Hosting Notes

The format works in a wide variety of settings — private dining rooms, hotel ballrooms, private members' club spaces, country house reception rooms, corporate event spaces and boutique venue function rooms. The key requirements are sufficient floor space for the tables, reasonable ceiling height and a room arrangement that allows guests to circulate naturally between tables.

As a general guide, allow approximately 15–20 square metres per table, plus comfortable space for spectators and circulation. We are happy to advise on specific venues based on a floor plan or site visit.

For the Signature Parlour Evening and Full Collection packages, a pre-event venue visit is included. We use this visit to assess the room layout, agree on table placement, discuss styling requirements and meet the venue team where relevant.

For Regent Start bookings, we handle venue coordination remotely where possible — though a visit can be arranged if the venue or occasion warrants it.

Absolutely. We regularly work alongside event management companies, wedding planners, corporate hospitality teams and venue operations staff. We are used to integrating into existing structures and are accustomed to adapting our coordination style to fit whatever is already in place.

We ask only that a named contact be available for pre-event communications and that we are briefed on any timing or access requirements specific to the venue.

This depends on the occasion type. For events with a dinner component, we generally recommend launching the parlour experience approximately 30–45 minutes after the meal concludes — after speeches or formal presentations, once guests have begun to move around and the room has relaxed slightly.

For standing receptions or cocktail-style events, tables can be available from the outset, with hosts managing the flow naturally as guests arrive and settle.

We typically require 90–120 minutes for setup, depending on the package and number of tables. Our team arrives quietly, sets up without disruption to other preparations and ensures all tables are fully dressed and ready before guests enter the room.

For larger Full Collection events, additional setup time may be required — this is discussed and agreed during the planning stage.

Each package includes a maximum duration (4 hours for Regent Start, 5 for Signature, 6+ for Full Collection), but in practice most evenings run to their natural close within the first 3–4 hours. We read the room and don't artificially extend play when the energy has naturally peaked.

Extended durations can be arranged for an additional fee — this is discussed at the planning stage.

This is extremely common and something our hosts are specifically trained to manage. Each table host provides a friendly, unhurried introduction to any guest who needs it — ensuring everyone understands the basics before play begins and feels comfortable asking questions during the evening.

We also provide printed guest briefing cards for all activities, which allow guests to familiarise themselves with the format at their own pace before sitting down to play.

Not at all. The parlour format works as well for spectators as it does for players — watching from around the table is a natural part of the experience and adds to the social atmosphere. Many guests begin as observers and join naturally once they feel comfortable.

Our hosts are attentive to guests who are watching and will invite them to join when the moment feels right, without any pressure.

Our hosts are trained to manage the social dynamics at the table with care and discretion. The format is designed as entertainment rather than competition, and our hosts guide the pace and tone to ensure the experience remains enjoyable for all guests regardless of their playing style.

If you have specific concerns about particular guests, it's worth mentioning this during your planning consultation — we can advise on how to handle it gracefully.

We recommend letting guests know that there will be hosted table game activities during the evening — framed as a social parlour experience rather than anything formal or competitive. This creates positive anticipation without raising expectations that might be hard to meet.

We can provide a short, elegantly worded insert for invitations or a suggested paragraph for event communications if you'd like guidance on how to describe the experience.

For most occasions, we recommend enquiring at least 4–6 weeks in advance. For larger events (Full Collection), or for peak dates (December, spring bank holidays and summer weekends), 8–12 weeks' notice allows the most comfortable planning timeline.

We can occasionally accommodate shorter notice for Regent Start bookings depending on availability — it's always worth getting in touch even if your event is soon.

To prepare a meaningful initial response, it helps to know: the occasion type, approximate guest count, event date (or range of dates), venue (or approximate location) and any specific activities you have in mind. A rough idea of the evening's schedule is also useful if you have one.

You don't need to have all of this confirmed to get in touch — even a rough outline allows us to put together a useful first response and ask the right follow-up questions.

Yes — we host events across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Travel costs may apply for more remote locations or events at significant distance from our base, and these are detailed transparently in any quote we provide.

Yes, entirely. All Regent Parlour evenings are social entertainment events using fun chips only. There is no money wagered, no prizes and no connection to any form of gaming or . This is a fundamental aspect of what we do and how we operate.

We are happy to discuss bespoke activity requests. Our core offering — Poker, Blackjack, Roulette and Dice — covers most occasions well, but we welcome a conversation if you have something specific in mind. Bespoke arrangements are handled case by case and quoted accordingly.

Cancellation terms are detailed in the booking agreement provided at the time of confirmation. In general: cancellations made more than 28 days in advance receive a full deposit refund; those made within 28 days may be subject to a partial retention depending on costs already incurred.

We understand that circumstances change and always aim to work with clients constructively when changes to the event are necessary.