Business

Dining

Events

What are the room hire costs for different spaces and time periods?

Room hire varies significantly by space and timing. Rooms 3&4 (combined) cost £1,960 ex VAT for 8am-4pm, while the Hall costs £142 ex VAT per person for dinner packages from 6pm-11pm (includes 10% discount). The Parliament Chamber starts at £2,094 ex VAT for Christmas lunch events. Wedding dry hire of all internal event spaces is £15,000 ex VAT.

What are the capacity limits for different event spaces?

The Hall accommodates up to 276 for dining (recently increased from 240) and up to 400 for receptions. Rooms 3&4 combined hold 62 in theatre style and 35 for meetings. The Marquee (seasonal) can accommodate up to 600 guests. The Parliament Chamber and Luncheon Room are suitable for themed celebrations but specific capacities aren't detailed.

When is the Hall available for hire and what are the restrictions?

The Hall is available Monday to Friday from 6:00pm onwards, and on weekends during both day and evening. The venue closes for August summer holidays and reopens from September 8th for events. The 2026 Marquee Season runs from June 16 - July 9, 2025, with popular dates booking quickly.

What catering costs should I expect per person?

Catering costs range from £7.15 ex VAT per person for afternoon tea and biscuits to £142 ex VAT per person for full dinner packages in the Hall. Mid-range options include classic sandwich lunch at £19.30 ex VAT per person, arrival tea/coffee/pastries from £8.50 ex VAT per person, and house wine at £5 ex VAT per glass.

What AV equipment is included and what are additional costs?

Basic AV varies by space - Rooms 3&4 include screen and video conferencing facilities, while the Hall dinner package includes PA system with 1 microphone. The Lecture Theatre has adjustable lighting, air conditioning, and built-in AV. Additional AV requirements and costs aren't specified in the available information.

How does the provisional booking system work?

The venue operates on first and second option holds. If you want to place a date on provisional hold, they contact the client holding first option for an update and can hold the space on second option for your event. No dates are automatically held - you must specifically request a provisional hold.

Are there any special pricing offers or discounts available?

Yes, there's a room hire price freeze offer for 2026 events - you can book 2026 events at current 2025 rates, but this offer ends August 31, 2025. The Hall dinner package includes a 10% discount when hiring from 6pm-11pm. Terms and conditions apply to all offers.

What information do I need to provide for a quote?

You need to specify start/end times, event type, seating style, catering requirements, AV needs, and your budget. The venue requires these details before providing a full proposal. They also offer site visits and can arrange viewings over a couple of weeks' notice.

What are the minimum catering spends and mandatory costs?

Specific minimum catering spends aren't detailed in most quotes, though one networking event shows a minimum catering spend of £2,640 ex VAT. Wedding dry hire is £15,000 ex VAT for use of all internal spaces with your own caterers. All prices quoted are exclusive of VAT.

Can I use external caterers and what are the restrictions?

External caterers are permitted for wedding dry hire at £15,000 ex VAT, which includes use of all internal event spaces. For other events, the venue appears to primarily offer in-house catering with detailed menu options. Specific restrictions on external vendors aren't outlined in the available information.