumption basis. Printing services are available at £0.75 per page for double-sided colour A4 documents.

What timing restrictions apply to dining events?

Private dinner events typically run from 6pm-11pm. Christmas events can extend to 11:30pm. Final event details must be submitted by noon on the Friday before events (for events the following week). Any modifications after this deadline are subject to availability.

What are the cancellation terms and associated costs?

Cancellation charges are: 30% of function charges between 52-12 weeks prior, 50% between 12-8 weeks prior, 80% between 8-4 weeks prior, and 100% within 4 weeks of the event. These terms apply to all meeting and event bookings.

What additional services and equipment are available for dining events?

Additional services include name tag printing (on place cards with hotel branding), coffee machine setup for free-flow coffee instead of flasks, PA system with wireless microphones (£250.00 inc VAT for Ballroom), and 6ft x 8ft LCD screen and projector. The venue can accommodate delivery of client materials and provides dedicated event planner support.

Are there any restrictions on decorations, entertainment, or external suppliers?

The venue allows clients to bring decorations and greenery for events. External entertainment and suppliers can be arranged, though specific approval processes and requirements (such as PAT testing, public liability, and RAMS forms) may apply. Christmas packages include Christmas tree, novelties, and crackers.

What are the Christmas dining package options and pricing?

Christmas packages are £115.00 per person (minimum 50 people for Regency Suite, minimum 100 people for Ballroom Suite). This includes arrival drink, 3-course festive set menu with tea/coffee and mince pies, half bottle of wine per person, half bottle of water per person, Christmas tree, novelties, crackers, and room hire. Service charge is not applicable for Christmas packages.