Dining

Events

What are the maximum capacity limits for different event formats?

Maximum seated capacity for ceremony and dinner is 90 guests in the Beatrice Webb Room. For standing receptions, the Reading Room holds up to 70 guests, while larger events can accommodate up to 150 guests split between multiple rooms. The Music Room alone is not suitable for dinner and drinks for 50+ guests and requires booking additional rooms.

What catering options and minimum spends apply?

All events have a minimum evening catering spend of £1,050 + VAT. Three-course dinners cost £68.50 + VAT per person, with wine packages at £18-£27 + VAT per person. Canapés range from £23.50-£30 + VAT per person (4-8 pieces), and bowl food costs £34-£39.50 + VAT per person. Late catering service after 11pm incurs a £425 + VAT per hour fee.

What are the venue hire rates and what's included in the base price?

Venue hire rates start from £1,800 exempt for weekday hire or £4,125 VAT exempt for weekend hire. For Christmas events, the Festive Dinner & DJ package is £149 + VAT per person with a minimum of 55 guests, including venue hire for two rooms from 6:30pm-midnight.

What are the timing restrictions and access arrangements?

Standard venue hire runs from 2pm until midnight with supplier access from 12pm. For morning events, access begins at 8:15am with room hire from 9am. Additional hours after 10pm cost £525 VAT exempt per hour. Catering service before 8am incurs a £425 + VAT per hour charge.

What Christmas party packages are available and what do they include?

The Festive Dinner & DJ package costs £149 + VAT per person (minimum 55 guests) and includes: 1 glass of sparkling wine on arrival, 3-course dinner, ½ bottle house wine per person, unlimited mineral water, tea/coffee with mince pies, post-dinner nibbles, shared manned cloakroom, poseur tables and linen, Christmas crackers, cash/account bar facilities, festive background music, and DJ from Blank Canvas Entertainment.

Which rooms are recommended for different guest numbers and event types?

For 40-50 guests: Reading Room and Lee Library go well together. For 50-70 guests: Council Room and Barnard Room combination works well. For 90+ guests: Beatrice Webb Room for dining (max 90 seated) with Gallery/Music Room for drinks and dancing. No. 10 Carlton House Terrace includes Council Room, Barnard Room, and Radhakrishnan Room, while No. 11 includes Gallery, Music Room, and Beatrice Webb Room.

Are there restrictions on suppliers and what approval is required?

The venue maintains detailed lists of Approved Suppliers for Audio Visual, Production, and Floristry, plus Recommended suppliers. Use of any third-party suppliers outside these lists must be agreed in writing by the venue before booking. All supplier arrangements must go through the venue's approval process.

What are the booking and payment requirements?

To proceed with booking, you must provide full signatory details including name, organisation, email, phone, and address, plus finance contact information if different. A signed hire agreement is required, followed by a 50% deposit invoice. PO numbers must be provided before the deposit invoice is generated to avoid booking confirmation delays.

What seasonal offers and discounts are available?

A winter offer provides £1,000 discount on venue hire for weddings taking place in October or November 2025. For last-minute bookings, a 20% discount on venue hire may be available. December bookings operate on a first-to-confirm basis due to high demand during the busy Christmas period.

What additional services and equipment can be hired?

Basic AV packages include up to 2 microphones, with upgrades available for up to 4 microphones and sit-in technician. Stage hire costs £350 + VAT. Manned cloakroom is available on request (price varies), while unmanned cloakroom with coat rails is complimentary. Dancefloor is mandatory for carpeted rooms at £795 + VAT additional cost.