Business

Events

What are the minimum booking costs and spending requirements for business events?

The venue has a minimum room hire of £2,000 + VAT for most spaces, even for half-day events (4 hours). For dinner events, there's a 70-person minimum requirement, and drinks receptions require minimum spends of £22 + VAT per guest based on minimum guest counts.

What are the specific room hire rates for different business spaces?

Council Chamber costs £1,000-£1,200 + VAT (reduced rates available), Dorchester Library costs £2,000-£2,700 + VAT (reduced rates available), and the Wolfson Theatre is included in Day Delegate Rate packages. Rates vary based on event type and guest numbers.

What does the Day Delegate Rate include and what does it cost?

DDR ranges from £84-£105.60 + VAT per person depending on event size and includes main room hire, private catering room hire, 3 refreshment breaks with hot/cold drinks and bites, lunch (hot fork buffet, bento boxes up to 100 people, or bowl food), dedicated event manager, complimentary cloakroom, and Wi-Fi. Minimum guarantees of 80-200 delegates apply.

What are the catering costs for drinks receptions and meals?

One-hour drinks reception (beer, wine, soft drinks, nibbles) costs £22 + VAT per guest. Three-course meals with half bottle of wine cost £70-£89.40 + VAT per person. BBQ and pizza packages are available for garden events at £69 + VAT minimum spend per guest.

What are the venue's operating hours and access restrictions?

Events typically run from 6pm for evening events. Complimentary access is available from 7am, with earlier access from 5am at £250 + VAT per half hour. The venue is closed for refurbishment during the entire month of August. Daytime events are not always available.

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

Theatre AV packages cost £2,000-£2,400 + VAT and include projection screen, 12,000 lumens projector, conference lectern, confidence monitors, laptops, PA system, 12 microphones, lighting rig, and technical support from 8am-5pm. Plasma screens for smaller rooms cost £150 + VAT.

What are the capacity limits for different room configurations?

Wolfson Theatre seats 300 in auditorium style, Seligman Theatre accommodates 150 delegates, Dorchester Library fits 180 theatre style, Council Chamber holds 100 theatre style, and smaller breakout rooms like Linacre and Sloane accommodate up to 50 people theatre style.

Are there restrictions on event content or activities?

The venue requires knowing the event topic to ensure it adheres to Royal College of Physicians values. Inflatables are not permitted in the garden areas. All events must align with the venue's professional medical institution standards.

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

Initial enquiries receive first option holds, but if another enquiry comes in, you have 48 hours to make a decision or your booking moves to a second option waitlist. The venue offers site visits to view facilities before confirming bookings.

Are there any discounts available for specific types of organizations?

Reduced rates are offered for certain events, with room hire reductions from standard prices (e.g., Council Chamber reduced from £1,700 to £1,000 + VAT). Charity rates are available for qualifying organizations, reducing DDR costs by approximately £4-8 per person.