Frequently Asked Questions

Can we visit the Hall before booking?

We encourage you to do so. Please email or telephone 0131 622 2277 for an appointment.

How do we get there

Lothian Region Transport buses run along nearby George IV Bridge and Lothian Road. The venue is also close to Princes Street and George Street, further bus information can be found at the City Council website.

11pm is the latest exit time.  Please allow yourself enough clean up time: one hour for ceilidhs and parties. Events must end no later than 10pm.

My event is aimed at, or involves, people under 18 – can it go ahead?

People under 18 are welcome to attend events with their parents or guardians.

If you are running an event specifically for people under 18, and the parents or guardians will not be present, all those who are supervising /working with under 18s need to have had a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure (Criminal Record Check).

Do you have a theatre or public entertainment licence?

Users must arrange a theatre or public entertainment licence if required for their event. Visit the the City Council website for details.  Certain kinds of activities may not be suitable for the Hall.

Why is there an additional surcharge for Weekend evening bookings?

To ensure the Hall is clean for use on Sunday morning, we incur extra staffing costs after weekend evening events.

Can we serve alcohol or food?

It is permissible to serve food and/or alcohol or to have guests bring their own drinks. Spirits are only permitted for toasts and beer kegs are prohibited.

Food and alcohol may not be sold on the premises without prior permission and the appropriate licence, if required, being obtained from the City Council.

Are candles permitted?

Yes, but only tea lights. Larger candles risk setting of the smoke alarms if extinguished all at once.

Is there disabled access to the hall?

Yes, access to the church is via a gentle and wheelchair-friendly ramp from the street pavement and there is a lift to the level of the hall downstairs.

Do you have a PA System with speakers?

Yes, this is available at no extra charge.

Are we able to store anything in the hall in advance of our booking?

Storage is only possible overnight for wedding receptions booking both Friday evening and all day Saturday.

Can we pick up catering equipment the next day?

No, all items must be removed from the hall at the end of your event.

Is there a limit when it comes to decorations? For example, if we had fairy lights, would they be able to be put up, and would they need to be PAT tested first?

Ideally, fairy lights would be PAT tested, as is all electrical equipment in the hall. Lights can be put around the central pillars effectively. Limited decoration is allowed, but we would ask that nothing is attached to the white walls.

Do you have a PRS music licence?

We have a PRS for Music Church Licence which covers the church and hall for music performances, such as during socials, outreach events or third-party group meetings. Combined with our PPL Church Licence third party users are also covered to play commercial music recordings on formats such as CD and MP3.

Can we book the Hall on a Sunday?

No. The Hall is in use by the Congregation on a Sunday.  Congregation members, please contact the Administrator.

Can we make a booking on a bank/public holiday?

For most UK bank holidays and Edinburgh public holidays, bookings can be made as normal.

The Hall is not available on Good Friday or Holy Saturday (the day before Easter).

Bookings are not available from 23rd December to 2nd January.

Can bookings be taken in the summer?

The Centre is open as normal in July.

The Centre is a Festival venue throughout the evenings of August but is available for private hire during the day.

Is there a discount available for charities?

Charities can apply for the community rate – a discount of 25%. Please speak to the Administrator.

When and how do I make payment?

A deposit is taken to confirm the booking.  You are invoiced after the event for the balance.  Payment by BACS is preferred; payment by cheque is possible.

What are the transport links to the church?

Lothian Region Transport buses run along nearby George IV Bridge and Lothian Road.  The church is also close to Princes Street and George Street, further bus information can be found at the City Council website.

The church centre is also close to Waverley station for rail services.

Parking is limited in the area:

Metered On-street parking: Johnston Terrace 8:30am – 6:30pm Mon-Sat and 12:30pm to 6:30pm (charges apply)

Closest NCP Parking: Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW https://www.ncp.co.uk/parking-solutions/cities/edinburgh/

 

 

Please note, all facilities and services are subject to availability and may be withdrawn.