FAQ
When can I hire the Hall?
The Hall can be hired on any day (apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day) starting at any time from 10am to 6pm. All events must finish by 12am at the latest. The minimum hire period is 3 hours.
When can I get access to the Hall?
You can gain access to the Hall at any time from 9am (or earlier by arrangement) if you wish to drop anything off. Please note that we will be preparing and cleaning the Hall prior to your event and therefore we will ask you to keep access prior to your event to a minimum number of people.
Is there vehicular access to the Hall?
Unfortunately vehicles cannot approach the Hall directly, or park or drop off close to the Hall. The easiest access is from Swinegate / Grape Lane where you can park before 11am and after 4pm from Monday to Friday, before 10.30am and after 4.30pm on Saturday, and before 12pm and after 4pm on Sunday. Map
Where is Barley Hall?
Barley Hall is located down Coffee Yard, which runs between Grape Lane / Swinegate and Stonegate. There is no direct vehicular access to the Hall, although cars can drop off on Grape Lane / Swinegate. The nearest car parks, which are about a ten-minute walk, are at Stonebow, on Piccadilly and off Bootham.
What are the minimum and maximum numbers of people I can invite to my celebration?
There is no minimum number of people that you can invite; however, no reductions can be made to the hire charge for small parties. We can cater for up to 50 people in the Great Hall and 30 in the Parlour for ceremonies, canapé receptions and buffets. We can accommodate up to 40 people in the Great Hall and 20 people in the Parlour for seated receptions.
Is there disabled access to the Hall?
Barley Hall is a reconstructed medieval townhouse and as such has some restrictions for those guests with mobility and access difficulties.
Although there is access to the ground floor, the Great Hall features a raised threshold at the doorway. The first floor, on which the Parlour and Gallery are located, is accessed via a staircase, which some guests may find a little steep. It is advisable that small children are looked after when using this staircase. Unfortunately there is no lift to the first floor.
We will be very pleased to discuss your access requirements at any time, and recommend that you visit the Hall early on in your planning stages if you have any concerns of this nature.
What toilet facilities and baby changing areas do you have?
Barley Hall has one male and one female toilet. Unfortunately the Hall does not offer separate toilets for disabled guests or permanent baby changing facilities at this time. If you require baby-changing facilities for your guests please discuss your requirements with us.
Can you accommodate evening parties?
We have limited space for evening parties, and do not host discos at the Hall. You are very welcome, however, to hold your reception during the evening accompanied by the live music. However we do reserve the right to refuse certain types of live music at the Hall due to the fact that it is situated in a residential area. Please let us know if you are considering live music at your event. Please also note that we have an additional charge of £100 per hour for hire periods over 6 hours.