Business

Dining

Events

What are the minimum venue hire costs and catering requirements?

There is a minimum venue hire of £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), though some quotes show minimum catering numbers as low as 100 guests with £2,500 minimum spend. All prices are exclusive of VAT.

What spaces are available and what are their capacities?

The venue offers multiple spaces including the Assembly Hall (main conference space for up to 500 theatre style), Hoare Memorial Hall (catering and exhibition space), Harvey Goodwin Suite (up to 180 theatre style), Convocation Hall (100 theatre style), and various smaller rooms like Charter Room and College Room. Spaces can be hired individually or as packages.

What AV equipment is included and what are the costs?

Standard AV packages start from £1,525 ex VAT for smaller rooms up to £3,995 ex VAT for the Assembly Hall. Packages typically include projectors, screens, sound systems, microphones (lectern, lapel, and handheld), lighting, laptops, and technical engineers. Weekend bookings incur an additional £500 per AV package.

How far in advance do I need to book and what is the booking process?

Popular dates book up quickly - several enquiries show the venue being fully booked months in advance for specific dates. The venue offers site visits and sends detailed proposals with space allocations and pricing. Contact Charlotte Brumby at +44 (0)20 7390 1544 to check availability and arrange viewings.

What catering options are available and how is it priced?

Catering is provided by Searcys with options including Day Delegate Rates (DDR), hot fork buffets, breakfast items, tea/coffee breaks, and drinks receptions. DDR packages start from around £52-65.50 ex VAT per person. Standing fork buffet lunch and refreshments are included in some packages, with separate pricing for additional items.

Are there restrictions on event timing and setup access?

Events typically run from 08:30-17:00 for day conferences. Evening setup access is available from 18:30-21:30 (must clear by 22:00) for an additional £11,940 ex VAT. The venue can accommodate extended hours for drinks receptions until 19:00. Setup requirements and timing restrictions vary by space and event type.

What are the different room layout options and capacities?

The Assembly Hall accommodates 500 theatre style or cabaret style for smaller numbers. Harvey Goodwin Suite holds 180 theatre style, Convocation Hall seats 100 theatre style. Rooms can be configured for various layouts including cabaret, banquet, and standing reception formats depending on the space and requirements.

Can I use external suppliers or is everything provided in-house?

The venue has preferred suppliers including Searcys for catering and in-house AV teams. For filming enquiries, they have a specialist contact (Ben) who handles these separately. The venue appears to work with their established supplier network, though specific policies on external suppliers are not detailed in the available information.

What is included in a Day Delegate Rate package?

DDR packages typically include room hire, arrival refreshments (tea, coffee, Danish pastries, juices), mid-morning refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits), two-choice standing fork buffet lunch, and mid-afternoon refreshments (tea, coffee, cakes). Prices start from £49,500 ex VAT for 500 guests, with minimum numbers usually required.

Are there any additional mandatory costs or fees I should know about?

Weekend bookings incur additional charges including minimum venue hire of £8,000 ex VAT and an extra £500 per AV package. All prices quoted are exclusive of VAT (20%). Some spaces require minimum catering numbers (ranging from 100-330 guests depending on the package) which may result in charges even if fewer guests attend.