House party bar hire brings a fully equipped mobile bar and professional bartenders to your home — turning a living room, kitchen or back garden into a proper cocktail bar for the evening.
The Sesh Bars has delivered mobile bar hire to house parties across London since 2018. Every house party package includes the bar unit, licensed bartenders, glassware, ice, garnishes and complete setup and breakdown — no host involvement needed.
House party bar hire is a mobile bar service delivered to a private home for an event. The bar hire company brings everything needed to serve drinks professionally in a domestic setting — compact bar unit, bartenders, glassware, ice and a tailored drinks menu.
House parties are the fastest-growing segment of mobile bar hire in London. Hosts want the atmosphere of a cocktail bar without the venue hire cost, minimum spend or corkage fees that come with a commercial space.
Every house party package includes:
House party bar hire in London starts from £350 for dry hire and £500+ for full-service packages.
| Package | Price Range | Guests | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry hire | £350–£550 | 10–40 | You supply drinks. Cheapest option — save 30–40%. |
| Cash bar | From £500 | 20–60 | Guests buy their own drinks at the bar. |
| Open bar (per head) | £15–£25 | 15–40 | All drinks included. No cash needed on the night. |
| Cocktail masterclass + bar | From £600 | 8–20 | Interactive cocktail making then drinks service. |
See all mobile bar hire packages and pricing. For a full cost breakdown by event type, read how much mobile bar hire costs in London.
A mobile bar fits in most London homes. The most common setups are:
Not sure if your space works? Send us a photo with your free quote request and we'll confirm the best layout.
House party cocktail menus lean towards crowd-pleasing favourites that are quick to serve:
View our full event cocktail menu for the complete range. Every booking includes a free menu consultation.
Hiring a mobile bar for a house party costs significantly less than hiring a venue:
For a full comparison, read mobile bar vs venue bar: the complete cost comparison.
Call 020 8087 4269 or WhatsApp 0790 175 1337.
Planning a specific type of party? See our guides for birthday party bar hire, engagement party bar hire, Christmas party bar hire and garden party bar hire. For private event bar hire at non-home venues, see our dedicated page.
Engagement party bar hire brings a professional mobile bar, trained bartenders and a tailored drinks menu to your celebration — whether it's a surprise reveal at home, a rooftop gathering or a marquee in the garden.
The Sesh Bars has provided mobile bar hire for engagement parties across all 32 London boroughs since 2018. Every engagement party package includes the bar unit, licensed bartenders, glassware, ice, garnishes and full setup and breakdown.
Engagement party bar hire is a mobile bar service set up at a private venue for a couple's engagement celebration. The provider supplies everything needed to serve drinks professionally — bar unit, bartenders, glassware, ice and a curated drinks menu.
Most engagement parties in London are held at the couple's home, a hired venue or a family member's garden. A mobile bar works at all three because it is fully portable, self-contained and requires no existing bar infrastructure.
Every engagement party package from The Sesh Bars includes:
Engagement party bar hire in London costs between £350 and £1,500 depending on service type and guest count.
| Package | Price Range | Guests | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry hire | £350–£600 | 15–50 | Bar, staff, glassware, ice. You supply drinks. |
| Cash bar | From £500 | 30–80 | Full setup. Guests buy their own drinks. |
| Open bar | £15–£30 per head | 20–60 | All drinks included. Simplest option for hosts. |
| Prosecco & cocktail package | From £800 | 20–50 | Champagne tower or prosecco wall + 2 signature cocktails. |
See full mobile bar hire packages and pricing for all options. For budget-conscious celebrations, read our dry hire guide — supplying your own drinks saves 30–40%.
The most requested drinks at London engagement parties are:
View our full event cocktail menu for the complete range.
A mobile bar works at any venue. The most popular engagement party venues in London include:
Not sure if your venue works? Get in touch — we've set up at over 900 London venues since 2018.
Booking engagement party bar hire takes 3 steps:
Call 020 8087 4269 or WhatsApp 0790 175 1337 for an immediate response.
Planning the full wedding journey? See our wedding bar hire London guide for reception packages. For other celebration types, see birthday party bar hire, Christmas party bar hire and private event bar hire.
For cost planning, read how much mobile bar hire costs in London.
Garden party bar hire brings a fully equipped mobile bar, professional bartenders and a tailored drinks menu to any outdoor space in London — from Clapham back gardens to Richmond park marquees.
A garden party mobile bar includes weather protection, portable power, outdoor-suitable glassware and bartenders experienced in serving al fresco events. The Sesh Bars has provided outdoor bar service at 900+ events across all 32 London boroughs since 2018, including garden parties from 15 to 200 guests.
Garden party bar hire is a mobile bar service set up in an outdoor or garden space for a private event. The bar hire company supplies the bar unit, bartenders, glassware, ice, drinks and all equipment — configured specifically for outdoor use.
