Business

Events

Film and Photo

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

Room hire rates vary by space and duration, with examples including £595 for Waldo Williams 1 (9am-5pm, up to 16 guests boardroom), £850 for Ada Salter Suite 1-2 (9am-5pm, up to 22 cabaret), and £975 for Marjorie Sykes room (8:30am-5pm, up to 28 boardroom). 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 catering options and minimum spend requirements?

Full day catering packages range from £39 net per person (premium package with welcome tea/coffee, pastries, mid-morning refreshments, working lunch, afternoon tea/coffee and cake, still and sparkling water) to £52 including VAT per person (with hot finger food buffet lunch instead of working lunch). External catering is not permitted - all food and drink must be provided by the venue.

What are the capacity limits for different room layouts?

Capacity varies significantly by space and setup - examples include up to 16 boardroom (Waldo Williams 1), up to 22 cabaret (Ada Salter Suite), up to 28 boardroom (Marjorie Sykes), and up to 1,000 guests (Light Auditorium). The Benjamin Lay Suite accommodates 70 cabaret or 154 theatre in the main room, plus 80 theatre or 42 cabaret in the breakout space.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue access is typically 8:30am-5pm or 9am-5pm depending on the space. Some quotes show extended hours like 8am-7pm, and meeting spaces are generally available from 9am-5pm. Access times are built into the hire period and rooms are not available outside these hours without additional arrangements.

How far in advance do I need to confirm final catering numbers?

Final food orders must be confirmed well in advance of your event date. For short-notice bookings, final catering numbers may be required up to a week before the event, as noted in correspondence mentioning "final food order need to be with us by 8th January 2025" for a January 16th event.

What AV equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

All rooms include a dedicated screen or projector, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flip chart as standard. Some spaces like Benjamin Lay Suite include lectern, roving microphones, PA system, and hybrid options. The Light Auditorium has its own entrance and reception area, though specific AV details vary by space.

Are there any restrictions on event types or activities?

The venue does not provide dinner service and states they "do not provide diners." Some events are deemed unsuitable, with staff noting certain events "will not be suitable for our venue." External catering is prohibited, and all food and beverage must be provided by Friends House.

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

Rooms are not automatically held and remain available for others to book until confirmed. Staff explicitly state "This room is not on hold for you and is available for others to book so let me know if you would like to hold the room in the diary." New customers must complete a customer form as part of the booking process.

Is there a minimum budget or guest count requirement?

Budget requirements vary significantly by space and event type. Some enquiries are declined due to budget constraints, with staff noting they are "unable to offer a space within your budget, and number of guests." The Light Auditorium requires a minimum of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis.

What accommodation options are available?

Friends House does not offer accommodation. Staff clearly state "Unfortunately, we don't offer accommodation" when enquiries include overnight stays. Clients need to arrange their own accommodation separately if required for multi-day events.