Business

Events

Film and Photo

What are the exact room hire costs for business meetings and conferences?

Room hire varies by space and duration. The Waldo Williams 1 (16 guests boardroom) costs £595.00 for 09:00-17:00, the Ada Salter Suite 1-2 (22 cabaret) costs £850.00 for 09:00-17:00, and the Marjorie Sykes room (28 boardroom) costs £975.00 for 08:30-17:00. All venue hire is VAT exempt and includes complimentary water, dedicated screen/projector, Wi-Fi, and flip chart.

What catering packages are available and what are the exact costs?

Full day catering packages include: £47.00 inc VAT per person (welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning tea/coffee/biscuits, deli buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, still/sparkling water) or £52.00 inc VAT per person (same as above but with hot finger food buffet lunch instead of deli). A premium package at £39.00 net per person includes welcome refreshments, working lunch, and afternoon refreshments.

What are the capacity limits for different room layouts?

Capacity varies significantly by room and setup. The Ada Salter Suite accommodates up to 22 cabaret style, Waldo Williams 1 holds up to 16 boardroom, and Marjorie Sykes room fits up to 28 boardroom. The Benjamin Lay Suite can accommodate 70 cabaret or 154 theatre with an additional breakout space for 80 theatre or 42 cabaret.

Are external caterers allowed and what are the restrictions?

External catering is not allowed at Friends House. All food and beverages must be provided through their in-house catering services. They offer a wide variety of food and drink options including non-alcoholic beverages, but do not serve alcohol.

What AV equipment is included in the room hire?

All rooms include a dedicated screen or projector, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and flip chart as standard. Some larger spaces like the Benjamin Lay Suite also include lectern, roving microphones, PA system, and hybrid meeting options. The Light Auditorium can accommodate up to 1,000 guests with its own entrance and reception area.

How far in advance must catering orders be confirmed?

Final food orders must be confirmed well in advance of your event date. For short-notice bookings, final catering orders may need to be submitted up to a week before the event date to ensure availability and proper preparation.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue access is typically from 08:00/08:30 to 17:00, though some quotes show access from 09:00-17:00. Meeting spaces are available from 9am-5pm. The venue does not provide accommodation and focuses on daytime business events rather than evening functions.

Is there a minimum spend or guest requirement for bookings?

Some spaces have minimum requirements. The Light Auditorium requires a minimum of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis. Budget requirements vary significantly - some enquiries under £200 room hire budget were declined as being outside their range.

What is the booking process and how long are spaces held?

Spaces are not automatically held and remain available for others to book until confirmed. To secure a room, you must request to hold it in the diary and complete a new customer form. The venue requires specific details about room setup preferences, timings, and catering requirements before providing quotes.

Are there any restrictions on event types or content?

The venue has restrictions on certain event types. They do not provide dinner services and some events are deemed unsuitable for the venue. As a Quaker-owned venue, they may have specific guidelines about appropriate event content, though exact restrictions are not detailed in available information.