Planning a group after-party in Gion takes more than finding somewhere your numbers will fit. The walk from dinner, the numbers moving up and down, the bill and the facilities all need thinking about.
So that the organiser is not scrambling on the night, here is the order in which to choose a private or group venue, and what to confirm when booking.
Hold the numbers as a range
Attendance at an after-party moves more than at the dinner, so work with a minimum and a maximum rather than a fixed figure. Note too that the seating capacity and the number who can actually play are not always the same.
Decide separately whether you need the whole venue, or whether one private room or booth will do. Around ten people suits a large private room; beyond that, ask about several booths or taking a floor.
Make the move from dinner easy
With a large group, even a few minutes' walk can split people up. A venue within walking distance of the restaurant, with an entrance that is easy to spot, is much simpler to lead everyone to.
The organiser should share the map, the venue name, the booking name and the start time in advance. For a basement or a venue inside a building, give the building name and the floor as well.
Choose facilities everyone can join
An activity-based after-party lifts the mood, but a single game will not suit everyone. A venue with several ways to spend the time, golf, darts, karaoke, a bar, lets each guest pick what suits them.
If you are playing a game, check that those waiting have somewhere to sit and a table where drinks can be set down safely. If you want to use your own video or audio, raise it in advance.
Settle the plan and the bill
For a group, a fixed per-person plan with free-flow drinks makes collecting money straightforward. Do check the price for anyone not drinking, or joining partway through.
Confirm whether tax, service charge, extensions and additional orders are included in the displayed price, and tell your guests the budget. If receipts are needed, ask about the name on them and whether they can be split.
Confirm the change and cancellation terms
Private hire and group bookings often carry different cancellation terms from an ordinary reservation. Check by when the numbers can change and whether there is a minimum spend.
On the night, the dinner may well overrun. Keep a contact number for late arrivals, and make sure someone besides the organiser has the venue details.
- The deadline for confirming final numbers
- Cancellation charges
- The session length if you arrive late
- Whether an extension is possible, and its cost
Private rooms and group bookings in Gion
Gion Country Club has Booth A for up to five, Booth B for up to seven, and a fully private VIP room for up to ten. An after-party can combine golf, the bar, darts and karaoke.
We also take enquiries about private hire and group use across several booths. Send us your preferred date and time, the range of numbers, the occasion and the facilities you need, through the contact form or by phone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enquire before the numbers are final?
Yes. Give a minimum and maximum estimate and we can discuss which booths and plans are workable.
Can you take a group of more than ten?
Please ask about several booths or private hire. What we can offer depends on the date, the time and the numbers.
Is it fine if some guests do not play golf?
At a venue with a bar, darts and karaoke as well, each guest can choose how to spend the evening.
