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Westminster Cathedral Hall

Edwardian decor of Cathedral Hall.

Described on completion as one of the finest meeting rooms in London, this Edwardian hall was designed by Cathedral architect John Francis Bentley and represents some of his finest work. It was restored to its original splendour and extensively modernised in 1994/5.

A brief history
The buildingwas originally known as Chapter Hall because the founding Archbishop, Cardinal Vaughan, formed a body of Cathedral Chaplains (chapter) under a formal Constitution in 1902. The Cathedral Chapter met in the Hall until Archbishop’s House was completed a few years later and it was also used for liturgical services from Ascension Day 1902 until the Cathedral was permanently opened for daily use at Midnight Mass onChristmas Eve, 1903.

Following its restoration in 1995, the Hall became the venue for the Cathedrals Centenary Exhibition, ‘100 Years of Art, Architecture and Treasures’.

Types of function
With its excellent situation in central London, Cathedral Hall is a popular venue for many different types of function. Listed below are a few of these and the capacities that can be accommodated.

Features
Recital with seating for 400 with gallery or 300 without gallery
Receptions – Formal dinner for 200
Cocktail reception for 300

Examination seating for 120
Meetings – Lecture style – 300
Classroom style – 200
Exhibitions – details of availability on request
Seating for up to 400 (including gallery)
Floor area of 2800 sq ft
Wood panelling and painted wall decorations
Raised stage with pull-out steps from hall floor
Chandeliers with up/down lighting
Fully equipped kitchen and refectory area
Equipment – folding & rigid laminated tables in various sizes, chairs, display boards
(it is also possible to arrange the separate hire of banqueting furniture)
Public Address – Sound room, balanced PA system with cassette player. Audio recordings capability through the system
Catering – Kitchen with gas range, oven & warming overn. Water boiling system, chest refrigerator
Disabled facilities – Level access for disabled persons via the side entrance – through Choir School main gates. A looped system is installed (set hearing aids to ‘T’ position). There are separate toilet facilities with wheelchair access.

Hire Rates
Clients should ensure that the hours booked are adequate to cover the arrival and dispersal of both the participants and any equipment

Minimum Charge– Four hours’ hire - £750
Each hour thereafter - £100

Hire of television with video player, Overhead projector: £30.00 plus VAT.

Registered Charities: 10% discount – on Hall hire only
Catering – By arrangement
Car parking – see below
Details of recommended caterers are available on request. Alternatively caterers of your choice may be used.

How to find us
The front entrance to the hall is in Ambrosden Avenue. Access is from Victoria St or Francis St.

Public Transport
Victoria (mainline and underground) and St James Park (underground) are less than five minutes’ walk. In addition the 11, 24, 211 and 507 buses stop immediately in front of the Cathedral piazza on Victoria St.

Parking
There are meters for cars in Ambrosden Avenue as well as the streets behind Cathedral Hall, and a multi-storey car park in Rochester Row (3 minutes’ walk). Short term coach parking (up to 2 hours) is at Victoria Embankment, Park Lane, Tothill St and Marsham St. Long term coach parking is on Thorney St (off Millbank, SW1) and Wandsworth Rd (Vauxhall, SW8).

For more details on availability please contact:
Cathedral Facilities Manager, Cathedral Clergy House

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Westminster Cathedral   42 Francis Street, London SW1P 1QW   United Kingdom
Email us Tel: 020 7798 9055   Fax: 020 7798 9090   Registered Charity Number 233699