Frequently Asked Questions
Do you cover all of London?
Yes! We serve all London postcodes and surrounding areas. From
Zone 1 to
Greater London, we're there.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend 6-8 weeks for weekend events, but can sometimes accommodate last-minute bookings. Check availability anytime.
What's included in your packages?
Everything! Bar, staff, equipment, glassware, ice, garnishes, setup, clearing, insurance, and licensing.
See full details →
Can we supply our own alcohol?
Absolutely! Our
dry hire option lets you provide drinks while we handle everything else.
Why London Chooses The Sesh Bars
1,500+ London Events completed successfully across all 32 boroughs
250+ Corporate Events in the City and Canary Wharf financial districts
400+ Private Celebrations in London homes and exclusive venues
300+ Wedding Receptions across London's most beautiful locations
5-Star Average Rating from London clients across all platforms
Fully Licensed for all London venues and outdoor spaces
Transport for London Approved for city-wide logistics
Westminster Council Approved vendor for central London events
Royal Parks Licensed for events in London's premier outdoor venues
Local Supply Network supporting London businesses and suppliers
How much does it cost to hire a mobile bar in London?
Mobile bar hire in London with The Sesh Bars starts from £350 for dry hire (4 hours, you supply drinks) and £450+ for full-service packages. Pricing depends on your event size, duration, service type, and location across Greater London.
Package options:
Dry Hire: From £350 (you provide drinks, we provide bar, staff & equipment)
Cash Bar: From £450 (guests buy their own drinks)
Tab Bar: From £550 (you set a spending limit)
Open Bar: From £750+ (unlimited drinks, fixed price per person)
We offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs – saving you 40-60% compared to venue bars. All quotes include bar setup, professional bartenders, glassware, ice, garnishes, and full licensing. Any additional costs (parking permits, congestion charges) are discussed upfront during your consultation.
Discounts available for off-peak dates, midweek bookings, and multiple events. Get your detailed quote within 24 hours by contacting us at 020 8087 4269 or hello@theseshbars.com.
What services are included in mobile bar hire in London?
The Sesh Bars provides complete mobile bar service across all London boroughs. Every package includes:
Core Services:
Professional mobile bar (LED, vintage, or rustic style options)
Experienced, licensed bartenders (Challenge 25 trained)
Full licensing and insurance (including TEN application handling)
Premium glassware for all drinks
Ice, garnishes, napkins, and straws
Payment processing system (for cash/tab bars)
Setup and breakdown (1-2 hours before/after)
Professional liability insurance
Additional Inclusions:
Free consultation (phone, video, or in-person for larger events)
Menu planning and cocktail design
Venue coordination and timeline planning
Protective flooring for indoor venues
Weather contingency planning for outdoor events
Challenge 25 age verification system
We've completed over 1,500 London events since 2018, from intimate gatherings of 20 to celebrations of 500+. Whether it's a wedding in Richmond Park, a corporate event in Canary Wharf, or a garden party in Hampstead, we deliver five-star service with zero hidden costs.
Which occasions are suitable for hiring a mobile bar in London?
The Sesh Bars transforms any London event into an unforgettable experience. We specialise in:
Weddings & Celebrations:
Wedding receptions (from welcome drinks to late-night service)
Engagement parties and rehearsal dinners
Anniversary celebrations and milestone birthdays
Hen and stag parties
Christenings and family gatherings
Corporate Events:
Client entertaining and hospitality events
Summer parties and Christmas celebrations
Product launches and brand activations
Team building events and office parties
Conferences and networking events (City to Canary Wharf)
Private Parties:
Home parties (gardens, townhouses, private residences)
Garden parties across Hampstead to Dulwich
Themed parties and holiday celebrations
Unique London Venues:
Georgian townhouses and heritage buildings
Rooftop terraces with skyline views
Warehouse conversions (Shoreditch, Bermondsey)
Thames-side events (Westminster to Greenwich)
Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Richmond Park)
Gallery spaces and cultural venues
From the financial towers of Canary Wharf to creative warehouses in Hackney, elegant Chelsea gardens to vibrant South London celebrations – we've mastered bar service across every London postcode and venue type.
What types of drinks are typically offered?
The Sesh Bars offers a comprehensive drinks menu tailored to your London event:
Cocktails:
Classic cocktails: Mojitos, Margaritas, Espresso Martinis, Old Fashioneds, Negronis
Signature cocktails: Custom-designed for your event theme/brand
Champagne cocktails: Aperol Spritz, Bellinis, Kir Royales, French 75
Themed collections: Prohibition Era, Tropical Paradise, British Classics, Around the World
Premium Spirits:
Gin (London Dry, flavoured, premium craft gins)
Vodka, Rum, Whisky, Tequila
Liqueurs and specialty spirits
Wine & Champagne:
Red, white, and rosé wines
Prosecco, Champagne, and sparkling wines
Curated wine lists for weddings
Beer & Cider:
Draught beer options
Craft beers and local London breweries
Bottled beers and ciders
Non-Alcoholic:
Mocktails and alcohol-free cocktails
Premium soft drinks
Fresh juices and flavoured sodas
Specialty coffee and tea service
Flexible Options:
Choose 5 cocktails (Essential Package)
Mix classics and signatures (Premium Package)
Full menu access plus bespoke creations (Luxury Package)
Dry hire allows you to supply your own drinks
Our mixologists create signature cocktails that match your theme, incorporate your favourite flavours, or recreate meaningful drinks from your story.
