Business

Events

Film and Photo

What are the room hire rates and what's included in the base price?

Room hire rates vary by space and duration. Examples include: Ada Salter Suite 1-2 at £850 for 9am-5pm access, Waldo Williams 1 at £595 for 9am-5pm (up to 16 guests boardroom), Marjorie Sykes room at £975 for 8:30am-5pm access, and Benjamin Lay Suite at £3,750 charity rate for 8am-5pm. All venue hire is VAT exempt and includes complimentary water on arrival, dedicated screen or projector, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and complimentary flip chart.

What are the capacity limits for different room layouts?

Capacity varies significantly by room and layout. Ada Salter Suite accommodates up to 22 cabaret style, Waldo Williams 1 holds up to 16 boardroom, Marjorie Sykes room fits 28 boardroom, and Benjamin Lay Suite can accommodate 70 cabaret or 154 theatre in the main room with an additional breakout space for 80 theatre or 42 cabaret. The Light Auditorium can accommodate up to 1,000 guests with its own entrance and reception area.

What catering packages are available and what are the costs?

Full day catering packages include: £47 per person (inc VAT) with welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning tea/coffee/biscuits, deli buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, and still/sparkling water. Premium option at £52 per person includes hot finger food buffet lunch instead of deli. All Day Premium package at £39 net per person includes working lunch option. Canapes are available at £26 per person ex VAT with selection of 4 items from their menu.

Are there restrictions on external catering and what food options exist?

External catering is not allowed at Friends House. However, they offer a wide variety of food and drink options through their in-house catering service. They do not serve alcohol but have a wide range of non-alcoholic options available. All catering must be ordered through the venue with advance notice required.

What are the booking procedures and payment requirements?

Rooms are not automatically held and are available for others to book until confirmed. New customers must complete a new customer form to hold space in the diary. Final food orders need to be submitted with advance notice (example given was 8 days before event). The venue requires confirmation to secure bookings as spaces remain available to other clients until formally reserved.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue access is typically from 8:30am-5pm or 9am-5pm depending on the space. Some quotes show extended hours like 8am-7pm. The venue can accommodate events from 9am-5pm as standard, with specific timing requirements varying by room and event type. Access times are included in the room hire rates.

What AV equipment is included and what are the technical capabilities?

All rooms include dedicated screen or projector as standard in the room hire. Benjamin Lay Suite includes projector, lectern, roaming microphones, PA system with hybrid options available. The Light Auditorium has its own entrance and reception area. Basic AV is included but specific technical requirements should be discussed during booking.

Are there minimum spend requirements or guest minimums for certain spaces?

The Light Auditorium has a minimum requirement of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis. Budget constraints may limit availability - one example showed a customer with £100-200 budget being unable to be accommodated for their guest count. Specific minimums vary by space and should be confirmed during enquiry.

What types of events are not suitable for the venue?

The venue does not provide dinners or evening dining services. Some events are deemed unsuitable - examples include certain corporate requirements that don't align with venue capabilities. The venue focuses on daytime conferences, meetings, and events rather than evening entertainment or dining experiences.

Does the venue offer accommodation and what are the location benefits?

Friends House does not offer accommodation. However, the venue is located right opposite Euston Station, making it highly accessible for delegates. The central London location provides excellent transport links, and the venue can help with alternative accommodation arrangements if needed.