How Much Does Mobile Bar Hire Cost in the UK? (2026 Price Guide)

Hiring a mobile bar in the UK can start from £250–£300 for professional bartender hire, £500–£600 for dry bar hire, and £600 for all-inclusive drinks packages. Unlimited open bar packages start from approximately £25 per guest, depending on your event requirements.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, birthday party or private celebration, understanding costs can help you choose the right drinks service without overspending.

But how much should you actually budget?

The answer depends on more than just the number of guests. Your venue, location, event date, service duration, drinks selection and the level of hospitality you want can all influence the final price.

At Spin and Shake, we provide professional event bar services across the UK, from individual cocktail staff to fully stocked, unlimited open bars.

In this 2026 pricing guide, we’ll explain the different packages available, what you can expect to pay, what’s included and how to get the best value for your event.

Mobile Bar Hire Prices in the UK: 2026 Overview

Prices vary considerably depending on the type of service you choose.

Some clients simply need an experienced staff to prepare cocktails, while others want a fully equipped bar with drinks, staff and everything organised.

Here’s a quick overview of Spin and Shake’s starting prices.

Mobile Bar Service	Starting Price	Best For
Bartender Hire	£250–£300	House parties and private celebrations
Dry Bar Hire	£500–£600	Events supplying their own alcohol
All-Inclusive Bar Hire	From £600	Weddings and corporate events with a fixed drinks allocation
Unlimited Open Bar	From £25 per guest	Weddings, corporate parties and premium celebrations

Prices are indicative starting rates. Final quotations depend on guest numbers, location, event date, service duration, drinks selection and other requirements.

The main difference between these packages is what’s included.

A staff hire-only service is generally the most affordable option upfront, but you’ll need to organise your own drinks and supplies.

An all-inclusive package provides a complete bar service with an agreed number of drinks, while an unlimited open bar allows guests to enjoy drinks throughout the contracted service period.

Let’s look at each option in more detail.

 

1. How Much Does Bartender Hire Cost?

Starting price: £250–£300

Hiring a professional staff is one of the most affordable ways to bring a cocktail experience to your event.

It’s particularly popular for birthday parties, house parties, intimate weddings and private celebrations where a suitable bar area is already available.

Rather than hiring a complete mobile bar, you simply book experienced staff or mixologists to prepare and serve drinks for your guests.

What’s Included in Cocktail Staff Hire?

Our cocktail staff hire service typically includes:

• Professional cocktail bartenders or mixologists
• Cocktail-making equipment and bar tools
• A personalised cocktail shopping list
• Advice on drinks quantities and ingredients
• Professional preparation and serving of cocktails

You provide the alcohol, mixers, ice, garnishes, glassware and a suitable serving area, unless otherwise agreed.

Is Hiring a Cocktail Maker Worth It?

Absolutely, particularly if you want professional cocktails without paying for a complete bar setup.

Imagine hosting a birthday celebration for 30 guests.

Instead of spending the evening preparing drinks yourself, you can hire a professional mixologist to serve freshly made cocktails while you enjoy the party.

It’s a relatively simple way to make a private event feel more special.

Best for: House parties, birthdays, small celebrations and venues with an existing bar.

 

2. How Much Does Dry Bar Hire Cost?

Starting price: £500–£600

Dry bar hire is an excellent choice if you want a complete mobile bar setup but prefer to supply your own alcohol and ingredients.

It’s a particularly popular option for weddings, corporate events and private celebrations where clients want more control over their drinks budget.

What’s Included in Dry Bar Hire?

A typical Spin and Shake dry bar package includes:

• A professional portable mobile bar
• Experienced cocktail makers
• Glassware
• Cocktail-making equipment
• Bar delivery, setup and collection
• A personalised drinks shopping list

You provide the alcohol, mixers, garnishes, ice and other agreed consumables.

Is Dry Bar Hire Cheaper Than an All-Inclusive Bar?

