Dining

Events

Weddings

What are the pricing options and minimum requirements for private dining events in The Library?

The Library offers a Private Dining Package at £107+VAT per person with a minimum of 50 guests, or £100+VAT per person with a minimum of 70 guests. For evening hire (6pm-10pm), there's a room hire fee of £2,000+VAT plus a minimum catering spend of £2,500+VAT. The space includes hire of both The Library and Erasmus Wilson Room from 18:00-22:00.

What is included in The Library's private dining package?

The package includes arrival glass of Champagne, three-course seasonal menu with coffee and petit fours, half a bottle of house wine per person, still or sparkling water, inclusive AV package, and cloakroom and security. The hire covers both The Library dining space and the interconnecting Erasmus Wilson Room for arrival drinks.

What are the capacity limits for different event layouts in The Library?

The Library accommodates up to 90 guests for dinner on sprigs, 80 guests on dinner rounds, 150 guests for standing reception, 110 in theatre style, 48 in cabaret style, and 40 in boardroom style. The space features both the main Library dining area and the separate Erasmus Wilson Room for drinks reception.

What payment terms and deposit structure does The View require?

The View requires an 80% deposit to secure the booking, with the remaining 20% due 6 weeks prior to the event when planning takes place. This payment structure applies to all bookings at the venue.

What AV equipment is included with The Library hire?

The Library includes two 65-inch plasma screens, Clickshare facilities for wirelessly sending content to screens, wireless microphones, and a PA system. Up to 4 microphones are available (mixture of handheld and lapel), subject to availability. An in-house stage is available for hire at an additional charge.

What restrictions apply to decorations and displays in The Library?

Nothing can be stuck on the walls in the event space, including with blue tac. Free-standing posters are permitted as an alternative. Flipcharts are available for hire at £25+VAT per flipchart if needed for presentations or displays.

What are the typical hire times and access arrangements for private dining events?

Standard private dining hire runs from 18:00-22:00 (6pm-10pm) for evening events. Day delegate rates typically cover 09:00-17:00 access. The venue can accommodate flexible timing arrangements, and organizers should confirm specific access times for setup when booking.

What makes The Library unique as a dining venue?

The Library is a listed part of the Royal College of Surgeons dating back to 1800, featuring an impressive collection of surgical books recognized as one of Europe's finest medical science library collections by the 19th century. The historical space offers book-lined walls and connects to the Erasmus Wilson Room, providing separate areas for dining and drinks reception.

What catering options are available beyond the standard private dining package?

Beyond the standard package, The Library offers day delegate rates at £89+VAT per person including tea, coffee, pastries, sandwich lunch, and refreshments. Custom catering arrangements can be made, and the venue uses sustainably-sourced British produce with modern takes on classic British cuisine for private dining events.

How far in advance should bookings be made and what is the booking process?

The venue can place spaces on hold while clients consider their options, though specific hold periods aren't detailed in available information. Given the venue's popularity and the 80% deposit requirement, early booking is recommended. The sales team will follow up within a couple of days of initial enquiries to answer questions and arrange viewings.