Business

Dining

Events

What are the capacity limits for the different dining spaces at Holmes Hotel?

The Conservatory accommodates up to 8-10 guests seated, while The Billiard room can accommodate up to 14-15 guests (though 15 will be tight). For larger groups, The Gallery can accommodate up to 37 in cabaret layout, and The Residence (including multiple rooms) can host up to 80 people for standing events.

What does the private dining package cost and what's included?

The private dining package costs £100 plus VAT per person and includes simple stylish decoration, 1 glass of prosecco on arrival, 3-course dinner (£65 set menu), half a bottle of mineral water, half a bottle of house wine, room hire, and cloakroom. A discretionary service charge of 12.5% is added to the final bill.

What are the minimum spend requirements for dining events?

Minimum spend varies by space and event type. For drinks receptions, The Gallery has a minimum spend of £2,250 plus VAT (reduced from £3,500). For larger events, minimum spends of £2,700 plus VAT and £4,000 plus VAT have been quoted, all fully inclusive of food and drinks with no separate room hire fees.

What dining layouts and table configurations are available?

The venue offers boardroom layout (accommodating 18 guests comfortably, up to 20 if tight), U-shape layout (up to 20 guests), cabaret style with round tables, and long table setups. For groups of 25 or more, single large tables are not possible due to capacity constraints.

What are the standard event timings for dining events?

Private dining events typically run from 19:00-22:00 (3 hours). Longer events like 18:00-23:00 (5 hours) are available. The venue requires final details 10 days before the event and a 50% deposit to secure the space.

What food and beverage options are available beyond the standard package?

Beyond the standard 3-course dinner, the venue offers canapes (3-6 selections), bowl food options (though only 3 bowl options are available on the menu), and can accommodate dietary requirements by adjusting ingredients. Corkage is available at £30 per bottle.

What types of events does Holmes Hotel not accommodate?

Holmes Hotel does not host 18th birthday parties. The venue has also declined events due to low budgets and has specific restrictions, though the exact policy details for other event types are not specified.

What booking procedures and payment terms apply?

The venue operates on a 'Joint First Option' system for holding spaces. A 50% deposit is required to secure the space, with final details needed 10 days before the event. Site visits can be arranged, and the venue will release spaces if no response is received within a reasonable timeframe.

What additional services and amenities are included?

All dining packages include staff service, room hire, cloakroom facilities, complimentary use of plasma screen, and WiFi. The venue can provide simple stylish decoration and has facilities for live music/DJs with an in-house music team available for suggestions.

Are there any restrictions on table arrangements for larger groups?

For groups of 25 or more, the venue cannot accommodate everyone at one round table or one large trestle table due to capacity limitations. The maximum for a single boardroom layout table is 20 guests (18 comfortably), and larger groups require multiple table configurations.