Dining

What is the minimum spend requirement for dining events at 1 Hotel Mayfair?

Minimum spend requirements vary by space and date. Nightingale has a minimum spend starting from £4,000 including VAT excluding 15% service charge for up to 20 guests maximum. Meadow has minimum spends ranging from £2,000 to £18,000 including VAT plus 15% service charge depending on the event size and date. All minimum spends exclude the mandatory 15% service charge.

What are the capacity limits for different dining spaces?

Nightingale accommodates a maximum of 20 guests for private dining. Meadow can handle various capacities with minimum spends adjusted accordingly - from intimate groups requiring £2,000 minimum spend to larger events requiring up to £18,000 minimum spend. The Dovetale Restaurant & Terrace has minimum spends of £28,000 for larger events, and Dover Yard requires £20,000 minimum spend.

How far in advance do I need to book and what is the booking process?

The venue requires a signed contract and deposit payment via proforma invoice to secure your booking. You'll need to provide the event name, full legal business name and address, and contact details. The venue holds spaces temporarily during the booking process but requires prompt contract execution to confirm the reservation.

What additional costs apply beyond the minimum spend?

A mandatory 15% service charge applies to all events and is excluded from the minimum spend amounts. Room hire fees may apply separately - for example, Meadow has room hire costs of £4,000-£6,000 depending on dates, which can be reduced in some cases. All pricing includes VAT unless otherwise stated.

What food and beverage options are available for dining events?

The venue offers bowl food, canapés, and various dining packages detailed in their Spring/Summer Events Brochure. For beverages, they suggest selecting 1 white wine, 1 red wine, and a sparkling option for arrival. Additional beverages like beers, cocktails, and spirits can be arranged with advance notice and specific arrangements for service.

What are the typical event timings and setup arrangements?

Events typically run various hours depending on the space - some from 6pm-10pm or 6pm-11pm. Setup time is usually provided before guest arrival, and the venue arranges the space with high-top poseur tables as standard. For terrace events, they ensure the outdoor space is presentable with standing room, while indoor areas are left flexible for guest flow.

What information do I need to provide for event planning?

You must provide final guest count with dietary requirements, timeline including organizer arrival for setup and guest departure times, beverage selections, any AV requirements, and details of any collateral or materials you're bringing. The venue also needs to know if you require background music and how you want additional beverage requests handled beyond your selected options.

How does availability work and what if my preferred date is unavailable?

The venue frequently has limited availability, especially for popular dates. If your requested date is fully booked, they will ask if your dates are flexible and can check alternative availability. They recommend having flexible dates when inquiring, as many initial date requests result in no availability responses.

What are the payment terms and contract requirements?

A deposit is required via proforma invoice to secure the booking after contract signing. The venue prepares both a contract and proforma invoice once you provide the required business details. Payment of the deposit is necessary to hold the space, and the venue emphasizes that spaces are only held temporarily until contracts are executed.

Can I make changes to my event timing after booking?

Yes, timing amendments are possible after initial booking. The venue can prepare new contracts reflecting updated timings, though there may be discrepancies between initial proposals and final contracts that need clarification. Any changes should be communicated promptly to ensure accurate documentation and avoid confusion about event duration.