FAQ’s – On the Night

On the Night

Doors open at 6.30pm (7pm on New Year’s Eve) – we advise guests to arrive no later than 7.45pm as we wouldn’t want you to miss any of the pre-dinner entertainment! You will be invited through to dinner at 8pm which is served at approximately 8.15pm.

Dress Code

Dress to impress! Gents either black tie or smart (trousers with shirt & tie), ladies smart evening wear. Why not wear something to complement our Ritz theme – perhaps something silver and sparkly! Please inform all your guests that we do not allow trainers, t-shirts, denim or jeans (even designer pairs!). If guests are not dressed appropriately, we reserve the right to refuse admission.

Heating

Our luxury marquee has solid panelled walls and is centrally heated inside – comfortable enough for short sleeve dresses!

Cloakroom

There is a fully-staffed free cloakroom where guests can leave their coats. You will be given a ticket which you must keep hold of as it will be required to collect your coat when you leave. If you lose your ticket, don’t panic, you will just be asked to wait until all items have been collected before any coats are released. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to items left in the cloakroom.

Tables

These are allocated on a first come, first served basis – we feel this is the fairest way. However, please be aware that we take many bookings very early in the year (particularly for weekends!). The majority of tables seat up to 10 guests, but you will be advised at the time of booking the tables allocated to your party. Parties with two or more tables will be adjacent to each other – guaranteed! If your party is less than 8 people, your party could be sharing with other smaller parties. We will do our best to accommodate any special requests – please contact us to discuss.

Allocated table numbers will be displayed on the Table Plan in the reception area. Please report to the Courtesy Desk for any further assistance.

Drinks

To ensure quicker service for all guests, we suggest that rounds are limited to 10 drinks. We do not provide table service – please advise your guests accordingly. We no allow guests to bring their own alcohol on to the premises – under any circumstances! We operate Challenge 21 – if any of your guests are lucky enough to look younger than 21, they will be asked for ID. Without ID, they will not be served alcohol.

Bar Tabs

For the security of all our guests, we do not allow bar tabs to be set up. However, we do have a bar voucher system in place which enables guests to purchase drinks at the bar or wine for your party and are available if £5 denominations.

The vouchers can be purchased in two ways: either on the night using a credit / debit card / cash or in advance from the office (they will be sent a week before your party night). Unused vouchers purchased on the night can be redeemed at the end of the evening, but only be the person who bought them and using the same card. Vouchers taken off the premises will not be redeemed after the event. Vouchers purchased from the office must be returned no later than 31st January 2011 to be redeemed.

Toilet Facilities

These are contained within the main structure – so leave your wellies at home! They are located on ground level in the reception area as you arrive. Facilities are split into male and female areas, with the ladies having quite a large powder area with full length mirrors.

Disabled Facilities

There are disabled facilities and our staff will be happy to help with any special requirements for disabled guests. We would be grateful if you could kindly notify us in advance to assist when allocating your tables etc.

Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of the marquee with the exception of the separate smoking area. Please note that glasses are not to be taken out of the bar area, plastic glasses are provided. We also advise not to leave drinks unattended at any time.

Casino

£5 will buy $10,000 of fun money chips for you to gamble on Roulette, Blackjack, Craps or Poker. The croupiers are professionals and will explain how to play and bet. Please note that this is a Charity Fun Casino with all proceeds going to our nominated charity. For this reason, no refunds will be given for unused chips. However, the highest roller on the night will win a prize! If you wish to pre-purchase casino vouchers in advance of your party, please contact us.

Photos

Our on-site photographers will be more than happy to take formal (or informal!) photos throughout the evening. Photos will then be available to purchase after dinner or alternatively can be viewed and purchased the next day at www.funkyfoto.co.uk.