Business

Events

Weddings

What is the capacity for The Sugar Rooms and how are they configured?

The Sugar Rooms consist of two interconnecting spaces that can accommodate up to 100 guests for standing receptions. The Upper Sugar Room serves as the main meeting space with exposed timber beams, while the Lower Sugar Room works well as a reception area. Both rooms can be used separately as breakout spaces or together as a flowing networking space.

What are the pricing options for The Retreat summer events?

The Retreat summer events are priced at £99.00 per person excluding VAT, with capacity for 30 to 800 guests. This package includes diverse street food stalls, sustainable wine selection, cocktails from the London Essence bar, and exclusive Helles Lager brewed with Braybrooke Brewery. Limited dates remain for July and August.

What AV equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

The Sugar Rooms include a built-in DB audio PA system and built-in LED lighting with preset color options. A built-in screen and projector are available for hire as an additional cost. Based on other venue quotes, minimum AV spend requirements typically range from £1,000-£18,000 excluding VAT depending on event complexity.

What are the Christmas party packages and pricing?

Christmas party packages start from £145 per person excluding VAT with a minimum of 60 guests. The package includes exclusive room hire, Christmas theming, entertainers on arrival, 45-minute sparkling wine and cocktail reception, 5.5 hours unlimited house wine/beer/softs, 3-course dinner, after-dinner DJ, and complimentary cloakroom. Security/Fire Marshals are mandatory at £395 per guard excluding VAT.

Are there restrictions on booking dates, particularly for Christmas events?

Christmas dates operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no date holds due to high demand. The venue cannot hold Christmas dates and requires immediate booking confirmation. Alternative dates are offered when preferred dates are unavailable, such as offering September 3rd, 12th, or 19th when September 10th was unavailable.

What catering options are available and what do Day Delegate Rates include?

Day Delegate Rates range from £85-£155 per person excluding VAT depending on the package. DDR typically includes exclusive room hire, audio PA system, Food Stall lunch with water and cordials, coffee breaks, complimentary snacks, iced water throughout the day, full event management support, complimentary cloakroom, Wi-Fi, LED lighting, and digital room signage.

What security requirements and additional mandatory costs should I expect?

Security Guards/Fire Marshals are mandatory at £395-£474 per guard excluding VAT, with typically 1 guard required per 100 guests. For larger events, multiple guards are required (e.g., 3 guards for 250+ guests). A Brewery Technical Support Manager may be required at £900 excluding VAT for complex events with significant AV needs.

What is the booking process and how flexible are dates?

The venue offers dates on 1st option (confirmed) or 2nd option (provisional hold pending another event's decision). Date flexibility is often required, with the venue suggesting alternative dates when preferred dates are unavailable. Site visits can be arranged to help visualize events, and proposals are typically provided within a few days of enquiry.

What are the venue access times and setup requirements?

Daytime events typically have access from 7am until 5pm, while evening events run from 6pm. Christmas parties specifically mention access from 7am-5pm for daytime availability. Setup requirements vary by event complexity, with larger conferences requiring setup days and overnight holds at additional cost.

What budget ranges should I expect for different event types?

Reception packages start around £93 per person excluding VAT for canapés and drinks. Conference DDR ranges £85-£155 per person excluding VAT. Christmas dinner packages from £145 per person excluding VAT. Large conferences can reach £326,000+ excluding VAT for multi-day events with full venue hire, while smaller events may be declined if budgets are too low (e.g., £10,000 for 80-90 delegates was deemed insufficient).