Looking to host an event?

Welcome to The Waiting Room

Our intimate private hire space at The Gallery. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, work socials, cocktail masterclasses, hen parties, family gatherings or just a good time with your favourite people.

With space for up to 30 guests, The Waiting Room is a cosy, atmospheric room designed for relaxed drinking, conversation and enjoying great cocktails together.

What we offer

Exclusive Venue Hire

Enjoy the full and exclusive use of The Gallery, perfectly suited for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and a variety of other special occasions in style.

Food Options

From beautifully arranged grazing boards and carefully crafted sharing platters to a variety of light bites, we offer the perfect selection of food to complement and enhance your drinks.

Ideal for Birthdays, Parties & Celebrations

From intimate celebrations to lively gatherings, The Waiting Room is one of Ipswich’s most unique private event spaces. If you’re searching for:

Birthday venue Ipswich
Private hire Ipswich
Cocktail workshop Ipswich

You’ve just found it.

Right on the waterfront. Central. Easy. Personal.

Cocktails & Drinks Packages

Choose from our expertly curated cocktail menu or let us help you create something bespoke and unique for your guests. Whether you prefer pre-arranged cocktail selections, elegant welcome drinks, or personalized bottle service, we tailor every detail to perfectly suit your group’s tastes and occasion.

Personalised Experience

Our dedicated team can expertly assist with every detail, from selecting the perfect music and creating stunning décor to designing bespoke drinks menus, all carefully tailored to bring your unique vision to life.

Corporate Packages

Effortless networking evenings, engaging team building sessions, and seamless client entertaining experiences designed to impress.

Cocktail Masterclasses (Available Any Day, Any Time)

Looking for something interactive, memorable and genuinely fun?

Our cocktail masterclasses are led by our experienced bartenders — ideal for:

Birthdays
Hen parties
Team-building
Hospitality students or staff socials

You’ll shake, stir, sip and learn the stories behind the drinks — no prior experience needed.
Available 7 days a week, day or evening.

FAQs

We keep our minimum spend low and affordable, depending on the date and time of your event. We can either offer a flat hire fee or provide the option of a minimum spend, depending on your preference. Our rates are extremely competitive, ensuring you receive great value for your booking.
Of course, we have plenty of space available for you to proudly put up your own decorations and string lights, creating the perfect personalized atmosphere for your event.
Yes, of course. Please send us the details of the cocktail you would like, and we will do our best to tweak it if necessary to perfectly serve your guests.
We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for weekends or peak seasons.
A deposit is required to secure your date, which will be deducted from your final balance. Your deposit can go towards any pre-orders also.
Outside food or drink is not permitted, except for celebration cakes with prior approval.
Yes — you can set up a prepaid tab or have guests pay individually on the night.

he Waiting Room is located within The Gallery Ipswich, overlooking the beautiful waterfront. You’ll find it through our main entrance on Wherry Lane, next to Isaacs on the Quay and The Gallery
he Waiting Room is The Gallery Ipswich’s private event space, perfect for celebrations, meetings, masterclasses, and exclusive gatherings. It offers a stylish setting with table service and bespoke drinks
We host birthdays, engagement parties, corporate events, cocktail workshops, private tastings, and more. The space can be tailored to suit both casual get-togethers and formal occasions.
You can enquire via email at gallerybar@isaaclord.org or by messaging us on our social media pages. A member of our team will confirm availability and discuss your event details.
Absolutely! We offer a range of sharing boards and small plates. Let us know if there is a custom platter you want us to make.
Yes of course, you will need to send us your spotify playlist and we will add it to our Sonas speakers.
Cancellations made 14 days or more before the event will receive a full refund of the deposit. After this period, deposits may be non-refundable.