Business

Dining

Events

What are the venue hire costs and what's included in the price?

Standard venue hire is £10,000 per day, but reduced rates are available (typically £5,000-£6,000) depending on your event size and requirements. This includes uniformed SIA security staff, cloakroom attendants, all AV equipment (9x 55-inch TVs, bespoke lighting, PA system, wireless microphones), furniture, glassware, and technical support. Food and beverage packages are charged separately.

What are the capacity limits for different dining setups?

The venue accommodates up to 450 standing guests, 360 for dinner/dance events, or 200-300 for theatre-style seating. There's fixed casual seating for 168 guests in the 10 alcoves, with each alcove measuring 7m x 3.5m. The main space and alcoves can be configured for various dining layouts including cabaret style and formal seated dinners.

What are the food and beverage package prices?

Food packages include: 6 canapés £35pp, 10 canapés £45pp, 5 bowl/street food options £55pp, 3-course lunch/dinner £90pp, and DDR (tea/coffee/lunch) £77pp. Drinks packages are: 3-hour beer/wine/soft drinks £35pp, open bar £25pp per hour, and prosecco reception £25pp for 45 minutes. All prices are exclusive of VAT.

What are the licensing hours and event timing restrictions?

The venue has a midnight licence on Friday and Saturday (00:30), 23:00 on Sundays, and 23:30 Monday to Thursday. De-rig must be completed by 21:00 or the following morning due to landlord restrictions. Setup access is typically available from earlier in the day depending on your requirements.

Can we use external caterers and what kitchen facilities are available?

Yes, external caterers can be accommodated. The venue has a full-service in-house kitchen with a Michelin-trained chef available for all cuisines and budgets. External caterers can access kitchen facilities for food preparation, making it suitable for specialized requirements like whisky tastings or themed dinner parties.

What AV equipment and technical support is included?

The venue includes 9x 55-inch TVs (with 1 mobile on stand), bespoke venue lighting throughout, two wireless handheld microphones, in-house PA system, 32amp 3-phase power, 72x 13amp & USB points, and strong private internet connection. A technical operator is available on-site for an additional charge if required.

Is the venue suitable for smaller private dining groups?

While the venue can accommodate smaller groups, it's designed for larger events with a minimum daily hire fee. For groups under 40-50 people, the venue may be too large and cost-prohibitive. The venue works best for groups of 75+ people who can utilize the main space and multiple alcoves effectively.

What accessibility features and additional services are available?

The venue offers full disabled access via a platform lift, making it wheelchair accessible. Additional services include uniformed security staff, cloakroom service, up to 3 bars for larger events, and the venue can accommodate special requirements like charity events with potential discounted rates.

Can we bring our own alcohol and decorations?

The venue allows external alcohol provision for events like whisky tastings, where clients can set up their own bar with featured bottles. For decorations, the venue can provide Christmas trees and festive décor, or clients can bring their own. The bespoke lighting system can be customized, and the TVs can display branded content or atmospheric visuals.

What makes this venue unique for private dining events?

Dockside Vaults features underground cellar-like architecture with exposed brickwork, creating a striking atmosphere in the heart of St. Katharine Docks Marina. The venue offers 10 elegant alcoves branching off the main space, perfect for intimate dining areas or breakout spaces, with views of Tower Bridge and Tower of London nearby.