Dining

What are the exact costs for booking a private dining room for an evening party?

Private dining rooms on level 38 have a room hire fee of £500 + VAT for both afternoon (12:00-16:00) and evening (18:30-23:00) slots. Evening events require a minimum spend of £2,500 + VAT on food and beverage, while afternoon events require £2,000 + VAT minimum spend. A discretionary 12.5% service charge is added to the bill by default but can be presented at the end of the function if requested.

What are the capacity limits and seating arrangements for private dining rooms?

Single private dining rooms accommodate up to 18 guests with an oval table setup, or a maximum of 2 round tables of 10 people each for larger groups. Double private dining rooms can host up to 60 guests standing for cocktail-style events. The rooms are situated on level 38 with panoramic views of London.

What are the exact timing restrictions for evening events?

Evening events run from 18:30-23:00 hours with organizer and vendor access from 18:00 hours. Guest arrival begins at 18:30 hours. Events cannot extend beyond 23:00 hours in the private dining rooms, unlike the top floors which have late license options until 03:00.

What food and beverage options count toward the minimum spend?

The minimum spend applies to all food and beverage items from Searcys' seasonal menus. Three-course menus start from £75 + VAT per person (whole party must have same starter, main, and dessert), while working lunch options are £40 + VAT per person. All catering orders including special dietary requirements must be pre-ordered 10 working days prior, with final numbers required 5 working days before the event.

What additional services are available and what do they cost?

A mobile bar with private bartender costs £500 + VAT (not included in minimum spend). Built-in speakers are included for background music. Additional AV requirements are provided by preferred supplier Prelude Entertainment, or you can bring your own AV for a £350 + VAT supplement. Room setup including banners, balloons, and flowers is permitted from the access time.

What is the booking and payment process?

Bookings operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A 100% deposit is required to confirm the booking, with the remaining balance due 3 months prior to the event. Payment can be made via credit card or bank transfer, with a surcharge applying to AMEX payments. Contracts require signatory details, billing address, and contact information.

Are there restrictions on what types of events can be held?

The venue is described as excellent for corporate and networking events. Some event types cannot be accommodated - specific requests are evaluated case-by-case. The venue maintains high standards and may decline events that don't align with their brand or operational requirements.

What are the guest entry and security requirements?

All guests must be pre-booked only - no walk-ins are permitted. Valid ID is required upon arrival for all guests. The venue operates strict security protocols given its location in the iconic Gherkin building, and guest lists must be provided in advance.

Can external caterers be used instead of Searcys catering?

External caterers can be arranged through dry hire at £18,000 + VAT with 4 hours of kitchen access. Venue hire runs from 2pm until 10pm for dry hire arrangements. Details of the external catering company must be provided for approval, and all external catering arrangements require advance coordination.

How far in advance should bookings be made and when do prices increase?

Site visits can be arranged with several days notice, and the venue recommends booking well in advance due to high demand. Pricing is subject to increases - for example, room hire and minimum spend rates increase from certain dates (such as from 12th November), so early booking secures current rates.