Business

Dining

Events

What are the different event spaces available and their capacity limits?

The Oyster Shed offers three main event spaces: The Captain's Table (private room for up to 25 guests), Rockefeller Lounge (semi-private area for up to 130 guests standing or 110 seated), and roped-off areas in the main bar (up to 30 guests standing). The Captain's Table is a private room on the balcony level with floor-to-ceiling windows and Thames views, while the Rockefeller Lounge is a mezzanine overlooking the main restaurant with its own private bar.

What are the minimum spend requirements for each space?

Minimum spends vary by space, time slot, and date: Captain's Table ranges from £1,000-£1,600, roped-off areas range from £600-£900, and Rockefeller Lounge ranges from £3,500-£6,750. All minimum spends are inclusive of food, beverage, and 12.5% service charge (inclusive of VAT). There is no separate room hire charge - you only pay the minimum spend.

What are the standard event time slots and any timing restrictions?

Standard time slots include daytime (12-5pm or 1-4:30pm), evening (6-11pm or 6:30-11pm), and some extended slots (4-11pm or 5:30-11pm). The venue is 18+ only after 6pm, which affects evening events with younger guests. Some availability exists for 12-5pm slots for groups wanting earlier events.

How does the booking deposit and payment process work?

A 20% deposit is required to secure any booking, payable via an online link sent to your email within 48 hours of receiving it. For group events, all food and drink orders must be placed 5 working days in advance and require full prepayment 1 week before the event. The venue does not hold areas without a deposit.

What are the food and drink ordering requirements for group events?

Individual ordering is not permitted for group events as the venue cannot track minimum spend requirements. All orders are placed on one accumulative tab via their online ordering system, which can be split at the end if needed. Orders must be placed or amended up to 5 working days before the event, with full prepayment required 1 week in advance.

What is included in the £145 per person wedding package?

The £145 per person wedding package includes arrival Prosecco, wine for the table, and a glass of Prosecco for the toast. Any additional drinks ordered or bar tab run would be at extra cost. The maximum dining capacity for weddings is 110 guests, with exclusive hire available on Saturdays from September-April and any Sunday throughout the year for a £25,000 minimum spend.

Are there age restrictions and what are the implications for events?

The venue is 18+ only after 6pm, which means any evening events cannot accommodate guests under 18. This restriction has caused some bookings to be declined when clients had under-18 attendees. Daytime events (before 6pm) can accommodate all ages.

What are the sound and privacy limitations of the private spaces?

The Captain's Table, while being a private room sectioned off from the rest of the venue, is not completely insulated from sound outside the room. You can choose to listen to the venue's in-house music or play your own music, and you'll be appointed a personal server for the duration of your event.

What menu options are available and how do they work for different group sizes?

The venue offers sample group pre-order menus, reduced a la carte menus for individual ordering, and canape & sharers menus. For groups of 50 or more, you must select one dish per course for the whole group, with dietary requirements catered for individually. Festive set menus are available during Christmas season.

What exclusive hire options are available for weddings and large events?

Exclusive hire is available on Saturdays from September-April and any Sunday throughout the year with a £25,000 minimum spend inclusive of food, drinks, extras, and 12.5% service charge. This includes full access to the heated garden area for drinks and canapés reception (weather dependent). The maximum dining capacity for exclusive hire is 110 guests.