RSA House

Room hire varies by space and timing - for example, the Great Room costs £3,000+VAT for 6pm-10pm or £7,140+VAT for 8:30am-5pm. All bookings require a minimum catering spend that must be met or exceeded with food and beverage items, ranging from £600+VAT for smaller rooms to higher amounts for larger spaces. Weekend events incur approximately £12,000+VAT to open the house as RSA House is normally closed weekends.

The Great Room accommodates up to 200 reception guests, 180 standing buffet, 130 dining with round tables, or 180 theatre style. The Benjamin Franklin room holds up to 150 reception guests, 130 standing buffet, or 90 dining with round tables. The Vaults can host up to 220 reception guests or 200 standing buffet, making it ideal for larger parties and celebrations.

RSA House will hold dates for up to two weeks while you decide on the venue. If they need a decision sooner, they provide 48 hours notice to either confirm with a signed contract or release the date. All confirmations require a signed contract to secure your booking.

The Great Room includes a built-in stage, customizable uplighters, and basic AV equipment. A full AV package costs £940-£1,182+VAT and includes data projector, screen, lectern with microphone, handheld microphone, surround sound, and AV technician support for up to 8 hours. Additional handheld or lapel microphones cost £68-£75+VAT each, and wireless uplighters are £22-£25+VAT each (maximum 16 available).

RSA House does not offer dry hire and does not permit any external catering. All food and beverage must be provided through their in-house catering services. This policy applies to all events regardless of size or type, and there are no exceptions mentioned for any event categories.

Most events run from 8:30am-5pm for daytime bookings or 6pm-11pm for evening events. Access times for setup are typically included in the hire period. The venue has its own entrance from the Strand for the Vaults, while main house events use the John Adam Street entrance with manned cloakroom service available.

RSA House requires detailed information about your organization, event purpose, speakers, and attendees before confirming bookings. They ask about controversial speakers, political figures, press coverage, and require that events align with RSA's vision, mission, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments. Events may be declined if they don't meet these criteria.

RSA House offers exclusive weekend hire for weddings with maximum capacities of 150 for civil ceremonies, 130 for seated meals, and 220 for evening receptions. They provide comprehensive wedding packages and have won awards including 'Best Historic Wedding Venue' at the Wedding Industry Regional Awards 2023. Wedding ceremonies require their licensed spaces and specific coordination with their weddings manager.

Christmas packages start from £143+VAT per person and include exclusive hire of spaces from 6:30pm-11pm, sparkling wine reception, three-course Christmas menu, half bottle of house wine with meal, poseur tables with linen and tea lights, and dedicated event coordination. Unlimited drinks packages cost an additional £173+VAT per person, and venue extensions until 2am cost £4,500+VAT.

The venue can accommodate bands up to six pieces in the Vaults spaces and provides space for DJ equipment. Music must end by 11:45pm unless extended for additional fees of £195+VAT per hour. The spaces include dance floors and can be configured for entertainment, but all arrangements must be coordinated through the venue's event team.