The Tavern Room at RSA House (The Royal Society of Arts)
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Up to 60standing
Up to 53seated
Charing Cross nearest station
Corporate Eventbest for
About this space
Built-in screen and sound bar
Licensed for amplified music
Natural light from ground floor windows
Dark walls with white Adam ceiling
Wood flooring throughout
Howard Hodgkin artwork on display
Originally a Tavern, frequented by the RSA founders and featured in Charles Dickens' Pickwick Papers, this recently refurbished room is ideal for standing receptions and is licensed for amplified music.
Features
Wifi
Artwork: 4 Screenprints of an Indian view by Howard Hodgkin on loan from the Arts Council
Built in Screen
Dark walls
natural light
White Adam Ceiling
wood flooring
Food & Drink
Professional Kitchen
Recommended Caterering List Available
Recommended Caterers Only
Space
Disabled Access
Licenses
Licensed Until 11pm
Extensions Available
TENs Available
Wedding License
Capacities
32 Boardroom
40 Buffet
40 Cabaret
48 Dining
60 Reception
60 Standing
53 Theatre
32 U-Shaped
50 Wedding
Guide prices
Indicative pricing based on standard rates. Request an instant quote for your exact brief.
Business
See Business profile →
Venue Hire Per Day
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£1,320 / Venue FeeVenue Hire Per Day
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£1,320 / Venue FeeMinimum spend
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£764 / Minimum spendMinimum spend
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£1,111 / Minimum spendDining
See Dining profile →
Venue Hire Per Day
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£1,320 / Venue FeeVenue Hire Per Day
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£1,320 / Venue FeeMinimum spend
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£764 / Minimum spendMinimum spend
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£1,111 / Minimum spendEvents
See Events profile →
Venue Hire Per Day
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£1,320 / Venue FeeVenue Hire Per Day
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£1,320 / Venue FeeMinimum spend
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£764 / Minimum spendMinimum spend
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00Mons to Fris, 09:00 - 17:00
£1,111 / Minimum spendGreat for a...
Licensed for amplified music Corporate Party
- • Built-in screen eliminates external AV costs
- • Music licence ensures seamless DJ setup
- • Ground floor location provides easy guest access
Historic Tavern atmosphere Drinks Reception
- • Charles Dickens literary connection creates conversation starter
- • Dark walls with white ceiling provide sophisticated backdrop
- • Natural light ensures comfortable daytime networking
Wood flooring for dancing Private Party
- • Howard Hodgkin artwork adds cultural prestige
- • Wood flooring accommodates dancing and movement
- • Intimate 60-person capacity creates exclusive atmosphere
Location
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RSA House (The Royal Society of Arts) 8 John Adam StWest EndWest End WC2N 6EZLondon
Charing Cross
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Frequently asked questions
What are the capacity limits and room hire costs for drinks receptions and parties?
The Great Room accommodates up to 200 for receptions and 180 for standing buffets, with hire costs starting from £3,000 + VAT for evening events (6pm-10pm). The Vaults can host up to 220 for receptions and 200 for standing buffets, with hire from £3,025 + VAT for afternoon events (1pm-5pm). Weekend events require opening the house at approximately £12,000 + VAT.
What are the mandatory catering requirements and minimum spends?
RSA House does not offer dry hire and external catering is not permitted. All events must use venue catering with minimum spends ranging from £600 + VAT (smaller rooms like Queen Elizabeth II) to £1,100 + VAT (Prince Philip room). Canapés start from £10 + VAT per person for market choice nibbles, with 8 market choice canapés at £36 + VAT per person.
How long can I hold a provisional booking and what are the confirmation requirements?
Standard provisional holds are up to two weeks while you decide on the venue. If they need a decision sooner, you'll receive 48 hours notice to either confirm with a signed contract or release the date. Weekend bookings may have shorter hold periods of up to five working days.
What drinks packages are available and what do they cost?
Two-hour unlimited drinks packages cost £30.50 + VAT per person (house wine, bottled beers, soft drinks). Sparkling wine receptions start from £18 + VAT per person. House spirits can be added for £10 + VAT per person per hour. Individual cocktails are available from £12 + VAT each.
What audio-visual equipment and entertainment options are included?
The Great Room includes built-in stage, customizable uplighters, and AV equipment. Full AV packages cost £940-£1,182 + VAT including projector, screen, lectern with microphone, handheld mic, and 8-hour technician support. Additional handheld/lapel microphones cost £68-£75 + VAT each. The venue can accommodate bands up to six pieces in the Vaults.
Are there restrictions on event content, attendees, or promotional activities?
Events must align with RSA's vision, mission, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments. You must provide details about the organization's purpose, event themes, any controversial speakers or dignitaries attending, press/social media plans, and whether additional security is required. The venue reserves the right to decline events that don't align with their values.
What are the standard event timings and access arrangements?
Most events run from 8:30am-5pm for daytime bookings. Evening events typically start at 6pm or 6:30pm. The Vaults have their own entrance from the Strand with manned cloakroom and reception desk. Christmas party packages run from 6:30pm-11pm or midnight, with extensions available until 2am for £4,500 + VAT.
What additional services and optional extras are available?
Wireless uplighters cost £22-£25 + VAT each (maximum 16, subject to availability). Flipcharts with pens are £15 + VAT each. TV screens cost £200 + VAT each. Christmas party packages include DJ service, dance floor, poseur tables with linen, and uplighter packages to wash exposed brick walls with colored lighting.
What are the venue's Christmas party packages and pricing?
Christmas packages start from £143 + VAT per person (minimum 70 guests) including exclusive hire, sparkling wine reception, three-course meal, half bottle wine, unlimited drinks for specified hours, DJ, dance floor, and service. Premium packages reach £239 + VAT per person with extended drinks and additional services.
Which spaces work best together for different types of events?
The Great Room and Benjamin Franklin work hand-in-hand, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the catering space beneath the Great Room. The Vaults offer four interconnecting spaces with exposed 18th-century brickwork, perfect for receptions with their own Strand entrance. Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II rooms adjoin each other on the first floor for smaller events.
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Other spaces at RSA House (The Royal Society of Arts)
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