Business

Events

What are the main hire costs and minimum spends for booking Gorilla's Events spaces?

Minimum drinks spend for the Music Hall or Impossible Theatre is £5,000. Private hire of the Main Bar & Gin Parlour requires a £4,000 minimum spend on drinks plus a £2,500 minimum spend on food, supplied by the onsite kitchen. Exclusive hire of Gin Parlour and Main Bar is £850 + VAT (total £1,020) plus the £4,000 drinks minimum. The Studio space has a hire fee of £350 plus a minimum spend of £20 per person per hour (e.g., 5 hours x 40 people = £4,000). All spends are required in addition to any hire fees where stated.

What additional mandatory costs should I budget for?

A deposit equal to 25% of the minimum spend is required to confirm a booking (e.g., £1,250 on a £5,000 spend, or £1,625 on a £6,500 combined food/drink minimum). This is refundable after the event if you meet the minimum spend. AV technicians are not included and typically start from £22 + VAT per hour; for some events, DJ/AV technicians are quoted at £50 per hour. Food cannot be brought in externally for the Main Bar & Gin Parlour; in-house catering is mandatory there.

What are the capacities and room options at Gorilla for events?

Music Hall and Impossible Theatre each have a capacity of up to 550. The Main Bar & Gin Parlour combined can host up to 200 people. The Studio is suited for smaller events of 35–50 guests. For sit-down dinners, the venue accommodates up to 250 people. Confirm your specific numbers with the venue to ensure compliance with maximum capacity.

What are the standard timings and scheduling restrictions for events?

Events can typically run from as early as 9:00am to as late as midnight or 1:00am, depending on the space and event type. Some club events cannot start before 10:00pm. Access for setup may be available from 1:00pm on event days upon arrangement. For private parties or sit-down dinners, typical event times are 6:00pm onwards until 11:00pm or midnight. Check your preferred slot as earlier or later hours may be subject to availability.

What is included in the hire and what facilities are available?

Hire includes access to all venue facilities and AV equipment (PA and DJ booth) if needed. AV/tech support is not included by default and incurs extra charges. Exclusive hire packages may include private bars, toilets, dance floor space, photo booth, and basic furniture. Details on table/seating arrangements should be confirmed per event.

What is the booking process and payment timeline?

To confirm your booking, you must sign a booking agreement and pay a deposit (25% of the minimum spend), refundable if minimums are met. The remaining balance and any additional costs are settled as agreed in your booking contract—exact payment timing can vary so confirm with the venue manager. If you prepay the full minimum spend, the deposit may be waived. Availability is subject to other tentative bookings, especially if your date requires a 'challenge' (i.e., priority is given to parties ready to commit financially).

What are the main restrictions or prohibited items at Gorilla?

External catering or food is prohibited for events in the Main Bar & Gin Parlour; only food supplied by Gorilla's onsite kitchen is allowed. For some spaces, guest-provided entertainment or AV must be approved in advance. Bringing your own alcohol is not permitted in any space. Some dates and spaces may be unavailable due to prior bookings—always check for blackout periods.

Are there mandatory requirements for staffing or security?

While general staffing (bar/venue staff) is included, specialist services such as AV technicians or DJs are charged separately (from £22–£50 per hour). No explicit security charges are listed; confirm with the venue if your event type requires additional security personnel as terms were not stated in available information.

Can under-18s attend events? Are there any ID check policies?

Under-18s can attend some private events, but alcohol can only be served to guests who present valid ID at the bar. The venue does not guarantee exemption from standard ID checks; all requests regarding non-entry ID checks must be discussed and confirmed directly with management.

Can I use my own vendors or do I have to use in-house suppliers?

For food and beverage, you must use Gorilla's in-house kitchen and bar for all events in the Main Bar & Gin Parlour (minimum spends apply). For audio/visual and DJ services, external suppliers may be considered but must be approved in advance and may require hiring in-house staff for technical support at the specified hourly rate.

Is there a viewing process before booking, and how do I arrange it?

Viewings can be arranged Monday to Friday between 10:00am–6:00pm or by special request at other times. Contact the venue directly via email or phone to book a viewing slot that doesn't clash with existing bookings. You can request tours of specific spaces such as the Studio, Main Bar & Gin Parlour, or Music Hall.