What’s Included When You Book Bolton Masonic Hall
One of the most common questions we hear from people planning events is: “What exactly do I get when I book a venue?” It’s a fair question. Some venues charge separately for every little thing – room hire is one price, tables and chairs are extra, catering comes from a third party, and before you know it, the costs have spiralled well beyond your original budget.
At Bolton Masonic Hall, we try to keep things straightforward. Here’s a practical breakdown of what’s included when you book with us, so you can plan with confidence.
Room Hire and Setup
When you book one of our rooms, you’re booking the full package – not just an empty space. We have several rooms suited to different types of event:
- Jubilee Dining Room – ideal for sit-down meals and formal receptions
- Silverwell Dining Room – a slightly more intimate setting for smaller gatherings
- Large Lodge Room – a striking, characterful space perfect for ceremonies and conferences
- Farnworth Bar – complete with a permanent dancefloor, great for evening celebrations
Each room comes with tables, chairs, and standard setup. Our Events Team – in place since 2022 – will work with you beforehand to make sure the layout suits your plans, whether that’s a boardroom arrangement for a meeting or round tables for a wedding breakfast.
In-House Catering
Unlike many venues that require you to source external caterers, Bolton Masonic Hall has its own on-site kitchen and in-house catering team. This means your food is prepared fresh on the premises, and you’re dealing with one team rather than coordinating between a venue and a separate catering company.
We offer a range of menu options – from hot and cold buffets to formal three-course meals – and we’re happy to accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options. You can explore our current offerings on our catering page.
Fully Licensed Bar
The venue holds a full premises licence, so there’s no need to arrange temporary event notices or bring in outside bar staff. Our bar team can serve drinks throughout your event, and we can discuss options like welcome drinks, toast packages, or a free bar if that suits your occasion.
Accessibility
The building was originally built in 1887 and underwent a significant refurbishment in 2020. As part of that work, lift access to all floors was incorporated, meaning guests with mobility difficulties can reach every room in the building. This is something worth checking with any venue – many older buildings in Bolton simply don’t have this provision.
Location and Parking
Bolton Masonic Hall sits in central Bolton, just a 10-minute walk from Bolton train station. For guests driving, there are several pay-and-display car parks nearby, and on-street parking is often available in the evenings and at weekends. The central location also means taxis are readily available at the end of the night – a practical consideration that’s easy to overlook when choosing a venue.
Your Own Event Coordinator
When you book, you’ll have a point of contact within our Events Team who can help you plan the details. Whether you need advice on room configurations, timings, or menu choices, they’re there to make sure the day runs smoothly. We’ve hosted everything from wedding receptions and birthday parties to corporate conferences and charity dinners, so the team has seen most scenarios before.
What’s Not Included
In the interest of being upfront: decoration, entertainment (DJs, bands, photographers), and any specialist equipment beyond our standard setup are your responsibility to arrange. We’re happy to recommend local suppliers if you need a steer, and we’ll make sure any suppliers you book have access to the venue for setup.
Getting a Quote
Every event is different, so rather than publishing a one-size-fits-all price list, we prefer to put together a tailored quote based on your specific requirements. The best way to get started is to get in touch – you can fill in the enquiry form online or call us on 01204 525711. We’re always happy to arrange a viewing so you can see the rooms for yourself before committing.
Planning an event should be exciting, not stressful. Knowing exactly what’s included from the outset makes the whole process that much easier.
