The Shipley Room at RSA House (The Royal Society of Arts)
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Up to 180seated
Charing Cross nearest station
Wedding Breakfastbest for
West Endarea
About this space
Purpose-built boardroom table
Adam-designed ceiling
First floor location
On-site AV equipment
Natural lighting
Breakout space capability
Award-winning Georgian townhouse on John Adam Street offering the spectacular Great Room plus 12 additional spaces, with in-house catering and built-in AV—ideal for prestigious panels and post-talk networking receptions in central London.
Features
Wifi
Great Room: 180 theatre
200 reception networking
Built-in AV + stage
In-house catering team
Step-free entrance listed
Food & Drink
Professional Kitchen
Recommended Caterering List Available
Recommended Caterers Only
Space
Disabled Access
29m² (315.1ft²)
Ceiling Height 3.8m (13ft)
Licenses
Licensed Until 11pm
Capacities
180 Theatre
Guide prices
Indicative pricing based on standard rates. Request an instant quote for your exact brief.
Business
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Venue Hire & Minimum Spend Per Day
Every day, 16:00 - 20:00Every day, 16:00 - 20:00
£6,500 / Venue Fee & Min SpendEvents
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Venue Hire Per Day
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£498 / Venue FeeMinimum spend
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£255 / Minimum spendGreat for a...
Purpose-built boardroom table Board Meeting
- • Fixed boardroom table ensures professional setup
- • Adam ceiling creates distinguished atmosphere
- • First floor location provides privacy
Georgian architectural features Executive Meeting
- • Beautiful Adam ceiling impresses clients
- • On-site AV equipment supports presentations
- • Central London location ensures accessibility
Intimate presentation space Corporate Presentation
- • Purpose-built setup accommodates small groups
- • Natural lighting enhances visibility
- • Breakout capability offers meeting flexibility
Location
RSA House (The Royal Society of Arts) WestminsterLondonWest End WC2N 6EZLondon
Charing Cross
Nearby accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
What are the exact room hire costs and minimum catering requirements for business meetings?
Room hire varies by space and duration - for example, the Queen Elizabeth II room costs £1,150 + VAT for 8:30am-5pm with a mandatory minimum catering spend of £600 + VAT. The Prince Philip room costs £1,400 + VAT for evening hire (6pm-11pm) with a £1,100 + VAT minimum catering spend. All venues require catering - dry hire is not permitted and external catering is not allowed.
What are the capacity limits for different meeting room setups?
The Great Room accommodates up to 180 theatre style, 80 cabaret, or 35 boardroom. The Benjamin Franklin room holds 100 theatre, 48 cabaret, or 35 boardroom. The Prince Philip room fits 56 theatre, 40 cabaret, or 30 boardroom, while the Queen Elizabeth II room handles 30 theatre, 21 cabaret, or 22 boardroom.
How long can you hold a date and what are the booking confirmation requirements?
RSA House will hold dates for up to two weeks while you decide on the venue. If they need a decision sooner, they provide 48 hours notice to either confirm with a signed contract or release the date. Weekend events require approximately £12,000 + VAT to open the house as it's normally closed.
What AV equipment is included and what are the additional costs?
The Great Room AV package costs £940-£1,182 + VAT and includes data projector, screen, stage, lectern with microphone, 1 handheld microphone, surround sound, and AV technician support for up to 8 hours. Additional handheld or lapel microphones cost £68-£75 + VAT each, and flipcharts with pens are £15 + VAT each.
What are the standard operating hours and access times for corporate events?
Events typically run from 8:30am-5pm during weekdays. The venue is normally closed on weekends, requiring a significant additional fee (approximately £12,000 + VAT) to open the house. Access times for setup and breakdown should be discussed when booking.
What catering options are available and can you bring external food?
External catering is not permitted - all food must be provided by RSA House. They offer day delegate packages around £70-£84 + VAT per person including arrival refreshments, breaks, and lunch. Individual items include morning bakery selection (£10-£12 + VAT), fork buffet lunch (£45-£48 + VAT), and afternoon refreshments (£8.50-£10.20 + VAT).
Are there restrictions on event content or organizations that can book?
Yes, RSA House requires detailed vetting including 20 specific questions about your organization's purpose, mission, values, speakers, attendees, and event themes. The organizer must understand and accept RSA's vision, mission, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments, and confirm the event aligns with these values.
What additional services and equipment can be hired?
Optional extras include wireless uplighters at £22-£25 + VAT each (maximum 16, subject to availability), TV screens from £200 + VAT each, armchair hire from £50-£55 + VAT per chair, and additional AV equipment subject to availability and charges. Water is charged on consumption at £4.50-£5.40 + VAT per bottle.
Which rooms work together and what are the recommended combinations?
The Great Room and Benjamin Franklin room work hand-in-hand, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the catering space directly beneath the Great Room. The Queen Elizabeth II room adjoins the Prince Philip room on the first floor. These combinations are ideal for events requiring both presentation and catering spaces.
What happens if your event doesn't meet RSA's criteria or values alignment?
If your event doesn't align with RSA's mission and values after their vetting process, they will find you an alternative venue rather than host the event. This assessment covers your organization's purpose, speakers, attendees, event themes, and overall alignment with RSA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments.
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Other spaces at RSA House (The Royal Society of Arts)
View all spaces at RSA House (The Royal Society of Arts)
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