Business

Dining

Events

What are the room hire fees and minimum spend requirements for different spaces?

The Library Rooms (up to 18 guests) cost £130 per hour with a 3-hour minimum and £1,000 minimum spend on food and drinks. The Lower Ground Round Room (up to 14 guests) costs £90 per hour with a 3-hour minimum and £1,000 minimum spend. The Lounge (4th floor) has varying minimum spends from £3,000-£7,000 and room hire fees from £2,000-£5,000 depending on event timing and requirements. The Bar has a £4,000-£5,000 minimum spend and £2,000-£3,000 room hire fee.

What is included in the room hire fee for larger events?

Room hire fees for The Lounge and The Bar include AV equipment (projector, screen, sound system, 2 handheld mics, lectern, flipchart), manned cloakroom, furniture removal and setup, security, and exclusive access to the space. The Bar also includes access to a private terrace.

What additional charges apply beyond the quoted prices?

All room hire fees and minimum spends are inclusive of VAT. However, a mandatory 13.5% service charge applies to all food and beverage bills, as you receive a dedicated team throughout your event. An optional late license until 02:00 costs an additional £500.

What are the capacity limits for different event formats?

The Library Rooms accommodate up to 18 guests, the Lower Ground Round Room up to 14 guests for private dining. The Lounge can handle up to 60 guests in cabaret style for conferences, while The Bar can accommodate larger standing receptions. The venue is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

How far in advance must food and beverage selections be confirmed?

All food and beverage choices must be pre-ordered exactly one week prior to your booking date. This applies to all events regardless of size or venue space used.

What are the standard event timing options and access hours?

Standard evening events typically run from 18:00-23:00 with exclusive access included in the room hire fee. Daytime events can start as early as 08:00-17:00, with some flexibility on timing. Earlier start times (like 15:00 events) may incur higher room hire fees due to member space closure requirements.

How does the booking process work and what are the payment terms?

After initial enquiry, the venue can hold dates for up to one week while you decide. Once confirmed, they send a contract and invoice for signature and payment. Site visits can be arranged during weekday afternoons, and you should ask for Amanda Shelton at reception upon arrival.

Are there any day-of-week restrictions or seasonal limitations?

The venue is completely closed on Saturdays and Sundays with no availability for private events. Thursday availability appears limited, particularly in November and December. Some dates may have restricted availability due to member activities.

What room hire fee reductions are available for flexible timing?

Room hire fees can be reduced for events with flexible start times. For example, The Lounge room hire can drop from £5,000 to £3,500 if you can start at 17:00 instead of 15:00, allowing the venue to remain open to members longer.

What catering options and pricing are available?

The venue offers canapés (cold and hot at £4.50 each, dessert at £3.50 each with 20-piece minimums per type), bowl food, and three-course dining menus. Private dining packages are available at £70-£85 per person with a 10-guest minimum. All catering counts toward your minimum spend requirement.