Unlike indoor bar hire, garden party setups require weather-ready equipment, portable power solutions, and positioning that accounts for sun exposure, wind and guest flow. Professional providers handle these logistics as standard.
Every garden party package from The Sesh Bars includes:
Garden party bar hire in London starts from £350 for dry hire and £500+ for full-service packages including drinks.
| Package | Price Range | Guests | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry hire | £350–£600 | 15–60 | Budget-friendly. You supply drinks, we supply everything else. |
| Cash bar | From £500 | 30–100 | Guests buy their own drinks. No upfront drinks cost for host. |
| Open bar (per head) | £15–£30 | 20–80 | All drinks included. Simplest option for the host. |
| Cocktail masterclass + bar | From £800 | 10–30 | Interactive cocktail making followed by drinks service. |
See all mobile bar hire packages and pricing for a full comparison. Planning a garden wedding? See our dedicated wedding bar hire London page.
Garden party drinks menus favour refreshing, light serves. The most requested garden party cocktails in London are:
Every garden party booking includes a consultation to build a drinks menu suited to the occasion, season and guest preferences. View the full event cocktail menu for all options.
Space requirements: A standard mobile bar needs a flat area of approximately 3m x 1.5m. Allow 1–2m in front of the bar for guests to queue and be served.
Power: Most outdoor bar equipment runs on battery or portable power. If mains electricity is available within 20m, an extension lead is used for refrigeration. Generator hire is available for remote locations.
Weather: The Sesh Bars provides covered bar setups as standard for outdoor events. A gazebo or marquee over the bar protects equipment and drinks from rain and direct sun. Side panels are available for windy conditions.
Access: The bar unit and equipment arrive by van. Confirm vehicle access to the garden or outdoor space — including gate widths, parking distance and any stairs or steps.
Neighbours: For residential garden parties, noise-considerate service is standard. Quiet equipment, controlled music levels and a service wind-down period are included. Learn more about private event bar hire for home parties.
Three bar styles suit outdoor garden settings:
Rustic/vintage bar — wooden construction, natural finish. Suits country gardens, period properties and informal gatherings. The most popular choice for summer garden parties.
White bar — clean, modern finish. Suits formal garden events, engagement parties and marquee receptions. Pairs well with white tablecloths and structured décor.
LED bar — colour-changing illuminated bar. Suits evening garden parties, milestone birthdays and late-summer events. Creates a focal point as daylight fades.
The Sesh Bars covers garden party bar hire across all London boroughs:
South London — Clapham, Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Wimbledon, Richmond, Greenwich. Large Victorian gardens and parks make South London the most popular area for garden party bookings.
West London — Chiswick, Ealing, Fulham, Barnes, Kew. Riverside gardens and period properties with generous outdoor space.
North London — Hampstead, Highgate, Muswell Hill, Crouch End. Hillside gardens with views and established greenery.
East London — Victoria Park, Hackney, Walthamstow. Courtyard gardens, community spaces and rooftop terraces.
Central London — Roof terraces, courtyard gardens and private squares. Compact spaces with premium positioning.
Travel within the M25 is included in all garden party bar hire packages. For venues outside London, Berkshire mobile bar hire covers the surrounding counties.
London garden party season runs from May to September, with peak demand in June, July and August. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for summer weekends. Last-minute bookings are sometimes available midweek.
September and early October garden parties are increasingly popular in London as warm autumns extend the outdoor season. Heaters and blankets can be added to extend comfortable outdoor service into the evening.
What happens if it rains at my garden party?
The bar operates under a covered setup as standard. For full garden party weather protection, a marquee or large gazebo over the guest area is recommended. The bar service continues regardless of weather conditions.
Can you set up on grass?
Yes. The bar unit is designed for uneven and soft surfaces. Levelling feet and ground protection mats are used on grass to create a stable, professional setup.
How early do you need to arrive?
Setup takes 60–90 minutes. For a garden party starting at 2pm, the team arrives at 12:00–12:30. Access to the garden or outdoor space is needed from that time.
Do I need a licence for a garden party with a bar?
No. The Sesh Bars holds a personal licence and public liability insurance that covers alcohol service at private events. No separate licence is needed from the host or venue.
Planning a different type of outdoor event? See our dedicated guides for birthday party bar hire, Christmas party bar hire and festival bar hire in London. For corporate outdoor events, see corporate event bar hire. All packages include the same professional outdoor setup described above.
Request a free garden party bar hire quote or call 020 8087 4269. WhatsApp is also available on 0790 175 1337.
Booking a mobile bar for the first time raises questions that most hosts have never considered. The difference between a successful event and a stressful one often comes down to what was agreed before the booking was confirmed.
This checklist covers the 15 questions every London event host should ask a mobile bar hire company before signing a contract. Each question includes what to look for in the answer and red flags that indicate a less professional provider.
