Business

Dining

Events

What is the capacity for the Lecture Hall and Council Chamber dining space?

The Lecture Hall can accommodate up to 80 guests in cabaret style with tables of 10, or up to 100 guests in cabaret layout. For banquet dining, the space accommodates up to 90 guests at round tables. The adjoining Council Chamber provides additional space for drinks receptions and can accommodate up to 80 guests in theatre layout or 32 cabaret-style.

What are the pricing options for private dining events?

Private dining packages start at £144 plus VAT per person for festive dining (minimum 75 guests) or £162 plus VAT per person for standard private dinner packages (minimum 60 guests). Room hire alone ranges from £1,500-£2,500 plus VAT with separate catering minimum spends of £2,000-£3,000 plus VAT. All prices exclude 12.5% discretionary service charge.

What is included in the private dining packages?

Private dining packages include exclusive room hire of both Lecture Hall and Council Chamber from 6pm-11pm, arrival drinks (Prosecco or Champagne), three-course dinner, half bottle of house wine per person, cloakroom service with attendant, staffing and security, AV equipment including stage with microphones, and house decorations for festive events. Water and after-dinner tea/coffee are also included.

Are there minimum guest requirements for dining events?

Yes, minimum guest requirements vary by package type. Private dining packages require a minimum of 60-75 guests depending on the specific package. Day delegate rates require a minimum of 20 guests for Council Chamber events or 80 guests for Lecture Hall events. Room hire with separate catering has minimum spend requirements rather than guest minimums.

What are the venue's operating hours and availability?

The venue is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Events typically run from 6pm-11pm for evening dining, though some packages extend to 11:30pm. Day events can run from 8am-5pm. Access times can be arranged from 6pm for evening events, with setup time available if needed.

What drinks packages are available and how much do they cost?

Unlimited drinks packages are available at £20 plus VAT per person for 1 hour, £30 plus VAT for 2 hours, and £37 plus VAT for 3 hours, including house wine, beer, and soft drinks. Reception packages include 3-4 hours unlimited drinks. A responsible drinking policy applies and minimum food orders are required with unlimited drinks packages.

What AV equipment and facilities are included with the dining space?

The space includes an in-built stage with lectern and lectern microphone, 2 hand-held or lapel microphones, in-built dropdown screen and projector, speakers, and AV assistance upon arrival and on calls. The venue can accommodate video recording and cameras for events, with full AV support available.

How far in advance do I need to book and what are the payment terms?

The venue typically holds spaces on option for 5 working days to several weeks depending on demand. For busy periods like June and December, earlier booking is recommended. Once confirmed, a contract and deposit invoice are sent to secure the event. Preorders are required for all catering menus.

Can the space accommodate different event formats within the same booking?

Yes, the combined Lecture Hall and Council Chamber setup is ideal for multi-format events. The Council Chamber works perfectly for arrival drinks receptions, while the Lecture Hall can be set for dining. The space can transform from cocktail reception to seated dinner to dancing, with the Council Chamber also serving as a dance floor area after dinner.

What catering upgrade options are available?

Hot fork buffet upgrades are available for £10-£20 plus VAT per person depending on the base package. Menus start from £45 plus VAT per person for private dining. Canapé options include 3-12 canapés per person depending on the package, with bowl food options also available. All catering requires preorders and counts toward minimum spend requirements.