Business

Dining

Events

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

Venue hire rates vary by room and day type. For example, the Council Room costs £1,750 VAT exempt for evening hire (6pm-10pm), while the Beatrice Webb Room costs £3,100 VAT exempt for full day hire (9am-5pm). Base prices include room access, basic furniture, and complimentary Wi-Fi, but exclude catering, AV equipment, and additional services.

What are the capacity limits for different room configurations?

The Beatrice Webb Room holds up to 50 guests in cabaret style or 94 in theatre style. The Council Room seats up to 70 for dinner, while the Reading Room accommodates up to 70 for standing receptions. The Music Room alone is too small for dinner events with 40-50 people and requires booking an additional room.

What are the standard event timings and setup access?

Standard daytime events run 9am-5pm with organiser access from 8:15am. Evening events typically run 6pm-10pm with organiser access from 5:15pm. Access to spaces starts from 8am, and there's an additional charge of £500 VAT exempt per hour for events extending beyond 10pm.

What are the catering requirements and minimum spends?

A minimum evening catering spend of £1,000 + VAT applies. Basic refreshments start from £3.75 + VAT per person for tea and coffee, while full meals range from £25 + VAT per person for sandwich lunches to £66.50 + VAT per person for three-course dinners. Catering before 8am incurs an additional £300 + VAT per hour fee.

What AV equipment is available and what are the costs?

Basic AV packages include up to two microphones and standard equipment. Upgrades are available for up to four microphones with a technician, and stages can be added for £350 + VAT. The venue has approved AV suppliers, and any third-party suppliers outside their list must be agreed in writing.

What are the supplier restrictions and approval requirements?

The venue maintains a detailed list of approved suppliers for Audio Visual, Production, and Floristry services. Use of any third-party suppliers outside this approved list must be agreed in writing by the venue management before the event.

What deposit and payment terms apply for bookings?

Upon signing the hire agreement, a 50% deposit invoice is generated. Payment should only be made after receiving the official invoice with the invoice number for reference. PO numbers must be provided before the deposit invoice is generated to avoid booking confirmation delays.

Are there any booking restrictions or busy periods to be aware of?

December is an extremely busy period with all bookings operating on a first-to-confirm basis. Some venues may decline bookings if budgets are deemed too low, and certain dates may be fully booked requiring alternative date suggestions.

What room combinations are recommended for different event sizes?

For 50+ guests, the Beatrice Webb Room with Gallery and Music Room is recommended. For smaller groups, single rooms like the Council Room (70 seated), Reading Room (70 standing), or Lee Library may suffice. Multiple rooms can be combined for larger events requiring separate presentation and catering spaces.

What are the contact details and working hours for urgent enquiries?

For urgent enquiries, call 0207 969 5224 or 0207 969 5218. Staff work flexible hours and may not be available between 9am-5pm for immediate responses, so calling is recommended for time-sensitive matters rather than relying solely on email.