1. Do you hold a personal licence to serve alcohol?
Every mobile bar serving alcohol at a venue without a premises licence must have a personal licence holder on site. This is a legal requirement under the Licensing Act 2003. Ask to see the licence number. A professional company will provide this without hesitation.
Red flag: Any answer that avoids the question or suggests the venue’s licence covers them. If the venue is a dry hire space, the mobile bar must bring their own licence.
2. Do you carry public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance covers damage to the venue, injury to guests and any alcohol-related incidents. The minimum cover for London events is £5 million. Most professional providers carry £10 million.
Red flag: Insurance that doesn’t specifically cover alcohol service, or a provider who cannot produce a certificate on request.
3. Are your bartenders DBS-checked?
DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service) verify that bar staff have no criminal record. This matters particularly for wedding bar hire and events with children present. All bartenders from The Sesh Bars are DBS-checked and personally licensed.
4. What is included in the quoted price?
A clear quote should itemise: bar unit, number of bartenders, glassware, ice, garnishes, delivery, setup time, service hours, breakdown and removal. If drinks are included, the quote should specify brands and quantities.
Red flag: A single lump sum with no breakdown, or “extras” that only appear after booking. See transparent pricing from The Sesh Bars as an example of what a quote should include.
5. Are there any additional costs?
Ask specifically about: travel/delivery charges outside a certain radius, overtime rates, corkage or glass breakage fees, card payment processing fees and staff gratuity. Reputable London bar hire companies include travel within the M25 at no extra cost.
6. What is your cancellation and deposit policy?
Standard practice is a 25–50% deposit to secure the date, with the balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. Cancellation terms should be in writing, including what happens if the provider cancels.
7. Can you create a bespoke cocktail menu?
A professional mobile bar should offer a consultation to build a drinks menu around your preferences, theme and budget. This includes signature cocktails, welcome drinks and non-alcoholic options. View the event cocktail menu from The Sesh Bars as an example.
8. Do you offer non-alcoholic options?
Mocktails and alcohol-free drinks are standard at professional events. At minimum, a provider should offer 2–3 mocktail options alongside soft drinks, juices and sparkling water. Mocktail bar hire is also available as a standalone service.
9. What is the difference between open bar, cash bar and dry hire?
Open bar: all drinks included in the hire fee. Cash bar: guests buy their own drinks. Dry hire: you supply the drinks, the provider supplies everything else. A tab/hybrid bar pre-loads a spend that converts to cash when exhausted. Read the complete dry hire guide for more detail.
10. How many bartenders will you provide?
The industry standard is 1 bartender per 50–75 guests. For cocktail-heavy events, 1 per 40–50 is safer. Ask whether the quoted staff count is guaranteed or subject to change. Learn more about professional bartender hire in London.
11. What bar styles do you offer?
Options typically include white wooden bars (formal events), rustic/vintage bars (country houses, barns), LED bars (evening receptions, contemporary venues) and custom-branded bars (corporate events). Ask to see photos of each style at real events.
12. How long does setup and breakdown take?
Professional setup takes 60–90 minutes. Breakdown takes 30–60 minutes. Confirm that the provider handles everything — no venue staff or host involvement should be needed. Also confirm whether setup time counts toward the quoted service hours.
13. Have you worked at this venue before?
A provider experienced with your venue knows the access points, power supply locations and any restrictions. The Sesh Bars has served events at 20+ preferred London venues and covers all 32 boroughs. For events outside London, Berkshire mobile bar hire is also available.
14. What do you need from the venue?
Most mobile bars require: a flat surface for the bar unit, access to electricity (or a generator for outdoor events), water access within reasonable distance, and vehicle access for delivery. Confirm these with your venue before booking.
15. What is your backup plan?
For outdoor events: does the bar have weather protection? For staffing: what happens if a bartender is ill? For equipment: is there a backup if something breaks? A professional provider has contingencies for every scenario.
| Category | Question | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | Personal licence? | Licence number provided |
| Legal | Public liability? | £5m+ cover, certificate available |
| Legal | DBS checks? | All staff checked |
| Pricing | What’s included? | Itemised breakdown |
| Pricing | Hidden costs? | Travel, overtime, breakages addressed |
| Pricing | Cancellation? | Written policy, fair terms |
| Drinks | Bespoke menu? | Consultation offered |
| Drinks | Non-alcoholic? | 2–3 mocktail options minimum |
| Drinks | Service types? | Open, cash, dry, hybrid explained |
| Staffing | How many staff? | 1 per 50–75 guests guaranteed |
| Staffing | Bar styles? | Photos of real events |
| Setup | Setup time? | 60–90 min, fully handled |
| Venue | Venue experience? | Named venues served |
| Venue | Requirements? | Power, water, access specified |
| Venue | Backup plan? | Weather, staffing, equipment covered |
The Sesh Bars answers every question on this checklist as standard. Request a free quote or call 020 8087 4269 to discuss your event.
