Business

What are the exact room hire costs for different spaces and time periods?

Room hire varies significantly by space and duration. The Waldo Williams 1 (16 guests boardroom) costs £595.00 for 09:00-17:00, while the Ada Salter Suite 1-2 (22 cabaret) costs £850.00 for 09:00-17:00. The Marjorie Sykes room (28 boardroom) is £975.00 for 08:30-17:00. All venue hire is VAT exempt and includes complimentary water, dedicated screen/projector, Wi-Fi, and flip chart.

What catering packages are available and what are the exact costs?

Full day catering packages include: Premium package at £39.00 net per person (welcome tea/coffee/pastries, mid-morning tea/coffee/biscuits, working lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, still and sparkling water). Alternative packages at £47.00 inc VAT per person (with deli buffet lunch) or £52.00 inc VAT per person (with hot finger food buffet lunch). All catering prices include the specified items with no hidden extras.

What are the capacity limits for different room layouts in business spaces?

Capacity varies by room and setup: Waldo Williams 1 accommodates up to 16 boardroom style, Ada Salter Suite 1-2 holds up to 22 cabaret style, and Marjorie Sykes room fits up to 28 boardroom (47.5 square metres). The Benjamin Lay Suite can accommodate 70 cabaret or 154 theatre style with additional breakout space for 80 theatre or 42 cabaret.

Are there minimum guest numbers or spending requirements for bookings?

The Light Auditorium requires a minimum of 110 people and is only available on a full day basis. For smaller meeting rooms, there don't appear to be minimum guest requirements, but budget constraints may apply - one enquiry for £100-£200 room hire was declined as being outside their budget range.

What AV equipment is included and what are the limitations?

All rooms include a dedicated screen or projector, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flip chart as standard in the room hire cost. Larger spaces like Benjamin Lay Suite include projector, lectern, roving microphones, PA system, and hybrid options. No additional AV costs are mentioned for standard equipment, but specific technical requirements may incur extra charges.

Can external catering be brought in or is it restricted to in-house only?

External catering is not allowed - the venue states "We do not allow external catering, however we have a wide variety of food and drink options available." All food and beverages must be provided by Friends House's catering team, though they offer extensive menu options to choose from.

How far in advance must final catering orders be confirmed?

Final food orders must be confirmed well in advance of the event date. For short notice bookings, significantly more lead time is required - one example showed final food orders needed by 8th January for a 16th January event, giving 8 days notice as the minimum for short-notice bookings.

What are the standard operating hours and access times?

Standard venue access appears to be from 08:00/08:30 to 17:00 for most meeting rooms, with some flexibility to 09:00-17:00 depending on the space. The venue can accommodate events from 9am-5pm as standard operating hours. Extended hours may be possible but would likely incur additional costs.

Is accommodation available on-site for multi-day events?

Friends House does not offer accommodation. When asked about accommodation for conferences, the venue clearly states "Unfortunately, we don't offer accommodation" and can only provide meeting space from 9am-5pm. Guests requiring overnight stays must arrange external accommodation.

Are there any restrictions on event types or activities that cannot be accommodated?

The venue does not provide dinner services and has declined certain event types as "not suitable for our venue." They can accommodate conferences but not dinners, and some events requiring specific setups or activities may be rejected. The venue appears to focus on daytime business meetings, conferences, and professional events rather than evening entertainment.