Dining

Events

What are the venue hire costs and what's included in the base price?

Venue hire ranges from £2,000-£3,150 excluding VAT depending on timing and duration. Standard hire (5:30pm-11pm) costs £2,400 excluding VAT, while extended hours (11:30am-11pm) cost £3,150 excluding VAT. The hire includes exclusive use of the Great Hall, Front Rooms, and Courtyard, plus basic furniture and lighting.

What are the mandatory staff meal costs that must be added to every booking?

Hall staff meals are mandatory for every event - up to 5 staff members require feeding on the day. Junior outmess costs £35 excluding VAT per person, while senior outmess costs £48-£50 excluding VAT per person. This covers the hall manager, cloakroom staff, and other venue personnel working your event.

What are the capacity limits for different event formats?

The Great Hall accommodates up to 150 guests for conferences in theatre style seating. For seated dinners, capacity varies but quotes show events for 60-120 guests comfortably. The Front Rooms work well for smaller receptions and breakout sessions, with the spaces being interconnected for flexible use.

Can I bring my own caterer or must I use the venue's exclusive provider?

You must use Searcys as the exclusive caterer - external caterers are not permitted at Saddlers Hall. All food and beverage must be provided through their catering team, with packages ranging from £79-£150 per person excluding VAT depending on the menu and service style chosen.

What are the typical catering package costs per person?

Three-course seated meals range from £79-£125 per person excluding VAT. Drinks packages cost £36-£48 per person excluding VAT (typically including prosecco reception, half bottle wine per person, soft drinks and water). Canapé packages range from £20-£30 per person excluding VAT, with bowl food additions at £32-£35 per person excluding VAT.

What AV equipment is available and what are the additional costs?

The venue has a recommended external AV supplier as equipment is not kept on-site, so all AV must be outsourced. Basic speaker and microphone hire costs around £50 excluding VAT. Larger setups with projectors, screens, and multiple microphones require quotes from their preferred supplier, though clients can use their own AV provider if preferred.

How long can I hold a provisional booking and what confirms the reservation?

Provisional holds can be placed for 1 week maximum, and quotes are valid for 2 weeks. A booking is only confirmed upon receiving a signed agreement and completed hall application form. Payment terms and deposit requirements follow their standard terms and conditions.

What entertainment options are available and what do they cost?

DJ services with full equipment cost £1,100-£2,000 excluding VAT, with an additional £20 excluding VAT performing rights fee. The venue can accommodate live bands or classical musicians in the Front Rooms area. The Great Hall features a musicians' bespoke gallery, making it suitable for various entertainment formats.

Are there any seasonal pricing differences or special packages?

Christmas packages are available from December, featuring festive menus at £120-£125 per person excluding VAT including Christmas crackers, festive cocktails, and themed decorations. These packages typically include sparkling wine receptions, half bottle wine per person, and Christmas-specific entertainment options.

What spaces are included with venue hire and how can they be used?

Venue hire includes exclusive use of the Great Hall (with stained-glass windows and five chandeliers), Front Rooms (for receptions and breakouts), and the Courtyard (perfect for summer events and outdoor receptions). The Front Rooms work well for pre-dinner drinks, post-dinner dancing, or as breakout spaces during conferences.