How does the mobile bar hire process work in London?
Hiring The Sesh Bars is straightforward with our 4-step process:
Step 1: Enquiry & Consultation
Call 020 8087 4269, WhatsApp 0790 175 1337, or request a quote online. We'll discuss your event details, understand your vision, and provide a detailed, transparent quote within 24 hours. Free consultations available by phone, video call, or in-person for larger events.
Step 2: Planning & Customisation
Once you book (25% deposit required), we help plan everything: cocktail menus, bar positioning, timeline coordination, and venue logistics. We handle all licensing requirements including Temporary Event Notice (TEN) applications.
Step 3: Event Day Delivery
Our professional team arrives 1-2 hours early for setup, delivers exceptional service throughout your event, and handles all clearing. You simply enjoy your event while we manage everything bar-related.
Step 4: Post-Event
Guests leave raving about the cocktails and service. We clear everything and leave the venue spotless. You get all the credit for choosing London's best mobile bar service.
Booking Requirements:
25% deposit to secure your booking (fully refundable if cancelled 30+ days in advance)
Balance due 14 days before your event
Recommended booking timeline: 6-8 weeks ahead for weekend events, 3-6 months for weddings
We operate across all London boroughs and understand every postcode, venue type, and community across the capital.
What legal requirements must mobile bar providers meet in London?
The Sesh Bars is fully licensed, insured, and compliant with all London licensing regulations:
Licensing:
Full UK alcohol licensing and certification
Temporary Event Notice (TEN) handling included in our service
Personal Licence holders on staff
We work under existing venue licenses where applicable
Insurance:
Comprehensive public liability insurance
Professional indemnity insurance
Full coverage for events across Greater London
Food Safety & Hygiene:
Level 2 Food Hygiene certified staff
Allergen awareness training
Proper food storage and handling procedures
Clean, sanitised equipment for every event
Age Verification:
Strict Challenge 25 policy enforcement
Staff trained in age verification
Wristband systems available for mixed-age events
Particularly vigilant at corporate events
Health & Safety:
Risk assessments for each venue type
Equipment safety checks and PAT testing
Protective flooring and spillage management
Weather contingency planning for outdoor events
Payment Processing:
Secure card payment systems
Cash handling procedures (for cash bars)
Contactless payment options
Detailed event reconciliation
All licensing, insurance documentation, and safety procedures are included as standard. We handle the regulatory complexity so you can focus on enjoying your London event with complete peace of mind.
What is the difference between cash bar and paid bar options?
A cash bar means guests pay for their own drinks, with a £1,500 minimum spend guarantee. If sales fall short, you pay the difference. There's a £500 booking fee (waived for 200+ guests) plus £250 for glassware service including collection and washing.
For paid bars, you cover all drinks: £7.50 per person per hour including cocktails, or £6.50 excluding cocktails. Both require minimum 100 guests and 4 hours (£3,000 or £2,600 minimum respectively).
Cash bars suit larger events where guests expect to buy drinks. Paid bars create a more generous experience for weddings, corporate events, or special occasions where you're treating all attendees.
Do you provide glassware and what does it cost?
Yes. For cash bar bookings, there's a flat £250 charge covering all event glassware, a small breakage allowance, and an additional crew member for collection and washing throughout your event. For paid bar packages, glassware is included with no extra charge.
We provide wine glasses, champagne flutes, highball glasses, beer glasses, and shot glasses - all commercial-grade, professionally cleaned and polished. We bring backup quantities and handle all collection, washing, and packing. No cleanup required from you.
What is dry hire and when would I choose this option?
Dry hire means you supply the alcohol whilst we provide bar infrastructure, professional bartenders, and equipment. Bartenders are £50 per hour each plus travel costs. Small bar hire is £500, large bar is £750.
It works well when you've purchased alcohol at wholesale prices, want specific brands, have sponsor-provided drinks, or are working within a tight budget. We'll advise on quantities needed.
However, we prioritise paid and cash bar services as they provide better value and service for most London events. We're happy to discuss if dry hire suits your situation.
Why is mobile bar hire becoming more popular for London events?
Five main reasons: dramatic cost savings (40-60% versus venue bars with 100-200% markups), venue flexibility (warehouses, galleries, gardens, rooftops often lack permanent bars), complete customisation (signature cocktails, matching aesthetics, personalised service), superior service quality (dedicated teams, better ratios, shorter queues), and specialist London expertise (understanding borough regulations, parking, access requirements).
Unique venues have become the norm across London, making mobile bars essential rather than optional. Couples and companies demand personalised experiences that venue bars simply cannot deliver.
How do mobile bars compare to venue bars in terms of pricing?