It can be.

For example, if you’re organising a corporate party and already have beer, wine, spirits and mixers available, dry bar hire allows you to use those supplies while benefiting from a professional bar setup and experienced staff.

However, it’s important to consider the total cost of purchasing alcohol, ice, garnishes and other ingredients.

The cheapest initial hire price doesn’t always mean the cheapest overall package.

Best for: Weddings, corporate events, private parties and clients supplying their own drinks.

3. How Much Does All-Inclusive Cost?

Starting price: £600

For clients who want a hassle-free experience, all-inclusive options is often one of the most convenient options.

Instead of organising alcohol, staff, equipment and ingredients separately, your mobile bar provider takes care of the agreed drinks service.

At Spin and Shake, our all-inclusive packages include a predetermined number of drinks, making them ideal for events where you want to manage your budget in advance.

What’s Included in All-Inclusive Bar Hire?

Depending on the package, your service can include:

• Professional staff
• A portable mobile cocktail bar
• Alcohol and cocktail ingredients
• Mixers, garnishes and ice
• Glassware and cocktail equipment
• Delivery, setup and collection
• An agreed number of drinks

Our packages can be tailored around your event requirements, including cocktail selections, guest numbers and service duration.

 

How Does a Fixed-Drinks Package Work?

Unlike an unlimited open bar, an all-inclusive package provides an agreed number of drinks.

For example, you might choose a package with 100 cocktails for a drinks reception or a larger package for a corporate celebration.

This makes it easier to plan your budget because the number of included drinks is established before the event.

Why Choose an All-Inclusive Mobile Bar?

The biggest benefit is convenience.

You don’t need to calculate how much alcohol to purchase, source cocktail ingredients or organise bar equipment.

Everything included in your package is arranged in advance, allowing you to concentrate on your guests.

Best for: Weddings, product launches, corporate parties and cocktail receptions with a planned drinks budget.

4. How Much Does an Unlimited Open Bar Cost in the UK?

Starting price: £25 per guest

An unlimited open bar is one of the most popular choices for weddings, corporate celebrations and premium private events.

Rather than purchasing a fixed number of drinks, you pay for a complete bar service that allows your guests to enjoy drinks throughout the agreed service hours.

At Spin and Shake, we offer different unlimited bar packages depending on the drinks selection, guest numbers and type of event.

Unlimited Open Bar Package Options

To give you an idea of pricing, here are two examples of the types of unlimited packages available.

Unlimited Bar Package	Indicative Starting Price	Drinks Selection
Unlimited Basic	From £25 per guest	Beer, wine, prosecco, spirits with mixers and soft drinks
Unlimited Cocktail Bar	From £30 per guest	Cocktails, mocktails, spirits with mixers, beer, wine, prosecco and soft drinks

These are indicative starting prices, not fixed quotations. Availability, guest numbers, service duration, event location, date and drinks requirements will determine the final price.

We also offer premium and VIP options for events requiring luxury spirits, Champagne, bespoke cocktails and a more exclusive drinks experience.

These packages are individually quoted to reflect the requirements of each event.

What Does an Unlimited Open Bar Include?

Depending on the package, unlimited open bar hire can include:

• A fully equipped mobile bar
• Professional staff
• Alcohol and other drinks within the selected menu
• Glassware and bar equipment
• Ice, mixers and garnishes
• Delivery, setup and collection
• Unlimited drinks during the agreed service hours

Unlimited service is subject to responsible alcohol service, the selected drinks menu and the agreed booking terms.

Why Do Unlimited Open Bar Prices Vary?

There are several factors to consider.

Number of guests: Larger events may benefit from a more economical price per person, although additional staff, stock and equipment will be required.

Service duration: A three-hour cocktail reception will have different requirements from a six-hour wedding celebration.

Drinks selection: A standard bar serving beer, wine and spirits will generally cost less than a premium cocktail bar featuring luxury spirits and bespoke cocktails.

