Theatre Bar

    About

    Our Theatre Bar is situated on the first floor of the Tobacco Factory Building, where Tobacco Factory Theatres is based.

    You’ll find further information below and on the other tabs on this page.

    Our Theatre Bar is currently available for hire as a function or workshop space, with appropriate distancing. Overlooking the iconic North Street, the space is light and airy and perfect for talks, creative gatherings, arts classes and more – even in these distanced circumstances.

    We believe the Theatre Bar’s dimensions allow for suitable distancing of up to 24 participants. This number should be used as a guide – we are happy to provide detailed dimensions on enquiry in order that you might think carefully about your project and whether this number should be fewer or could be increased, and talk to us about how you see this working.

    There is a sanitising station upon entry to the space, and one within the space. Handwashing facilities are available in the Tobacco Factory’s public toilets.

    We can currently offer hot and cold water and private fridge use for all spaces, but we are unable to offer tea or coffee or other refreshments. We can offer catering from external contacts at an additional cost.

    We are currently taking bookings in the Theatre Bar for a minimum of a half-day hire (four hours).

    The room features:

    • Tables and chairs (optional)
    • A small stage
    • Sofas
    • Bar (staff will be included in your hire)
    • A sound system which can play from phones or other devices. There is also CD player.

    What has the space been used for previously?

    • Birthday parties
    • Weddings
    • Christenings
    • Corporate conferences
    • Book launches
    • A gallery

    “We hired the Theatre Bar for my parents’ surprise Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Rusti and Katy were exceptionally helpful in planning for the event, and were very flexible and accommodating with all our requests. On the night itself the bar staff were brilliant. They helped us set up and clear up and were so lovely to have around for the party. Really couldn’t recommend it more highly. Thank you!” Becci Grant

    For availability and rates, to discuss your individual requirements or to arrange a visit of the space, please email theatre@tobaccofactorytheatres.com or call 0117 902 0345.

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    Covid-19 FAQs

    How are you ensuring that your spaces at Tobacco Factory Theatres still offer a great platform for any hiree?

    We are proud to offer four unique spaces here at Tobacco Factory Theatres and have thought carefully about our Covid-19 safety measures in order that they do not detract from the individuality of each space. We will, of course, be following government guidelines, but we will try to be as flexible as always to provide the facilities that your hire requires.

    Our recommended capacities, building routes and sanitising procedures have been designed to allow hirers peace of mind and the headspace to focus on the creative purpose of their hire.

    Will I feel safe hiring your space?

    Each one of our hire spaces will be thoroughly cleaned before and after any hire. Every space also has its own sanitising station, with hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes available upon both entry and exit into and out of the spaces. Both theatre spaces have their own toilets and handwashing facilities, and the public toilets on the theatre floor are easily accessible from two routes around the building. Whoever is responsible for your hire will be collecting contact tracing data, which will also be securely stored by Tobacco Factory Theatres for the requisite 21 days. We will be asking staff and visitors to wear face coverings whilst moving around the building, ensuring that they follow one-way systems and practicing social distancing of 2m.

    If you have any worries, or would like further information, including our Covid-19 Hires Policy and Covid-specific Risk Assessment, please contact our Theatre Administrator (see below).

    What protection measures will I be personally responsible for?

    Once you have booked a hire, we will send you our Covid-19 Hires Policy, which explains which Covid-19 safety measures you will be responsible for once you are in the Tobacco Factory Theatres building. We will be following strict protection measures ourselves as Tobacco Factory Theatres staff, most of which we expect hirees to follow too, but we know that the nature of some hires means that certain measures are less practical. If you have particular concerns, please do get in touch with our Theatre Administrator (see below) for further information.

    Will I have to wear a face covering if I hire a space with you?

    The government has stated that as of Sat 08 August 2020 it is mandatory to wear a face covering in theatres. We will therefore be asking staff and visitors to wear a face covering whilst moving around the theatre building. We understand, however, that the nature of some hires means that wearing a face covering may not be conducive to creative working whilst in the hired spaces. We need to ensure that everybody in our spaces is as safe as possible, but we are keen to be understanding and flexible where sensible, which we have taken into account in our Covid-19 Hires Policy. Please get in touch with our Theatre Administrator (see below) for further information.

    What if one of my hire participants thinks they have symptoms of Covid-19?

    We have a procedure in place if anybody in one of our hires feels unwell which is detailed in our Covid-19 Hires Policy. Please get in touch with our Theatre Administrator (see below) for further information.

    Have your hire prices changed because of Covid-19?

    It has been necessary to adapt a few things as a result of Covid-19, one of which is our hire prices. Due to cleaning costs and the capacity of our small team, we have decided to establish a minimum hire length of half a day (four hours) for each of our spaces. We will also be adding a cleaning fee to every booking, which will cover the cost of a thorough clean before and after the length of a hire. We have made these adaptations to ensure that we still remain an attractive and competitive venue, whilst allowing our hirees to be safe in the knowledge that their space will be as clean and safe as possible.

    Prices will continue to vary depending on the nature and detail of each hire. Please get in touch with our Theatre Administrator (see below) for further information.

    Has your refund policy changed to adapt to the circumstances?

    We understand that the current circumstances are challenging and unpredictable for everyone. Should Covid-19 affect your hire booking, we will endeavour to be as flexible as possible, and we would be grateful if our hirees would do the same in return. As always, we would prefer to reschedule events wherever possible and will do our best to offer alternative dates.

    Please get in touch with our Theatre Administrator at theatre@tobaccofactorytheatres.com with any  enquiries.