This location is in Norwich.

The Halls is the largest remaining friary complex in the UK and is perfectly suited to a wide range of events. From concerts, trade fairs, corporate meetings, film sets or your perfect wedding day. We have a number of different venues from the largest and best known, St Andrew's Hall to the intimate setting of The Crypt or Becket's Chapel. St. Andrew's Hall is the centrepiece of The Halls and is the name by which many people refer to the whole complex of buildings. It has a fine, high-beamed ceiling, beautiful stained glass windows, limestone columns and a large polished maple floor. It was originally the nave of the friary and was completed in 1449. The size and beauty of its proportions are impressive without elaborate decoration, in keeping with the friars' rule of simplicity. The stained glass, stone carving and deeply-coloured portraits add richness to the simple backdrop of the building, adding a contemporary feel to this impressive historic building - the best of both worlds. The hall has traditionally been used for a multitude of functions from royal banquets to international table tennis. It is regularly used for classical music concerts and during the annual Norfolk and Norwich Festival it hosts performances by jazz, pop, and folk artists from all over the world. It is popular for banquets and dinners, conferences, fairs, and exhibitions such as Art Fair East. When used for a concert, St Andrew's Hall is an impressive auditorium, with choir galleries, a large extendable stage, and a stunning Victorian concert organ. There is also a Steinway grand piano which is available for hire. The West Gallery tiered seating accommodates up to 186 people and provides a fabulous view of proceedings either directed at the permanent stage of for central arena events. Main access is through the porch door and is flat and accessible but it is also integrated with the facilities of adjoining hall spaces. Blackfriars' Hall is our second largest space. This lofty oak-panelled hall adds style and elegance to any event. Around its walls are paintings dating from the 16th century, of mayors, sheriffs and benefactors to the city, and forming an important part of the civic portrait collection. The most impressive is a large portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson by Sir William Beechey. The pictures and decor add a tremendous sense of occasion and history to any event, as appropriate to a conference or book launch as to a wedding or banquet. Blackfriars Hall can accommodate up to 200 diners for a formal banquet. It is also a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, acoustic concerts, meetings, and fairs. At the east end is a raised stage with a hireable Bosendorfer grand piano. Smaller events can be refocussed with portable staging onto the north side to create a more intimate atmosphere. As well as being a practical and elegant space in its own right, Blackfriars' Hall is an ideal reception space or sponsor's lounge for larger events that are taking place in St. Andrew's Hall. A public address system is available for speech reinforcement, and an induction loop fitted for those with hearing difficulties. There are power, microphone and input sockets around the hall as well as 63 amp three-phase supply. Additional presentation equipment can be hired to suit the event. One of the oldest spaces in The Halls complex, The Crypt - with its magnificent vaulted brick ceiling - dates back to 1307. It provides the ideal space for boardroom meetings, intimate dining events, drinks receptions, or as a break-out space for large conferences. The Crypt is also licensed for civil wedding ceremonies, providing a truly unique space. The oldest part of our venue, Beckets Chapel dates back to 1258 when a friary was established on the site by the Penitential Friars (and later taken over by the Dominicans). Beckets Chapel is a stunningly beautiful semi-outdoor space, which retains many interesting medieval architectural features. The size and dimensions of the space lend it perfectly to wedding ceremonies but it can also be used for many other types of event. Beckets Chapel is not hireable in its own right, but comes included with the hire of The Crypt; this means that if you are unfortunate to have inclement weather on the day of your event, you always have the option of escaping indoors. The Garth is the medieval courtyard once bordered on all sides by the Dominican cloisters (only the south side of which still remains). The garth offers easy access to the Riverside Walk, and is adjacent to some of the Norwich University of the Arts campus. The garth also makes a picturesque outdoor reception area and with its stunning mulberry tree, and the ruins of the old buildings, it is an ever popular choice for wedding photographs.