Venue bars typically charge 100-200% markup plus mandatory minimums (£2,000-10,000), service charges (12.5-20%), staffing fees (£200-400 per bartender), and corkage (£15-30 per bottle).
Our transparent pricing: £6.50-7.50 per person per hour, everything included. For a 100-guest wedding with 4-hour service, unlimited drinks including cocktails costs £3,000 total. Equivalent venue bar service typically costs £5,000-8,000+.
Cash bar options with £1,500 minimum often result in zero cost beyond booking and glassware fees. We provide superior service at 40-60% lower cost than comparable venue bars across London.
Can you accommodate special drink requests and dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. We create bespoke cocktail menus incorporating your favourite spirits, flavours, or themes. For dietary requirements, we provide gluten-free (certified spirits and mixers), vegan (no dairy, honey, or egg whites), sugar-free (natural sweeteners), and allergen-free options with cross-contamination prevention.
For religious or cultural needs, we offer completely alcohol-free setups, halal-certified ingredients, and culturally appropriate service protocols. Our non-alcoholic offerings rival our cocktail menu in creativity and presentation.
Simply inform us during booking, and we'll ensure every guest enjoys exceptional drinks suited to their needs.
How many bartenders do you provide for events?
We provide one bartender per 50 guests for beer/wine service, one per 35-40 guests for mixed drinks, and one per 25-30 guests for complex cocktail service. A typical 100-guest wedding with cocktails gets 3 bartenders. Corporate events of 200+ guests require 5-7 bartenders.
We include a bar manager for events over 150 guests. For cash bars requiring glassware service, we automatically include an additional crew member for collection and washing.
We assess exact requirements during consultation based on your event timeline, drink complexity, and venue layout.
What happens if we run out of drinks during the event?
This virtually never happens. We bring 25-30% extra stock based on industry consumption rates (5-7 drinks per person over 4-5 hours). For cash bars, we bring comprehensive stock across all categories.
If we somehow approach running low, we have partnerships with local suppliers across London for 30-60 minute delivery, relationships with nearby wholesalers in every borough, and extensive backup stock in our vehicles.
In 1,500+ events since 2018, we've never had to stop service due to running out. Proper planning and generous stock levels prevent this situation.
Do you need access to electricity and water at the venue?
We typically need one or two standard 13-amp power sockets for bar lighting, refrigeration (if serving draught beer), blenders (frozen cocktails), and coffee machines. For venues without electricity (outdoor gardens, marquees, parks), we provide battery-powered lighting and adapt our menu accordingly.
We don't require running water at the bar. We bring all water needed for cocktail mixing, handle ice production beforehand, and use portable washing stations for glass cleaning.
We've successfully served events in locations with zero electricity or water by adapting our setup. We assess specific requirements during venue consultation.
Can you work at outdoor venues and what are the considerations?
Absolutely - we've served hundreds of outdoor London events. We need adequate weather protection (marquee, gazebo, or shelter) for bar, equipment, and staff, stable level ground for bar placement, vehicle access for setup, and secure stock storage areas.
For London parks and public spaces, we handle special licensing requirements, liaising with relevant councils (Westminster, Camden, Hackney, Richmond, etc.). We provide LED lighting for evening events.
We've served royal parks, Thames-side venues, private gardens (Hampstead, Chelsea, Dulwich), rooftop terraces, and unique outdoor spaces across all 32 boroughs.
What areas outside London do you cover?
We cover all Greater London including outer boroughs (Bromley, Croydon, Enfield, Harrow, Havering). Beyond this, we regularly serve Berkshire (Reading, Windsor, Maidenhead, Bracknell), Surrey (Guildford, Woking, Kingston, Richmond), and Hampshire (Basingstoke, Winchester).
For locations outside Greater London, dry hire options include travel costs at standard mileage rates. We've successfully served events up to 90 minutes from central London for larger celebrations.
Contact us with your location, event size, and date - we'll confirm coverage and provide transparent pricing including any travel costs.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations over 90 days before your event: deposit refunded minus £200 administrative fee. Cancellations 60-90 days: 50% deposit refund. Cancellations under 60 days: deposits are non-refundable.
For date changes rather than cancellations, we're flexible - we'll transfer your booking to a new available date with no penalty if you provide 60+ days' notice, subject to availability.
We understand emergencies happen and approach difficult situations with compassion, working to reschedule when possible. Weather-related issues for outdoor events are handled collaboratively with rescheduling or backup indoor options.
Do you have insurance and what does it cover?
Yes, we carry £10 million public liability insurance.
What payment methods do you accept and when is payment due?
We accept bank transfer (BACS - our preferred method), credit/debit cards, and for corporate clients, account billing with net-30 terms.
Payment timeline: 25-30% deposit at booking to secure your date. For paid bars, remaining balance due 7 days before your event. For cash bars, payment settled immediately after based on actual consumption.
For cash bars with £1,500 minimum: if sales exceeded this, you pay only booking fee (waived for 200+ guests) plus £250 glassware. If sales fell short, you pay the difference plus fees. We provide complete sales reports showing all transactions.
No hidden charges or surprises - completely transparent from quote through final invoice.
More questions? Visit our FAQ page.
