Dining

Events

What are the minimum spend requirements for exclusive hire at SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden?

Exclusive hire minimum spends start from £45,000 excluding VAT and service charge. For specific events, minimum spends vary: £25,000 excluding VAT for some evening events, with an additional 15-18% service charge applied. All minimum spends are for food and beverage only and do not include additional mandatory costs.

What are the capacity limits for different event formats?

For exclusive hire, the venue accommodates a maximum of 300 guests standing or 116 seated. The semi-private restaurant area can host up to 80 guests standing across multiple tables with drinks reception space near the sushi counter. The Speakeasy bar accommodates up to 30 guests standing only.

What additional mandatory costs apply beyond the minimum spend?

Security is mandatory at £300 including VAT for 2 additional security personnel. Furniture removal costs up to £2,000-£3,000 including VAT depending on requirements and final guest numbers. A 15-18% service charge applies to all food and beverage minimum spends but is excluded from the base minimum spend amount.

What are the standard event timings and access hours?

Evening exclusive hire events typically run from 18:00 to midnight. Access for setup is usually available from 17:00 onwards, with guest arrival from 18:30. Semi-private events run from 6pm till close, and the Speakeasy bar events typically run for 3-hour slots such as 18:30 to 21:30.

How far in advance can events be booked and what are the hold policies?

Semi-private areas are bookable two months in advance. Dates are only held upon specific request and require confirmation within tight timeframes - for events the following week, confirmation is required by 4pm the day after inquiry. No automatic holds are placed without explicit request.

What are the minimum spend requirements for smaller private spaces?

The Speakeasy bar has a minimum spend of £2,500 including VAT (excluding 15% service charge) for up to 30 guests. Semi-private restaurant areas start from £15,000-£18,000 including VAT (excluding 15% service charge) for up to 80 guests. Group bookings in December start from £150 per person minimum.

Are there restrictions on furniture arrangements and space modifications?

For standing receptions, tables can be removed to create a more open layout, but booth seating remains in place as part of the fixed layout. Furniture removal incurs additional costs of £2,000-£3,000 including VAT depending on requirements and is mandatory for exclusive hire events to comply with building safety requirements.

What happens if my budget doesn't meet the minimum requirements?

The venue strictly enforces minimum spend requirements and will decline bookings that don't meet them. For example, budgets under £45,000 for exclusive hire or under the specified minimums for smaller spaces will not be accommodated. Alternative venue recommendations may be provided, but no flexibility is offered on minimum spends.

What spaces are available for different group sizes and what are their specific features?

Exclusive hire offers the full restaurant for 300 standing/116 seated. Semi-private restaurant area accommodates 80 guests across multiple tables with drinks reception space near the sushi counter. The Speakeasy bar is a hidden, intimate space for 30 guests standing only. No smaller private rooms are available for groups under 30.

What are the service charge rates and how are they applied?

Service charges vary by space and event type: 15% for most bookings including Speakeasy bar and semi-private areas, but 18% for some exclusive hire events. Service charges are always excluded from the minimum spend amount and calculated as an additional cost on top of the food and beverage total.