Discover the real cost differences between mobile bar hire and venue bars in London. This comprehensive comparison reveals hidden fees, actual pricing, and which option delivers better value for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
The Great Bar Debate: Mobile vs Venue
When planning an event in London, one of the biggest decisions—and expenses—is the bar service. Should you use the venue's bar or bring in a mobile bar service? The answer isn't always obvious, and the true costs can be surprising. This guide breaks down every aspect to help you make an informed decision for your wedding, corporate event, or private party.
Understanding Venue Bar Pricing
The Hidden Costs of Venue Bars
Most London venues present bar costs that seem reasonable until you discover the add-ons:
Corkage Fees
- £15-30 per bottle of wine
- £20-40 per bottle of champagne
- £25-50 per bottle of spirits
- Some venues charge even for soft drinks
Service Charges
- 12.5-15% automatic service charge
- Sometimes non-negotiable
- Applied to total bar spend
- May not go entirely to staff
Minimum Spend Requirements
- £2,000-10,000 depending on venue
- Must be met regardless of consumption
- Often separate from room hire
- Penalties for not meeting minimums
Package Restrictions
- Limited drink selection
- No customisation options
- Fixed service hours
- Premium brands cost extra
Typical Venue Bar Pricing in London
Hotel Bars (5-star properties)
- House wine: £35-60 per bottle
- Premium spirits: £12-18 per measure
- Cocktails: £14-20 each
- Beer: £7-10 per pint
- Soft drinks: £4-6 each
Restaurant/Event Space Bars
- House wine: £28-45 per bottle
- Spirits: £8-14 per measure
- Cocktails: £10-16 each
- Beer: £6-8 per pint
- Soft drinks: £3-5 each
Historic/Unique Venues
- Often dry hire only
- Or exclusive caterer required
- Premium pricing plus VAT
- Additional staff charges
Mobile Bar Hire Pricing Explained
Transparent Mobile Bar Costs
With mobile bar hire from The Sesh Bars, pricing is straightforward:
All-Inclusive Packages
- Bar setup and equipment: Included
- Professional staff: Included
- Glassware and supplies: Included
- Insurance and licensing: Included
- No hidden service charges
Flexible Drink Options
- Supply your own (dry hire): From £350
- We supply at wholesale prices: 40-60% below venue prices
- Custom packages: Pay for what you need
- No minimum spend requirements
Real Mobile Bar Pricing
- House wine: £8-15 per bottle (you supply) or £12-20 (we supply)
- Spirits: £3-£5 per measure (at cost)
- Cocktails: £6-£10 each
- Beer: £5.50-£6.50 per pint
- Soft drinks: £2.50-£3.50 each
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
100-Guest Wedding Reception (5 hours)
Venue Bar Total Cost:
- Welcome drinks (2 per person): £1,400
- Wine with dinner (½ bottle pp): £2,500
- Evening bar tab: £3,000
- Service charge (12.5%): £863
- Total: £7,763
Mobile Bar Total Cost:
- Open bar package: £3,000
- Total: £3,00
Savings: £4,363 (56% less)
Corporate Event for 150 (4 hours)
Venue Bar:
- Minimum spend requirement: £5,000
- Actual consumption: £3,500
- Service charge: £625
- Still pay minimum: £5,625
Mobile Bar:
- Open bar drinks cost: £4,500
- Total: £4,500
Savings: £2,325 (41% less)
Value Beyond Pure Cost
Advantages of Mobile Bars
Flexibility
- Choose any venue or location
- No time restrictions
- Customise everything
- Change plans easily
Personalisation
- Signature cocktails included
- Themed bar designs
- Your choice of brands
- Dietary requirements met
Service Quality
- Dedicated bar team
- No sharing with other events
- Faster service (more staff per guest)
- Personal attention
Location Freedom
When Venue Bars Make Sense
Convenience
- All-in-one solution
- No coordination needed
- Venue handles licensing
- Integrated with catering
Small Guest Numbers
- Under 30 guests
- Short duration events
- Limited drink requirements
- Casual gatherings
Specific Venue Requirements
- Some venues prohibit external bars
- Listed buildings with restrictions
- Exclusive supplier agreements
- Insurance limitations
Hidden Factors to Consider
Venue Bar Hidden Costs
- Setup fees for private bars
- Early/late service charges
- Special request fees
- Breakage charges
- Card payment fees
- Gratuity expectations
Mobile Bar Hidden Savings
- No venue markups
- Bulk buying discounts
- Leftover alcohol is yours
- No wastage charges
