FAQs

What does the venue hire include?

The hire fee for The Conservatory includes the exclusive use of the venue and surrounding South walled garden, as well as a stage, dance floor, PA and disco system. Also included are banqueting chairs and tables for up to 250 guests, cloak rails, reception furniture, garden furniture, an on-site electrician, car parker and your very own venue manager.

Can we use any caterer, photographer, florist etc within the venue?

Hoo's Food are our only preferred caterer here at The Conservatory. Specialist ethnic and other caterers may work at The Conservatory by individual application, however if you wish to use a non-preferred caterer a charge of £1500+VAT will be applied. With regards to other suppliers i.e. photographers, florists etc you are not restricted in any way, and may choose one to suit you as long as they comply with our health and safety regulations.

Can we smoke within the venue?

Due to Government legislation smoking is not permitted within the marquee. Guests may smoke outside on the decking area or in the garden.

Can I hire the venue for half a day?

The Conservatory hire is based on a full day from 10am until midnight, and for exclusive use. Therefore whether you choose to utilise the venue for a couple of hours or a full day, you will still incur the same venue hire fees. We may be flexible on this, if the date is off-peak.

What is the booking procedure?

Provisional bookings can be made without any obligation. To confirm your chosen date a signed contract must be returned to us along with a deposit of 25% of the final balance, plus a £500 refundable damage deposit. The balance payment is due 2 months prior to the event.

Is there good car parking?

We have a car park that can accommodate 170 cars just outside the Walled Garden. If your event requires additional parking this may be able to be arranged on request.

Can cars be left overnight?

Cars can be left in the Car Park area overnight however they MUST be collected the next day between 9am and 10am. Cars are left at the owner's own risk.

When can our caterers and suppliers access The Conservatory?

Our standard access time for all suppliers is 10am on the morning of each event. Early access to the venue can be arranged but is chargeable. For any deliveries outside of the above times, approval must firstly be granted by The Conservatory's Events team.

Can we leave things in the marquee overnight?

All items brought into the marquee by the client and their suppliers must be fully cleared from the venue directly following the event. Items can only be left in the marquee with prior permission and at the owner's own risk.

Can my event go on later than midnight?

Our premises licence currently expires at midnight.

Are we able to have confetti?

No.

Are there any extra rooms that we can use as changing rooms or storage?

A small cloakroom within the marquee can be used on request. The Shooting Lodge is close by and on request may be available for an extra fee.

Are bands permitted?

Live music is permitted within The Conservatory, however must be finished by 11.00pm. The band must be co-operative with noise levels and all bands must supply their own equipment including amps and speakers.

Can we use candles?

Candles are not permitted in The Conservatory. However, we can allow small ceremonial flames. Any other kind of flame must be approved first by The Conservatory's Events team.

Can we have a BBQ in the Walled Garden?

Our caterers can arrange BBQ's and Hog Roasts in the garden area, however if you bring in your own caterers they must adhere to and demonstrate appropriate health and safety regulations to ensure the wellbeing of both chefs and guests. Damage to the garden is chargeable.

Is security provided?

Each event will be assessed on its individual requirements; a charge for security personnel per hour may be required.

Can we arrange for coaches to come to the venue?

Coaches are allowed access to the Estate. Access would be through a separate entrance and the on-site parking marshal will provide information to the driver about parking arrangements on the day. Please ensure that we are notified in advance about the arrival of coaches.

Who should cheques be made payable to?

All cheques should be made payable to The Conservatory.