Business

Dining

Events

What are the pricing options for Christmas parties and what's included in the packages?

Christmas party packages start at £145 per person (excluding VAT) with a minimum of 60 guests. The package includes exclusive room hire, Christmas theming, entertainers on arrival, standing menu, 45-minute sparkling wine and cocktail reception, 5.5 hours unlimited house wine/beer/soft drinks, striking table centerpieces, after-dinner DJ, full event management support, and complimentary cloakroom. Security/fire marshals are mandatory at £395 per guard (excluding VAT).

What is The Retreat summer party offering and when is it available?

The Retreat is a courtyard transformation available for summer events with capacity for 30-800 guests at £99 per person (excluding VAT). It features diverse street food stalls, sustainable wine selection, refreshing cocktails from the London Essence bar, and exclusive Helles Lager brewed with Braybrooke Brewery. Limited dates remain for July and August only.

How far in advance do I need to book for Christmas events and what's the booking policy?

Christmas dates cannot be held due to high demand - it's strictly first come, first served. The venue operates on a booking system where some dates are offered on "2nd option" meaning another event is currently holding first priority, with updates provided soon. Book as early as possible to secure your preferred date.

What are the capacity limits and room options for different event sizes?

The Sugar Rooms accommodate smaller events with two interconnecting spaces - the Upper Sugar Room for main presentations and Lower Sugar Room for separate catering areas, featuring natural light. For larger events, spaces like King George III, Queen Charlotte, and Smeaton Vaults are available, with some events requiring overnight holds for multi-day conferences.

What are the mandatory additional costs beyond the base package prices?

Security/fire marshals are mandatory at £395 per guard (excluding VAT), with typically 1 guard required per 100 guests. AV services have minimum spend requirements starting from £1,000 (excluding VAT) for basic setups, scaling up to £15,000-35,000 for larger conferences. Some events require technical support managers at £900 per manager (excluding VAT).

What catering options are available and how does the Day Delegate Rate work?

Day Delegate Rates range from £85-155 per person (excluding VAT) depending on the package and include room hire, audio PA system, food stall lunch with water/cordials, coffee breaks, complimentary snacks, full event management, cloakroom, Wi-Fi, and LED lighting. Breakfast, lunch, and refreshment breaks are included, with options for buffet or plated meals.

What are the typical event timings and access requirements?

Daytime events typically run 7am-5pm, while evening events run 6pm-1am. Setup access is available from 6-7am for conferences requiring early load-in. Christmas lunch availability is 7am-5pm as evening slots (from 6pm) are reserved for Christmas parties. Some events require overnight venue holds between setup and event days.

What AV and technical capabilities are included and what costs extra?

Basic audio PA systems and LED lighting are included in most packages. Additional AV requirements like projectors, screens, lecterns with microphones, and technical support have minimum spend commitments ranging from £1,000-35,000 (excluding VAT) depending on event complexity. Technical support managers and installation crews are available at additional cost.

What are the venue's policies on date flexibility and alternative options?

The venue frequently offers alternative dates when preferred dates aren't available, typically suggesting dates within the same week or month. Some dates are offered on "2nd option" basis while awaiting confirmation from other events. The venue actively works to find alternative solutions and will suggest other venues if they cannot accommodate requirements.

What entertainment and theming options are available for corporate events?

Christmas events feature venue-wide themes (2025 theme is "The Midnight Carnival"), with customized lighting, entertainment, and furnishings. Standard entertainment includes after-dinner DJs, entertainers on arrival, and striking table displays. The venue can accommodate bands, dance floors, and has built-in LED light systems for room color washes and integrated PA systems.