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Astro City Southend
Children's Birthday Parties - FAQs
PARTY QUESTIONS
HEALTH and SAFETY
RESTRICTED ITEMS
PAYMENT
PARKING
OTHER FAQs
LOST PROPERTY
CANCELLATIONS
NO RUNNING
Due to the risk of collision and injury, Astro City has a no running policy.
POOL TABLES
Parents must supervise children at all times whilst they are playing pool.
Things that make a mess - Popcorn, party poppers confetti and grated cheese on sandwhiches.
Things that give off smoke - These are items that can set off our fire alarms such as matches and sparklers. Any number of candles are fine, but must be lit with a cigarette lighter.
CAN I PAY A DEPOSIT?
Yes, to secure the booking, we need at least a £50 deposit and the balance paid on the day of the party. Or we can take the full amount in one payment if you prefer.
HOW DO I PAY?
The easiest way to pay is by card over the phone. We accept all major credit cards.
Payment can also be made by BACS transfer, cheque or Paypal. Please let us know if you wish to use any of these methods.
WHERE'S THE BEST PLACE TO PARK?
Victoria Plaza shopping center is the cheapest parking in Southend and it's right next to Astro City. Please note, after Victoria Plaza closes, you can still access the center and your car via the New Look entrance up to 10pm.
CAN ANYONE HAVE A PARTY AT ASTRO CITY?
Yes, childrens parties are for older "children" as well. The oldest person to have a birthday party in Astro City is granddad Dave, who celebrated his 70th! We've also held Christmas parties, Football parties and Family parties.
Due to limited storage space, items of lost property will only be kept for 1 month. So please be sure to claim your lost items as soon as possible.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
In line with other party providers, if a party is cancelled with longer that 1 month to the party, a full refund will be given. If a party is cancelled within 1 month of the party, the first £50 will be paid in the form of a credit note and all other monies held (if any) will be paid back in full. If a party is cancelled within 1 week of the party, as we will have little chance of filling the slot, the deposit will be forfitted completely.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD?
It's completely fine if you want to bring in outside food of any kind. This includes, Pizza delivery, McDonald's takeaway or your own selection of party food and a birthday cake. You can also bring a slow cooker for hot dogs etc. Whichever you decide, we're happy to set up a table for you!
*As a special request, could we please ask that no popcorn, party poppers or confetti be brought to birthday parties, thanks.
CAN I ORDER FOOD AT THE PARTY?
No, we nolonger supply pizzas. However, you are able to order your own.
Snacks and drinks are available at the snack bar.
FOOD
DISABLED ACCESS
There is no disabled access to Astro City and no lift. However, our staff will do their best to help anyone with prams or wheelchairs up the stairs. Please ask if you require assistance.
WHAT'S THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CHILDREN?
You can have up to 30 children plus any number of parents. Both children and parents can play the games for free.
WHICH CHILDREN ARE COUNTED?
All the children at the party are counted. This includes siblings, invited and uninvited children. The only exceptions are children aged 3 and under who are free.
WHAT IF I'M EXPECTING MORE THAN THE MAXIMUM CHILDREN?
Additional children are £7.00 each.
ARE OUR CHILDREN TOO OLD / TOO YOUNG?
Our parties are suitable for children from 4 years old - no upper limit! (Please see reviews)
WHAT'S THE DURATION OF THE PARTIES?
Our standard parties are 2 hours long.
WHAT'S ON FREE PLAY?
All machines are set to free play, except machines that pay out money or prizes.
Please click here for full list.
WILL WE GET EXCLUSIVE USE?
Yes, Astro City parties are private parties and closed to the public. For piece of mind, we have a doorman by a security gate who will only allow party guests to enter and turn away anyone who is uninvited. What's more, he will not allow children to play on the stairs or leave without permission.
*Please note. From time to time, we may show prospective customers around the arcade during parties.
These will be strictly viewings only, and no playing will take place.
WHAT TIME CAN WE ARRIVE?
Guests may arrive up to 15 minutes before the party starts to set up food and make preparations.
IS THERE A SNACK BAR?
Yes, it sells teas, coffees, soft drinks, chocolate bars, crisps and ices. Please ask about setting up a bar tab.
DO YOU SELL CHILDREN'S PARTY BAGS?
No, sweet cones and party bags have been discontinued.
DO PARTIES TAKE PLACE IN A SECURE ENVIRONMENT?
Yes, our doorman will ensure children do not play on the stairs, or leave the party without permission. As an extra measure, there's an tall safety gate in place which must be opened by the doorman to allow guests to come and go. The safety gate will be monitored at all times.