The Amadeus is a dry-hire venue in Little Venice, West London, for seminars, workshops, rehearsals, parties and wedding receptions of up to 200 guests. It occupies a former Welsh Presbyterian chapel at 50 Shirland Road, and its two halls can be hired together or separately for a day or an evening.
Seminars and company events
The venue offers exclusive day hire for corporate events, workshops, seminars, courses, training days, auditions and rehearsals. The Upper Hall suits rehearsals of up to 35 players, and the site lists free Wi-Fi, 130 chairs, 20 music stands, 3 round tables and 10 long tables. Both halls have an in-house PA system. A projector and flip charts are available on request. As a dry-hire space, the venue leaves layout, catering and styling to the organizer, who brings in chosen suppliers.
Weddings and receptions
The Amadeus has hosted receptions for around 30 years. Hire includes exclusive use of both halls, a fully fitted kitchen, in-house lighting, cloakroom facilities and two duty managers on the night. There is no corkage fee, so couples may bring their own alcohol. The latest finish is 2 am; music stops 30 minutes before closing and the bar closes one hour before. The building is not licensed for civil ceremonies, so a celebrant must conduct the ceremony. A sound system with a DJ booth is included.
Rooms and capacities
The Upper Hall has tall windows with stained-glass borders, a wood-panelled balcony, the original pipe organ and a Yamaha C7 grand piano. It holds up to 160 seated and 180 to 200 for a standing reception. The Lower Hall has a brick vaulted ceiling, columns and a hardwood floor, with an upright Kawai piano; it holds up to 100 guests and works for a drinks reception, a class or a smaller event. Wheelchair access to the Upper Hall is via Braden Street with a temporary ramp, and an accessible toilet opens off the hall.
Accommodation
There are no bedrooms on site. Guests can find hotels in Maida Vale, Paddington and the surrounding area.
Catering
The Amadeus works from a list of recommended caterers who know the building. Clients may bring another caterer for an additional fee. Food must come from a registered kitchen. Suppliers for lighting and other services are also listed on the site.
History and setting
The building is a former Welsh Presbyterian chapel renovated in 1989, with its stained-glass windows, wood-panelled balcony and organ kept. The Amadeus manages it on behalf of Subud Britain, who use it for regular worship. It sits in Little Venice, a short walk from the canal area of Maida Vale.
Getting there
Warwick Avenue station is about a 6-minute walk. Maida Vale is 12 minutes on foot, Royal Oak 13 minutes, and Paddington station about 15 minutes. Street parking is free at weekends and paid up to four hours on weekdays, and a paid car park is a 10-minute walk away. The venue is within the ULEZ.
