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Frequently Asked Hiring Questions Answered

When may I visit to discuss my needs and to view the premises?

The Garden’s office is open on weekdays 9.15am-4.30pm. Please phone for an appointment with the Head of Marketing or Marketing Assistant. A map of the Garden is available to help your planning (359KB Word doc). To give you an idea of what Chelsea Physic Garden looks like, a selection of seasonal views of the Garden is also available. Additional pictures of the Garden are available on the plant collections pages.

Are the public here on the day of our event?

Not usually. On Saturdays and in the evenings the Garden is closed to the public and to members of the Garden. On weekday daytimes however, the Garden is open to members and is used by children in our education programme. If you would like exclusive access please contact the Marketing Assistant to discuss.

To which parts of the Garden do we have access?

You are hiring the entire Garden and your guests may wander as they please. Only the glasshouses remain closed.

What if it rains?

There is a Reception Room measuring 24’x40’ which holds up to 120 people standing. You can have an awning on the terrace or on certain days hire a marquee which can be lit, decorated and heated to your requirements.

Are tables and chairs provided?

In the Reception Room there are ten 6’x2’ tables, two 8’x2’ tables, and 48 fully upholstered green and gilt chairs which may be taken out onto the lawn or arranged in the room as desired. Unfortunately there is no storage space to remove tables and chairs from the room. All furniture must be returned to its original siting at the end of the evening.

May I bring my own caterer?

Due to the unique nature of the Garden we have an approved list of caterers who know our premises well. You must choose from the list, but we offer a wide range of style and price. We ask you to approach the caterers direct for quotations.

Can we supply our own alcohol?

If you wish to do so as part of your event you must ensure your chosen caterer has a member of staff with a Personal Licence on site during your event. This member of staff must obtain authorisation to serve alcohol from the Garden’s Designated Premises Supervisor (the Head of Marketing). Alcohol must stop being served at 22.00.

Can we have music?

Non-amplified music such as chamber music is ideal for the Garden’s residential setting, amplified music is generally unsuitable for the Garden. All music or other amplified sound must finish by 22.00.

Is the Garden lit at night?

There are external lights along the building, in the Conservatory, around Sloane’s statue and above Swan Walk Gate. You must consult with the Head of Marketing. regarding lighting requirements. Any further electric lighting may be obtained from Claremont Marquees.

May we bring our own florist?

Yes. Florists need to arrange access directly with the Garden. Caterers can also recommend florists to meet your requirements. All debris must be removed after the event.

Are we responsible for security?

Entrance security and locking up on the day or evening of your event is provided by us, as part of your hire fee.

May we bring children?

Yes, but it is very important that children are well supervised, preferably by someone dedicated to that duty. Initially, please discuss with us how many children are expected, and depending on numbers, we may consider it necessary for an extra Duty Manager to be hired in.
NB All physic gardens contain poisonous plants and we have two deep ponds.

May we take photographs?

The Garden is a wonderful venue for photography and it is permitted at an event held at the Garden. Plants may also be photographed, providing there is no commercial gain.

May we hold charity fund-raising events?

Yes, but please discuss the nature of your event with the Head of Marketing.
NB When a charity is being sponsored, the sponsor must not use the event as a commercial enterprise.

What are the rules about smoking?

All indoor areas at the Garden are designated No Smoking and No Naked Flame. This is for the safety of the historic collections in our Reception Building. Smoking is permitted outside in the Garden where disposal units are provided for cigarette ends, otherwise ask the caterer to supply.

Does the Garden have access for people with disabilities?

Our Royal Hospital Road and West Gate entrances are suitable for wheelchair access and we also have disabled toilet facilities. Our Reception Room is on the ground floor and has an entrance ramp. Unfortunately our Lecture Room is on the first floor and does not have wheelchair access.

What are the cloakroom facilities like?

There are toilet facilities in the entrance foyer and in our Reception Building. You may ask the caterers to supply coat rails for coats and belongings.

May we marry in the Garden itself?

We are not licensed for civil ceremonies to be performed. For a list of licensed venues for civil ceremonies in Kensington and Chelsea please click here

Can our guests have more information about the Garden?

Guide books, maps and even seeds from the Garden can be supplied by prior arrangement. The Curator or a volunteer guide may be available to give an introductory talk about the Garden’s history and current work.

At what time must our even finish?

Because we are in a residential area, all events need to finish at 22.30. Clearing up must finish by 22.00. Along with your caterer you need to ensure that all rubbish is taken away at the end of the evening, or the following morning by arrangement with the Head of Marketing.

Will we have a good time?

Yes! Most of our events are repeat bookings and many guests become loyal members of our ‘Friends’ scheme.

How do we confirm a date?

By returning the booking form with a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the final bill. See booking form for details (Word doc/25KB). This needs to be signed and sent by fax (020 7376 3910) or by post to: Hiring, Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS.