Business

Dining

Events

What are the capacity limits for the Reading Rooms (Dining space)?

The Reading Rooms can accommodate 44 seated guests for private dining, 60 guests in theatre style seating, or 65 standing guests. The space consists of three rooms - Mandela, Dunant and Malala - which can be used collectively or individually depending on your event size.

What is the hire cost and minimum spend for evening dining events?

Hire of the Reading Rooms between 18:00-22:00 costs £2,500, though discounts of up to 20% may be available bringing this down to £2,000. In addition to hire, there is a minimum food and beverage commitment of £2,600, making the total minimum cost £4,600 for evening events.

What is included in the venue hire fee?

The hire fee includes pre-event planning with the in-house team, full staffing throughout your event, cloakroom facility, 2 projectors with screens, background music, 3 handheld microphones, and printed menus and place cards. AV equipment and basic setup are provided as standard.

What are the standard operating hours for dining events?

The Reading Rooms are available for hire between 18:00-22:00 for evening events. Additional hours outside of these times may be available at £500 per hour, subject to availability.

Is there a service charge applied to food and beverage orders?

Yes, The Conduit applies a 13.5% service charge to the minimum spend and all food and beverage orders. This is in addition to the room hire fee and minimum spend commitment.

What dining options and catering philosophy does The Conduit follow?

The Conduit's food and drink philosophy is based on seasonality and sustainability, sourcing ingredients from carefully chosen suppliers who share their ethos of combining quality with responsible practices. Their culinary team crafts menus full of fresh and vibrant flavours, with current menus provided upon booking.

How long can dates be held and what is the booking process?

Dates can be provisionally held for 5 working days. The venue requires confirmation within this timeframe, and they may contact you if another client shows interest in your held date during this period.

What makes the Reading Rooms unique for private dining events?

The Reading Rooms feature The Conduit Bookshop, which is curated in partnership with world-renowned Stanfords, providing an inspiring backdrop for private dining, intimate receptions and book readings. The sophisticated setting combines literary atmosphere with fine dining capabilities.

When are final guest numbers required?

Final guest numbers are required 10 working days ahead of the event. You can book for fewer guests initially and increase numbers later, as costs are based on the minimum spend rather than guest count.

Are there any additional security requirements for dining events?

For events with 100 guests or more, an additional security member is mandatory at £30 per hour. However, since the Reading Rooms maximum capacity is 65 standing guests, this additional security requirement would not apply to dining events in this space.