Arts

Business

Film and Photo

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

Room hire rates vary by space and duration. Examples include Ada Salter Suite 1-2 at £850 for 9am-5pm access, Waldo Williams 1 at £595 for 9am-5pm (up to 16 guests boardroom), and Marjorie Sykes room at £975 for 8:30am-5pm access. 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 capacity limits for different room setups?

Capacity varies significantly by room and setup style. Ada Salter Suite accommodates up to 22 cabaret style, Waldo Williams 1 holds up to 16 boardroom, and Marjorie Sykes room accommodates up to 28 boardroom. The Benjamin Lay Suite offers 70 cabaret or 154 theatre in the main room, plus an 80 theatre or 42 cabaret breakout space that can be split in two.

What catering packages are available and what do they cost?

Full day catering packages range from £39-£52 per person including VAT. The £47 package includes welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning tea/coffee/biscuits, deli buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, and still/sparkling water. The £52 package substitutes hot finger food buffet lunch for the deli option. Canapes are available at £26 per person excluding VAT with a selection of 4 items from the menu.

Are there restrictions on external catering or specific dietary requirements?

External catering is not allowed at Friends House. All food and drink must be provided through their in-house catering services. They offer a wide variety of food and drink options including non-alcoholic beverages, but do not serve alcohol on the premises.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue access is typically from 8:30am-5pm or 9am-5pm depending on the space. Meeting spaces are available from 9am-5pm as standard. The venue does not offer accommodation and focuses on daytime events and meetings.

How far in advance do I need to confirm catering orders?

Final food orders must be confirmed well in advance of your event date. For short-notice bookings, catering orders may need to be finalized 8+ days before the event date to ensure availability and proper preparation.

What AV equipment is included and are there additional technical requirements?

All rooms include a dedicated screen or projector, and many spaces feature PA systems with microphones. The Benjamin Lay Suite includes a projector, lectern, roving microphones, PA system, and hybrid meeting capabilities. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in all spaces, and flip charts are included as standard.

Are there minimum guest requirements or budget thresholds for bookings?

Some spaces have minimum requirements - for example, certain bookings mention minimum numbers of 110 people for full-day access. Budget requirements vary significantly, with some enquiries being declined for budgets of £100-£200, suggesting minimum spend thresholds exist depending on the space and guest count.

Is there a charity discount available and how much can I save?

Yes, charity rates are available for registered charities. The Benjamin Lay Suite charity rate is £3,750 for 8am-5pm access (VAT exempt), compared to the standard rate of £4,550. This represents a significant discount for qualifying charitable organizations.

How does the booking process work and how long are spaces held?

Spaces are not automatically held and remain available for others to book until confirmed. You'll need to complete a new customer form to hold a room in the diary. The venue requires confirmation to secure your booking, and spaces can be booked by others while you're considering your options.