Terms & Conditions

Old Auction House  |  Private Hire

Private Hire Terms & Conditions

Updated 24 October 2026

These Terms and Conditions apply to all private hire bookings at Old Auction House (OAH), excluding birthdays under 25, which are subject to separate Terms and Conditions.

These Terms and Conditions, together with your booking confirmation and any agreed event details, form the agreement between Old Auction House and the person making the booking (the Client).

1. Enquiries and Booking Confirmation

An enquiry does not reserve or guarantee a date. A booking is confirmed only when OAH has confirmed availability in writing and the required venue hire payment has been received.

2. Venue Hire Fee

The fee for exclusive private hire of the entire Old Auction House is £750, covering the period from 6:00 pm until midnight. The venue hire fee includes:

Exclusive Use of the Venue

Exclusive access to the entire venue, including comfortable lounge seating, tables and chairs, outside terrace, guest facilities and access to our fully equipped bar and catering services. OAH will take care of the venue preparation, agreed room layout and cleaning following the event.

In-House Sound and Lighting Package

Full use of our professional in-house sound and lighting equipment, including:

• Professional sound system (PA)
• Microphones and mixing table
• Professional lighting and lasers
• Smoke machine
• Disco ball

Use of our large TV Screens

Use of our five large TV screens to personalise your event, including photo slideshows, quizzes, presentations or themed images. OAH will support the technical set-up, provided that all relevant content and requirements have been supplied and agreed in advance.

Professional Security

Professional security staff are included in the venue hire fee to help ensure the safety of guests and the smooth running of the event.

3. Minimum Food Spend

A minimum spend of £500 on food applies to all private hire bookings, in addition to the £750 venue hire fee. No minimum spend on drinks applies.

4. Payments

The full venue hire fee of £750 must be paid to secure the booking. All food, drinks and additional services to be arranged through OAH must be confirmed at least four weeks before the event. The outstanding balance for all pre-ordered food and additional services must be paid in full at least three weeks before the event.

5. Changes, Cancellations and Postponements

The £750 venue hire payment is non-refundable. If the Client wishes to postpone an event, the venue hire payment may be transferred to an alternative available date, provided that OAH receives at least three months’ written notice prior to the original event date.

If the Client cancels the event, any £500 food payment already made will be refunded in full, provided that OAH receives written notice of cancellation at least 14 days before the scheduled event date. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the event will result in the forfeiture of the food payment.

A booking may be transferred to an alternative date once only, subject to availability and written confirmation by OAH. The rescheduled event must take place within 12 months of the original event date. Any difference in venue hire pricing applicable to the new date will be payable by the Client.

6. Event Timings

Private hire events run from 6:00 pm until midnight. Earlier access from 5:00 pm for event preparation may be arranged. Last orders at the bar and loud music will finish at 11:00 pm. Guests are welcome to remain at the venue until midnight to relax and socialise, with background music provided by OAH. All guests must leave the venue by midnight. Alternative event timings may be discussed in advance and may be subject to additional charges.

7. Entertainment and Sound Equipment

All DJs must be booked through Old Auction House (OAH). Clients may arrange their own live entertainment, subject to prior written approval by OAH. Live performances are permitted only between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Live bands and performers may bring and use their own sound equipment, provided that it is connected to OAH’s dB controller (sound limiter).

Guests are welcome to play their own music playlists, including Spotify, through OAH’s in-house sound system. Music playback and volume levels must be controlled using the remote control and dB controller provided by OAH. All entertainment is subject to OAH’s technical requirements, licensing conditions and agreed event timings. OAH reserves the right to adjust or pause entertainment where reasonably necessary for safety, compliance with licensing requirements or the proper running of the event.

8. Decorations and Event Styling

All major decorations, installations and event styling arrangements must be organised and hired through OAH. Clients may bring smaller personal decorations, photographs and sentimental items with prior approval from OAH.

OAH offers personalised event styling and decoration services to help bring each Client’s vision to life. Clients are encouraged to share their ideas, inspiration images, preferred colours and event themes with OAH. OAH will work with the Client to create a tailored decoration proposal, with pricing agreed in advance.

9. Food and Beverages

All food and beverages served or consumed during the event must be supplied by OAH. Clients may bring a wedding or birthday cake with prior approval from OAH. Any catering requirements, dietary needs or special arrangements must be discussed and agreed with OAH in advance.

10. Client and Guest Conduct

OAH is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all guests. OAH reserves the right to refuse entry to or require the departure of any person who behaves in an abusive, threatening or unlawfully disruptive manner, or who creates a risk to the safety of others.

11. Damage to the Venue and Equipment

The Client is responsible for reasonable costs arising from deliberate or negligent damage caused by the Client or their guests. This includes damage to furniture, fixtures, equipment and other venue property. Fair wear and tear is excluded. Any damage for which payment is sought will be reasonably assessed and documented by OAH.

12. Cancellation by Old Auction House and Events Beyond Our Control

If Old Auction House (OAH) cancels a booking for reasons within its control, all payments received, including any deposit, will be refunded, or the Client may choose to transfer the booking to another mutually agreed available date.

OAH will not be liable for failures or delays caused by circumstances genuinely beyond its reasonable control that could not have been avoided through reasonable care, such as severe weather, fire or government restrictions. In such cases, OAH will notify the Client as soon as reasonably practicable and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

13. Agreement to Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions will be provided to the Client before the booking is confirmed and before any required venue hire payment is made. By confirming the private hire booking and making that payment, the Client agrees to these Terms and Conditions.