Business

What are the room hire rates for different spaces and how do minimum numbers work?

Room rates vary significantly by space: Dame Deirdre Hine room £990/day (36 capacity classroom), Marcus Beck Library £900/day (30 capacity U-shape), Heritage Centre £440/day (17 capacity boardroom), and Wheatley Room £1,800/day (72 cabaret/80 theatre/38 boardroom). All spaces have minimum chargeable numbers - typically 15 people for smaller rooms, 30 for larger spaces, with some rooms requiring minimum 10. Weekend bookings require a minimum spend of £3,000 plus VAT.

What are the standard operating hours and can events run outside these times?

The venue operates during standard business hours, with events typically running 08:00-17:00 for day bookings. Evening events can run until 22:00 maximum, with service ending at 22:00 to allow guests to depart. Events cannot start before venue opening hours or run past 22:00.

What catering options are available and what are the costs?

Standard catering is charged per person, per serving: tea/coffee with biscuits £4.30, tea/coffee only £3.95, tea/coffee with fruit £5.00, Danish pastries with fruit salad £6.00, working lunch £26.25, and full working lunch package (includes 3 tea/coffee breaks) £38.85. All catering prices are subject to VAT and external food/drink is not permitted in the venue.

What AV equipment is included and what additional items can be hired?

Most rooms include LCD screens as standard. Additional equipment available for hire includes: laptops £150, video conference kits £90-150 (some rooms include this free), flipcharts with pens £40, PA systems with handheld microphones £250, AV technician support £950 for full event, and hybrid packages starting from £1,000. Some rooms like Heritage Centre include video conference kit at no extra charge.

Are there any special restrictions for certain rooms?

Yes, the Heritage Centre has a mandatory temperature restriction of maximum 20°C to preserve antique books stored in the room - this temperature cannot be altered. The Heritage Centre also has ethernet ports available for equipment requiring wired connections. Other rooms may have specific layout restrictions, such as Marcus Beck Library having a fixed U-shape setup.

How long are quotes valid and what is the booking hold process?

All quotes are valid for 5 days only. The venue does not automatically hold space when providing quotes - you must specifically request a temporary hold if needed. Site visits can be arranged to check room suitability before booking, and it's recommended to do this especially for specific technical requirements.

What is the booking process for multi-day events and are there different rates?

Multi-day bookings are available, with daily rates applying for each day (including weekends for some bookings). For example, a 13-day conference booking showed daily rates of £990 per day. Long-term bookings like 4-week training courses may not be accommodated - the venue declined a request for 20 days of room hire from July.

What accommodation options are available for attendees?

The venue's associated hotel, Domus Medica, offers preferential and competitive rates to meeting attendees. You need to specifically enquire about these rates when booking your event, as they are not automatically included in standard quotes.