Questions to Ask Before Booking a Mobile Bar in London

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.

Licensing and Insurance

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.

Pricing and Packages

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.

Drinks Menu and Service

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.

Staffing and Setup

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.

Logistics and Venue

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.

Booking Checklist Summary

Ready to Book?

The Sesh Bars answers every question on this checklist as standard. Request a free quote or call 020 8087 4269 to discuss your event.