Private functions
at St. Mary's Guildhall
www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
Welcome…
Coventry's best kept medieval secret…. St. Mary’s Guildhall, at the heart of Coventry’s historic cathedral quarter, has been the city’s premier events venue for over six hundred and fifty years, hosting kings, queens, princesses and playwrights during its rich and colourful history. First built in the 1340s for the merchant guild of St. Mary to house their meetings, lavish ceremonies and banquets, the Guildhall later became a base for the city's mayor and council. From here the city was governed, and here the most illustrious and important visitors to the city were received and entertained. The Guildhall survived violent election riots in the 1700s, and the bombing raids of the second World War, and remains one of the most iconic, historic and prestigious locations in the city of Coventry. With atmospheric and versatile rooms, a convenient city location, and a high quality catering service, St. Mary's Guildhall offers a truly unique setting for your special event.
We pride ourselves on offering a personal, bespoke service to our customers, knowing that one size or package does not suit all. Our friendly and highly experienced team will guide you through the arrangements, offering helpful advice on rooms, services, and facilities, and the extensive menu selection, which can be tailored to meet your individual needs. All aspects of your event will be managed with the utmost care and professionalism, allowing you to relax and enjoy the occasion.
The Great Hall
Beneath a ceiling of carved medieval angels, surrounded by original painted portraits, armour and one of the country's rarest tapestries, this is a magical and memorable setting for any occasion. Built in the 1340s for grand meetings, ceremonies and sumptuous banquets, the Great Hall was designed to impress, and continues to serve the city as the venue for the most prestigious of private, corporate and civic events.
Reception capacity
180
Dining capacity
150
Length ft (m)
64 (19.6)
Theatre capacity
180
Dinner dance
120
Width ft (m)
30 (9.2)
* maximum capacities subject to room layout requirements
The Undercroft
With its magnificent sandstone pillars and vaulted roof, the medieval Undercroft creates a distinctive and memorable backdrop to any event. An ideal venue for medium-sized group lunches, dinners, presentations and receptions, or makes a perfect choice for a pre dinner drinks reception when used in conjunction with the Great Hall.
Reception capacity
80
Dining capacity
Theatre capacity
80
Dinner dance
56
Length ft (m)
57 (17.5)
-
Width ft (m)
28 (8.6)
* maximum capacities subject to room layout requirements
The Drapers' Room
With its decorative ceiling and windows, ornate fireplace and original painted portraits on the walls, The Drapers' Room is an elegant setting for smaller dinners and receptions. Once known as the 'Mayoress's Parlour', where the mayoress and higher status ladies dined apart from others at public feasts, it is also thought that Mary Queen of Scots was held captive in this room, during the winter of 1569-70.
Reception capacity
40
Dining capacity
Theatre capacity
40
Dinner dance
20
Length ft (m)
30 (9.2)
-
Width ft (m)
17 (5.3)
* maximum capacities subject to room layout requirements
The Mercers' Room
An intimate and atmospheric setting, the ground floor Mercers' Room is ideal for small group lunches, dinners, and receptions. The room formed the lower part of the Guildhall's gatehouse, and takes its name from the Mercers' Company, to whom it was leased in the 1500s for use as their meeting hall. They painted their coat or arms on the wall to mark the occasion, where it survives to this day.
Reception capacity
12
Dining capacity
12
Length ft (m)
18 (5.5)
Theatre capacity
-
Dinner dance
-
Width ft (m)
16 (4.9)
The Armoury
The Armoury is a distinctive setting for private lunches, dinners and receptions, and ideal for use as an exclusive VIP venue alongside an event in the Great Hall A wonderfully atmospheric room, mixing mellow sandstone with oak timbering, the Armoury was first built as a private withdrawing room or solar, but certainly by the late 1500s it was being used as a central store for the city's arms and armour.
Reception capacity
50
Dining capacity
Theatre capacity
40
Dinner dance
40
Length ft (m)
34 (10.4)
-
Width ft (m)
18 (5.5)
* maximum capacities subject to room layout requirements
Further Information Civil Ceremonies The Great Hall, Undercroft and Drapers' Room are fully licensed for civil ceremonies. Catering All your catering needs can be met by our professional and highly experienced banqueting team. Please see our Wedding and Function Menus for fuller details on what we offer, whilst our Wine List gives details of our extensive and carefully chose wine selection. Please note it is not permitted for customers to bring their own drinks or catering to events at St. Mary's Guildhall Licensed Bars Licensed bars are available in the Great Hall and Undercroft venues. If a bar service is required for your event, please make this request at the time of booking. Flower Arrangements We would be happy to recommend high quality florists for your event with competitive prices for all your floral needs, from table posies and displays, to bouquets, baskets and corsages Music and Entertainment We can recommend entertainment for your event ranging from historical re-enactors, ghost tours, discos and magicians, to ceilidh bands and string ensembles. Customers are welcome to organise their own entertainment for events at St. Mary's Guildhall, however please note that all suppliers of such services must adhere to our specific guidelines, designed to ensure the safety of your guests, and to protect the fabric of the medieval building Photographs and Video We have arrangements with highly commended photographers, and can recommend professional photographers for your event. Should you wish to have group photographs in the dramatic ruins of Coventry's old cathedral, located opposite St. Mary's Guildhall, this can be arranged directly with Coventry Cathedral, who can be contacted as follows: Coventry Cathedral, 1 Hilltop, Coventry, CV1 5AB. T: 024 7652 1200 www.coventrycathedral.org.uk Audiovisual Equipment A range of audiovisual equipment is available to hire for use at your event, including screens, data projectors and radio microphones. More ambitious audiovisual facilities can be arranged through our recommended suppliers. Free WiFi is available in all rooms
If you have any specific requirements not listed above, we will be happy to arrange these through our high quality, and competitively priced suppliers. Please contact us for further details
Contact us to find out more To discuss your needs for your special event, or to arrange a viewing, please contact us:
St. Mary's Guildhall Bayley Lane, Coventry CV1 5RN
T: 024 7683 3328 E: guildhall@coventry.gov.uk www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
All images Š Coventry City Council except p.2 top courtesy of Chloe and James Agg and p.4 second from right, courtesy of Carley and Christopher Rouse