As lockdown is easing and non-essential shops are reopening, event venues will soon follow. We know that the idea of gathering can be daunting in the times of COVID-19 but we also know that for many businesses, meeting is essential. Our team has carefully prepared the Friends House reopening plan and you will soon find all the details in our COVID-19 resource centre. In the meantime, we have compiled a few of the things that will ensure your event goes safely and stress-free. Read below to find the five reasons why you should choose our venue for your next event.

1. Affordability: rates that don’t break the bank

We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many businesses financially. As a result, the budget spends on events will likely be tighter in the next few months. You can rest assured that our meeting rooms and event spaces will still be affordable.

We are not increasing our rates and you can continue to meet at Friends House at a fair price. Our day delegate packages start at £55 (inc. VAT). With us, events still won’t cost the earth.

2. Sustainability: events that don’t cost the earth

Sustainability has always been key for us. Lately, the ‘Build Back Better’ campaign (external link), which Quakers in Britain (external link) are part of, has insisted on the need to rebuild a post-COVID-19 society that is more equal and committed to tackle the climate crisis. As a Quaker business, we feel that this the way to go.

We want Friends House to be exemplary on the road to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. This is why we have opted for solutions that are both efficient against the virus (PPE, disinfectant, etc.) and eco-friendly (bio-degradable packaging, ban on single-use plastic in the venue). We will also carry on sourcing ingredients from local suppliers. And of course, we are still powered by 100% renewable energy. Your green meeting starts here!

3. Catering: quality, hygiene and taste

We pride ourselves with the quality of our catering. We use fresh, locally-sourced and mostly organic ingredients. We are also a member of the Vegetarian Society’s Food & Drink Guild (external link).

To make sure that social distancing and hygiene are respected during refreshment breaks and lunchtime, we have opted for bento boxes. Meals will be prepared, following strict hygiene rules, and pre-packed in biodegradable packaging. Delegates will be able to enjoy fresh food while risks of contamination will be reduced to zero. Same taste, different presentation!

4. Charity: making a difference

All of our profit goes to support the work of Britain Yearly Meeting, the charity of Quakers in Britain. Quakers work for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. So, when you book a meeting room at Friends House, you make a difference in communities in the United-Kingdom and around the world. You can read more about Quaker work on the Quakers in Britain website (external link).

5. Bake the difference: giving a second chance

Bake the Difference is our programme helping ex-offenders integrate back into the community through baking. Trainees learn how to bake in the Friends House kitchen and are mentored by an experienced chef. The programme has already had a very positive impact on the participants: they gained confidence and none of them reoffended.

We will restart the programme once we reopen, with increased responsibilities for the trainees. They will bake, cook and serve some of the catering items. Booking a room with us also means that we can allocate more funds to the programme and give a chance to people who have fallen on hard times.

If you want to make a difference, choose Friends House for your next event!