Events

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

Exclusive hire minimum spend starts from £45,000 excluding VAT and service charge. For specific events, minimum spends vary: one quote showed £25,000 excluding VAT and 15% service charge, while another showed £22,000 excluding VAT and 18% service charge. All minimum spends exclude the mandatory 15-18% service charge which is added on top.

What capacity limits apply for different event formats at the venue?

For exclusive hire of the main restaurant, the venue accommodates 300 guests standing or 116 seated. The semi-private 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 is mandatory on all food and beverage minimum spends and is not included in the quoted minimum spend amounts.

What are the different event space options and their pricing at SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden?

Three main options are available: exclusive hire of the entire restaurant (£45,000+ minimum spend), semi-private area for up to 80 guests (£15,000-£18,000 including VAT minimum spend), and the Speakeasy bar for up to 30 guests (£2,500 including VAT minimum spend). The Speakeasy minimum spend includes VAT while others exclude VAT.

How far in advance can events be booked and what are the confirmation requirements?

Semi-private areas are bookable two months in advance. For events happening within a week, confirmation is required by 4pm the day before. Dates are only held upon specific request and are not automatically reserved during the enquiry process.

What timing restrictions apply to different event types?

Exclusive hire events typically run from 18:00 to midnight for evening events. Semi-private dining runs from 6pm till close. The Speakeasy bar operates from 18:30 to 21:30 for private events. Group bookings have minimum spend requirements starting from £150 per person in December.

What setup flexibility is available for standing receptions versus seated events?

For standing receptions, tables can be removed to create a more open layout, though booth seating remains in place as part of the fixed layout. The venue can accommodate both standing cocktail receptions and seated dining formats, with capacity varying significantly between the two setups.

Are there specific budget thresholds that determine event viability?

The venue operates strict minimum spend requirements and will decline events that don't meet these thresholds. Budgets under £2,000 are typically declined for most spaces, with the Speakeasy being the exception at £2,500 including VAT. Group bookings require £150 per person minimum in peak periods like December.

What service charge rates apply and how do they vary?

Service charges are mandatory and vary by event type: 15% for most exclusive hire events, 18% for some exclusive hire bookings, and 15% for semi-private areas and the Speakeasy. The service charge is always calculated on the food and beverage minimum spend and is additional to the quoted minimum spend amounts.

What are the key differences between the main restaurant spaces and the Speakeasy bar?

The Speakeasy is described as a hidden, intimate bar ideal for networking events and private parties, accommodating only 30 guests standing. It has a lower minimum spend (£2,500 including VAT) and shorter event duration (3 hours typical). The main restaurant spaces accommodate much larger groups but require significantly higher minimum spends starting from £15,000.