Bistro Live FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
We know it can be a bit daunting to organise an event for everyone - we also know that you will have some questions! We have put together a few of the questions we are asked all the time - just to help you out!
Booking and Payment
How Do We Pay for An Event at Bistro Live?
Bistro Live is a pre-booked and pre-paid venue. Usually, there are 2 stages to this:
1) Deposit - this is £15.00 per person for events throughout the year, and £20 in our Christmas Period. This is usually paid at time of booking, or within 48 hours if you've reserved your spaces
2) Balance and Pre-Order - this is paid 2 weeks prior to the date of your party (1st November for Xmas parties).
What Are Your Office Hours?
Our booking office hours are Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 12 midday to 5pm.
Can We Pay on The Door?
We ask all of our customers to pay in advance. This way, we know exactly how many people are booked in, and can cater accordingly.
How Do I Make Payment for My Booking?
Payment can be made in several ways:-
- By far the easiest option is for you to book and pay online. Our unique system means that you can pay for your own place only, then you can share your unique payment link to all your guests so they can pay for themselves. How cool is that...?
- By calling 0116 262 1212 and paying by card: MasterCard, Visa
- In person by good old-fashioned cash
Dress Code
What is the dress code at Bistro Live?
Our dress code is smart casual. No 'sportswear' and nothing 'scruffy'.
Can we wear fancy dress?
ABSOLUTELY!
Opening / Closing Times
What Time Do You Open?
We open our doors at 7.00pm, and ask everyone to arrive by no later than 7.15pm.
What Time Do You Finish?
Our normal closing times are 1.00am on Fridays and Saturdays. At Christmas, we open until 12.30am Sunday to Wednesday, and until 1.00am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
What Time are Last Orders?
Last orders are just before we close.
What Time Should We Book A Taxi For?
Taxis should be booked for approximately 10-15 minutes after the end of your event, giving you time to finish your drinks.
What Happens If People Arrive Late?
If members of your party arrive late, it may be that they miss part of the meal. If you're likely to be late we recommend pre-ordering your food beforehand.
Can People Join Us After the Meal, If They Don't Want to Eat?
This can be done by prior arrangement only. It is a £10 admission fee per person, which has to be booked in advance, and allows entrance after 10:00pm.
Do We Need Tickets To Get In?
No. Simply quote the name of the Organiser of your party, or the Company name when you arrive.
Pre-Ordering
Do We Have to Order Our Food in Advance?
No - all of our food is freshly cooked to order on the premises, so there is no need to get everyone in your party to order it in advance, unless you have a dietary requirement.
Do We Have To Pre-Order Drinks in Advance?
We prefer it if all parties pre-order their first round of drinks in advance. At the start of the event, as you can imagine, there is an enormous pressure on the bar with lots of people arriving at once. Pre-ordering means that you will not have to wait - your drinks will be on the table waiting for you, so, you can have a drink straight away. Psst, don't forget to check out our drinks offers...
When Do We Have To Pay For Our Pre-Ordered Drinks?
You can pay for your pre-ordered drinks before the night, or we can add it to you tab and you can settle the payment at the end of your night
Seating Arrangements
Do you have disabled access?
In Leicester and Milton Keynes we DO. Our Nottingham venue is a listed building, with 16 steps to the main floor, so we DO NOT have disabled access to our Nottingham venue.
Will We All Be Seated Together?
YES. All parties will be seated together.
Will We Be On One Table?
In an ideal world, yes, but in reality, this depends on such factors as the size of your party, and of other parties booked in on the same night as you. We will always try to accommodate your wishes; just give us a call so that we can talk through your requirements.
Can I Decorate My Table?
We have an option that you can get your table decorated from just a few pounds per person. However, if you would like to bring your own decorations, then please feel free to do so. All we ask is that this is done before your event, when we are setting up the restaurant - we can even blow up any balloons for you with helium for you (NB there is a charge for this).
Food Questions
What Type of Food Do You Offer?
Why not have a look at our OUR MENU section on our website for a selection of the food that we offer.
Do You Offer Vegetarian / Vegan / Gluten Free Options?
YES. We will also cater for people with other dietary requirements. Our experienced team of chefs will work with you to tailor our dishes to suit you and your dietary requirements. HOWEVER, this can only be done with sufficient prior notice.
Entertainment
What Type of Music Do You Play?
Most of our DJ’s and bands play a variety of music that caters for all tastes, and all age ranges... You could even try our Music Bingo night?
How Long Do The Bands Play For?
The band usually plays two sets: an 'acoustic set' of 20 minutes or so during your meal - just a few 'quieter' songs to get your 'toes tapping'; and then a party set for approximately 45 minutes later on in the evening...
What Happens After the Band?
We have a DJ, who plays 'party' music until the end of the night…
Can I Bring a Stripper to my Hen Party?
No alternative entertainment to that booked by Bistro Live is NOT permitted at the venue, as this may cause offence to other customers.
Do You Have Strobe Lights?
Our venues don't use strobe lighting, but we have some lights that have a 'strobe effect', it is probably best to check in advance if you are affected by this.
Age Questions
Can Under 18's Come In?
NO. Our policy is for over 18's only.
Under 25? If you are lucky enough to look under 25 you will be asked to provide a valid proof of ID. If you cannot provide this, you will not be able to drink alcohol, and may be asked to leave.
I'm 55 - is Bistro Live Too 'Young' For Me?
Absolutely not!!
We cater for people of all ages - we recently had a 75th birthday party here!