Business

Events

What are the room hire rates and minimum spend requirements for different spaces?

Room rates vary by space: Max Rayne Auditorium (146 theatre) £3,190, Dame Deirdre Hine room (36 classroom) £990/day, Marcus Beck Library (30 U-shape) £900/day, Wheatley Room (80 theatre) £1,800, Heritage Centre (17 boardroom) £440/day. Weekend bookings require minimum £3,000 + VAT. Evening receptions have minimum catering spend of £2,500 + VAT for Max Rayne Atrium.

What are the venue's operating hours and time restrictions?

The venue operates outside standard hours with availability from 6:30pm-10pm for evening events, with service ending at 10pm to allow guest departure. Day events typically run 8:00am-5:00pm or 9:00am-5:00pm. Some dates may be unavailable due to venue closures or existing bookings.

What catering minimums apply and what are the per-person costs?

Minimum catering numbers vary by space: 90 people for Max Rayne Auditorium, 30 for Wheatley Room, 15 for smaller meeting rooms, and 10 for Heritage Centre. Tea/coffee with biscuits costs £4.30pp, working lunch £26.25pp, canapés £23.00pp (6 pieces), and house wine £25.50 per bottle. All catering prices exclude VAT.

What AV equipment is included and what additional costs apply?

Max Rayne Auditorium includes projector, 2 handheld/2 lapel microphones, and lectern. Most rooms include LCD screens. Additional equipment costs: laptop £150, video conference kit £90-included depending on room, PA system with microphones £250, AV technician £950, hybrid packages £1,000-£3,240 depending on duration and complexity.

Are there restrictions on external food, drink, or vendors?

External food and drink are strictly prohibited - all catering must be provided by the venue's in-house team. The venue has its own catering menus and beverage lists that must be used. This policy applies to all events regardless of size or type.

How long are quotes valid and what is the booking hold policy?

All quotes are valid for 5 days only. The venue does not automatically hold space when providing quotes - you must specifically request a temporary hold. Site visits are recommended to check room suitability before booking, and these can be arranged through the sales team.

What are the capacity limits and setup options for different rooms?

Max Rayne Auditorium: 146 theatre style, Dame Deirdre Hine: 36 classroom/60 theatre, Marcus Beck Library: 30 fixed U-shape, Wheatley Room: 72 cabaret/80 theatre/38 boardroom, Heritage Centre: 17 boardroom. The Heritage Centre is temperature-controlled at 20°C maximum to preserve antique books and this cannot be altered.

What special requirements or limitations apply to specific rooms?

The Heritage Centre maintains a maximum temperature of 20°C to preserve antique books and this cannot be changed. Some rooms have ethernet ports available for live streaming equipment. Access timing may vary - for example, catering spaces may not be available until 6pm if another event is using them earlier in the day.

What are the contact details and working hours for bookings?

Main enquiries: enquiries@1wimpolestreet.co.uk. Sales team working hours are typically 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Thursday (some staff work 9:00am-5:00pm Mon-Thurs). Phone: 020 7290 3860/3861/3946/3914 depending on team member. The venue recommends arranging site visits and can provide event management guides.