Business

Dining

Events

What are the minimum venue hire costs and catering requirements?

Minimum venue hire is £8,000 ex VAT for weekend bookings. Catering has a minimum spend of £69.50 per person with a minimum of 250 guests (£17,375 total). For smaller events, there's a minimum catering spend of £2,500 ex VAT for 100 guests, and some quotes show £41.50 per person minimums depending on the event size.

Which spaces are available and what are their capacities?

Main spaces include the Assembly Hall (main conference space, 350+ theatre style), Hoare Memorial Hall (catering and exhibition space, 250 standing), Harvey Goodwin Suite (180 theatre, breakout space), Bishops Partridge Hall (150 standing, catering space), and Convocation Hall (100 theatre, breakout). Multiple rooms can be hired together for larger events.

What are the standard AV packages and costs?

Assembly Hall AV package costs £4,794 ex VAT and includes 4K laser projector, large screens, sound system, microphones, lighting, and engineers. Harvey Goodwin Suite AV is £2,796 ex VAT, Convocation Hall AV is £1,830 ex VAT. All packages include professional sound systems, projection equipment, microphones, and technical support staff.

What are the typical operating hours and setup requirements?

Standard event hours are 8:30am-5:00pm for conferences. Evening setup access is available the night prior (6:30pm-9:30pm) for an additional £11,940 ex VAT. Events can extend to 6:00pm or 7:00pm for drinks receptions with additional charges.

How far in advance do dates get fully booked?

Popular dates book up well in advance, with multiple examples showing full bookings for dates like September 23rd, October 21st, and June 26th in 2025. The venue actively manages availability and will suggest alternative dates when preferred dates are unavailable.

What catering options and pricing are available?

Day Delegate Rates start from £59,400 for 500 guests (£49,500 ex VAT) including room hire, arrival refreshments, mid-morning and afternoon breaks, and lunch. Individual catering items include breakfast, coffee breaks, and various lunch options. Drinks receptions start from £29.50 ex VAT per person.

Can the venue accommodate large conferences with breakout spaces?

Yes, the venue can handle conferences up to 600+ delegates using multiple spaces. The Assembly Hall serves as the main plenary, with Harvey Goodwin Suite and Convocation Hall as breakout rooms. Exhibition space is available in Hoare Memorial Hall and Bishops Partridge Hall for sponsors and catering.

What are the policies for filming and special events?

The venue accommodates filming enquiries through a dedicated contact (Ben) who handles all filming requests. For special events like boxing matches or theatrical productions, the venue can provide flexible setups with tables around performance areas and standing space for additional guests.

Are there any restrictions on event types or timing?

The venue appears flexible with event types, accommodating conferences, award ceremonies, Christmas parties, boxing events, and filming. Weekend bookings have higher minimum spends (£8,000 venue hire minimum mentioned). All events must be cleared by specific times, typically 10:00pm for evening setup access.

What is the booking and payment process?

Initial proposals are provided based on requirements, followed by site visits when requested. The venue uses a formal quotation system with detailed breakdowns of venue hire, catering, and AV costs. Proposals can be held on 2nd option while clients make decisions, and the sales team follows up regularly on pending bookings.