For detailed information about bar hire for specific event types, see our guides for birthday party bar hire, Christmas party bar hire, festival bar hire and garden party bar hire in London. Each guide covers event-specific questions, pricing and package options.
Mobile bar hire in London costs between £350 and £4,000 for most events. The final price depends on service type, guest count, hours of operation, bar style and drinks selection.
This guide breaks down every cost factor for mobile bar hire across London in 2026 — from dry hire at £350 to full-service wedding packages at £4,000+. All prices reflect current London market rates from The Sesh Bars, which has delivered 900+ events across all 32 London boroughs since 2018.
The three main service types for mobile bar hire in London are dry hire, cash bar and open bar. Each defines who pays for the drinks on the night, which is the single biggest factor in total cost.
| Service Type | Price Range | What’s Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry hire | £350–£800 | Bar unit, glassware, ice, bartenders, setup and breakdown. You supply the drinks. | Budget-conscious hosts who want to source their own alcohol |
| Cash bar | From £500 | Full bar setup and staff. Guests buy their own drinks at the bar. | Large events, casual parties, events where guests expect to pay |
| Open bar (flat fee) | £1,200–£4,000 | Bar setup, staff, and all drinks included. Guests drink freely. | Weddings, corporate events, premium private parties |
| Open bar (per head) | £15–£35 per person | Same as flat fee, priced per guest. | Events where guest count is confirmed |
| Tab/hybrid bar | From £500 + tab | Pre-loaded spend by host, switches to cash bar when tab runs out. | Hosts who want to treat guests to a set number of drinks |
Dry hire is the most affordable option. You supply the alcohol — often purchased at wholesale or supermarket prices — and the bar hire company provides everything else. This can save 30–40% compared to an open bar package. Read the full dry hire mobile bar guide for a detailed breakdown.
Open bar packages include all drinks, which simplifies budgeting. One flat fee covers everything with no surprises on the night. This is the most popular option at London weddings.
The type of event affects mobile bar hire cost because it determines guest count, service hours and drinks complexity.
| Event Type | Typical Guest Count | Typical Cost | Average Per Head |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birthday party | 30–60 | £500–£1,200 | £15–£25 |
| Garden party | 20–80 | £350–£1,500 | £12–£20 |
| Wedding reception | 80–150 | £1,200–£4,000 | £20–£35 |
| Corporate event | 50–200 | £500–£5,000 | £15–£40 |
| House party | 15–40 | £350–£800 | £15–£25 |
| Festival/outdoor event | 100+ | £1,500+ | £10–£25 |
Wedding bar hire in London is typically the most expensive because it requires longer service hours (5–7 hours), premium drinks menus and additional elements like welcome drinks and cocktail masterclasses. See wedding bar hire packages for full details.
Corporate event bar hire varies widely — a 2-hour drinks reception costs less than a full evening conference dinner with branded cocktails.
Five factors determine the final cost of mobile bar hire in London:
1. Guest count — More guests means more bartenders, more glassware and more drinks. The standard staffing ratio is 1 bartender per 50–75 guests.
2. Service hours — Most packages cover 4–5 hours. Extended service until 2am adds £150–£300 per hour depending on staffing levels.
3. Drinks selection — House wine and beer costs less than a full premium cocktail menu with champagne service. Signature cocktails and bespoke menus add £100–£300 to the package.
4. Bar style — A standard white bar is included in base packages. LED bars, vintage wooden bars and custom-branded setups carry a premium of £100–£400.
5. Location — Travel within the M25 is typically included. Venues in Berkshire and other areas outside Greater London may incur a delivery fee of £50–£150.
Four ways to reduce the cost of mobile bar hire without cutting quality:
Every mobile bar hire package from The Sesh Bars includes:
There are no hidden costs. Equipment hire, transport within the M25 and staff are included in the quoted price. View all mobile bar hire packages and pricing.
A fixed venue bar typically charges £8–£14 per drink with a minimum spend of £1,500–£3,000. A mobile bar with an open bar package covers unlimited drinks for £15–35 per head — which works out cheaper for events where guests consume 4+ drinks each.
The main cost advantage of mobile bar hire over a venue bar is flexibility. Dry hire venues charge no corkage, so combining a dry hire venue with a mobile bar and self-supplied alcohol is the most cost-effective setup for a London event. Read the full mobile bar vs venue bar comparison.
Every event is different. Guest count, venue, drinks preferences and service hours all affect the final cost. Request a free quote from The Sesh Bars for an accurate price based on your specific requirements.
Call 020 8087 4269 or WhatsApp 0790 175 1337 for an immediate response.
