Business

Conferences

Events

What are the room hire costs and minimum catering requirements for different event types?

Room hire varies by space and event type: Princess Alexandra Hall costs £1,500-£2,500 plus VAT, Hall of India & Pakistan costs £1,300-£3,200 plus VAT, and Garden exclusive hire requires £11,500 plus VAT minimum spend. All spaces require minimum catering spends ranging from £1,500-£6,000 plus VAT depending on the room and event size. The venue does not offer dry hire - catering is mandatory.

What are the capacity limits for different event formats in each space?

Princess Alexandra Hall accommodates 150 theatre style, 100 cabaret, or 80 seated dinner with dance floor. Hall of India & Pakistan holds 150 theatre style, 120 standing reception, or 80 seated dinner. The Garden accommodates 120 standing guests, while smaller spaces like Brabourne Room hold 40 guests for receptions.

What are the standard access times and how much does extended hire cost?

Standard access varies by event type: conferences typically run 8:00-17:00, evening events 18:00-23:00, and garden events 14:00-22:00 or 18:00-22:00. Access times are fixed and must be fully vacated by the specified end time. Extended hours may be available but specific costs are not provided in standard quotes.

What package options are available and what do they include?

Day Delegate packages start from £85-£193 plus VAT per person (minimum 80-100 guests) including room hire, arrival refreshments, breaks, lunch, and AV equipment. Evening dinner packages range from £137-£244 plus VAT per person including reception drinks, three-course meal, wine, and room hire. Wedding packages start at £244 plus VAT per person for 30+ guests.

What are the booking and payment requirements?

A signed contract and deposit of 100% of room hire and minimum catering spend (or 100% of package price based on minimum numbers) is required within one week of confirmation. Written confirmation must include contact details for contracts and invoicing plus billing address.

What additional charges apply beyond the base costs?

A discretionary 12.5% service charge is added to all food and beverage invoices (you can opt out by informing the team before final invoicing). Piano hire costs £200 plus VAT plus tuning. Entertainment, decorations, and external suppliers incur additional costs and require advance approval.

What AV equipment is included and what are the restrictions?

Most rooms include screen, projector, sound system, microphones, and lectern in the hire price. Princess Alexandra Hall has integrated AV with staging capabilities. The venue has advanced technology but specific technical specifications and any upgrade costs are detailed in individual proposals.

What are the catering options and dietary accommodation policies?

The venue offers in-house catering only with diverse menus including buffet lunches from £31.50-£44 plus VAT per person, canapes from £14-£28 plus VAT per person, and various dinner options. All guests must be served the same menu except for dietary requirements. Choice menus (maximum 3 options per course) incur an £11 plus VAT per person supplement.

What are the music and entertainment restrictions, particularly for garden events?

Garden events permit jazz, classical, or acoustic background music only - no amplified music. The venue is home to the Royal Over-Seas League members' club, so entertainment must be appropriate for the clubhouse environment and neighborhood. All suppliers and entertainers require advance approval from the events team.

Are external caterers or suppliers permitted?

No, the venue does not offer dry hire due to limited kitchen facilities available to external caterers. All catering must be provided in-house. External suppliers for entertainment, decorations, and other services require advance approval from the events team and must align with the clubhouse environment standards.