- Transparent pricing
- Optional gratuity only
Quality Comparison
Drink Quality
Venue Bars:
- Limited to venue selection
- House brands often poor quality
- Premium brands overpriced
- Cocktails often pre-batched
- Limited seasonal options
Mobile Bars:
- You choose exact brands
- Fresh ingredients daily
- Cocktails made to order
- Seasonal menu options
- Craft and local options
Service Standards
Venue Bars:
- Staff serving multiple events
- Limited bartender numbers
- Generic service approach
- May close early
- Rigid protocols
Mobile Bars:
- Dedicated team for your event
- Appropriate staff ratios
- Personalised service style
- Flexible timing
- Adaptable approach
Real London Case Studies
Chelsea Wedding: Sarah & James
Venue Quote (Local Hotel):
- 120 guests
- Package deal: £12,000
- Included food and basic bar
- Many restrictions
Mobile Bar Solution:
- Hired The Sesh Bars: £1,800
- Supplied own champagne: £800
- Selected wines: £600
- Evening bar drinks: £1,000
- Total: £4,200
- Saved: £7,800 on drinks alone
City Corporate Event: Tech Launch
Venue Option (City Location):
- Minimum spend: £8,000
- Only 80 guests attending
- Would waste money
Mobile Bar Alternative:
- Rooftop mobile bar hire: £1,400
- Premium open bar: £2,000
- Branded bar wrap: £300
- Total: £3,700
- Saved: £4,300
Hampstead Garden Party: 40th Birthday
Local Pub Quote:
- Private area hire: £500
- Minimum spend: £1,500
- Limited to pub selection
- 11pm finish required
Mobile Bar in Own Garden:
- Party bar package: £650
- Drinks from Majestic: £350
- Party until late
- Total: £1,000
- Saved: £1,000 plus had better party
Making the Right Choice
Choose a Mobile Bar When:
- You want to save 40-60% on bar costs
- Personalisation matters
- You're using a dry hire venue
- You want specific brands/drinks
- Flexibility is important
- You're hosting at home
- Guest experience is priority
Choose a Venue Bar When:
- Convenience is paramount
- Very small guest numbers
- Venue requires it
- Short duration event
- Budget isn't primary concern
- Complex logistics exist
The Environmental Angle
Mobile Bars Win on Sustainability
- Local supplier options
- Less waste (better prediction)
- Reusable equipment
- No single-use venue items
- Shorter transport distances
- Eco-friendly options available
Venue Bars Environmental Impact
- Fixed supplier chains
- More waste typical
- Single-use heavy
- Limited eco options
- Longer supply chains
How to Calculate Your Savings
Quick Calculation Formula
For Venue Bar:
- Number of guests × drinks per person × venue price per drink
- Add service charge (12.5-15%)
- Add any minimum spend shortfall
- Add corkage if bringing anything
For Mobile Bar:
- Bar hire package cost
- Plus drinks at retail/wholesale prices
- No hidden extras
Typical Savings: 40-60%
London Area Variations
Savings vary by area:
Negotiating with Venues
If You Must Use Venue Bar:
- Negotiate corkage fees
- Request minimum spend reduction
- Ask about bringing some items
- Negotiate service charge
- Get prices in writing
- Confirm all hidden costs
Leverage Mobile Bar Quotes:
- Get mobile bar quote first
- Show venue the comparison
- Ask them to match
- Often leads to discounts
- Or permission for mobile bar
Final Verdict: The Numbers Don't Lie
Based on hundreds of London events, mobile bars deliver average savings of 40-60% compared to venue bars, while providing:
- Better service quality
- More personalisation
- Greater flexibility
- Premium experience
- Transparent pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't all venues require you to use their bar? No, many venues offer dry hire options, and some can be negotiated.
Is the quality really as good with mobile bars? Often better, as you choose exact brands and get dedicated service.
What about the hassle factor? Professional mobile bar companies handle everything, making it equally convenient.
More in our FAQ section.
Ready to Save on Your Event Bar?
Don't let venue bar costs inflate your event budget. The Sesh Bars provides transparent, affordable mobile bar hire across London with no hidden costs and exceptional service.
Get your comparison quote today:
Contact us:
- Call: 0790 175 1337
- Email: Hemal@theseshbars.com
- WhatsApp: 0790 175 1337
- Instagram: @theseshbars
Saving London events thousands of pounds since 2018. Real numbers, real savings, really good parties.