Location: Travel distances, parking, venue accessibility and accommodation requirements can affect pricing.

Event date: Popular wedding dates, weekends and festive periods may influence availability and bar costs.

Type of event: A casual birthday celebration and a luxury corporate reception may require very different levels of presentation, staffing and service.

Because of these variables, we recommend requesting a personalised quotation rather than relying on a generic per-person estimate.

Is an Unlimited Open Bar Worth It?

For many weddings and corporate celebrations, the answer is yes.

Guests can enjoy their preferred drinks without having to purchase them individually, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

It also allows the organiser to arrange the agreed drinks service in advance rather than managing individual purchases throughout the event.

Best for: Weddings, corporate celebrations, luxury parties and events where guest hospitality is a priority.

5. How Much Does Mobile Bar Hire Cost for 50, 100 or 200 Guests?

The number of guests is one of the biggest factors affecting mobile bar hire prices.

However, there is no universal price for every event size.

For example, a 50-person cocktail reception lasting two hours will have different requirements from a 50-person wedding with an unlimited bar operating for six hours.

Here’s how we generally recommend approaching different event sizes.

For 30–50 Guests

For smaller celebrations, dry hire or dry bar hire can be a cost-effective choice.

If you already have a suitable bar area, hiring a professional mixologist may be all you need.

An all-inclusive package can also work well for cocktail-focused celebrations.

For 50–100 Guests

For medium-sized weddings, corporate parties and birthdays, a complete mobile bar setup is often more practical.

Depending on your drinks budget, you could choose an all-inclusive package with a set number of cocktails or an unlimited open bar.

Staffing requirements will depend on the menu, duration and expected demand.

For 100–200 Guests

Larger celebrations require more planning around bar capacity, staffing and service speed.

A fully equipped mobile bar with multiple staff members is often the most practical option.

For corporate events and weddings where guests are expected to drink throughout the celebration, an unlimited package can offer a convenient solution.

For 200+ Guests

Large events may require multiple bar stations, additional staff and a carefully planned drinks menu.

At this scale, we recommend discussing your event directly with an experienced mobile bar provider.

The goal is not simply to provide enough drinks but to ensure efficient service and minimise queues.

6. What Factors Affect Prices?

When comparing pop up bar company quotations, it’s important to understand why two seemingly similar packages can have different prices.

Number of Guests

The more guests attending, the greater the potential demand for drinks, staff and equipment.

As a general guideline, we recommend approximately one bar staff for every 50 guests, although cocktail complexity and service expectations can change this ratio.

Event Duration

A bar operating for two hours will generally cost less than one operating for an entire evening.

Longer services require additional staffing time and potentially more drinks stock.

Drinks Menu

A simple drinks selection featuring beer, wine, spirits and mixers will typically cost less than a premium cocktail menu.

More complex cocktails may also take longer to prepare, influencing staffing requirements.

Location and Venue Access

Travel distances, loading restrictions, parking charges and difficult venue access can affect your quotation.

For example, a central London event may involve additional logistical requirements compared with a venue offering convenient parking and easy access.

Event Date

Peak wedding season, popular Saturdays and December corporate celebrations are often particularly busy periods.

Booking early can help secure availability.

Level of Service

Some clients simply want a functional drinks station, while others require premium glassware, bespoke cocktail menus, luxury bar designs or additional cocktail waiting staff.

These details can significantly influence the overall experience and price.

7. Dry Bar Hire vs All-Inclusive Bar Hire: Which Offers Better Value?

Both options have advantages.

Dry bar hire gives you more control over purchasing alcohol and ingredients.

All-inclusive hire provides convenience because the agreed drinks, equipment and staffing are organised together.

Feature	Dry Bar Hire	All-Inclusive Hire
Professional Bartenders	Included	Included
Portable Bar	Included	Included
Glassware	Included	Included
Alcohol	Supplied by Client	Included
Cocktail Ingredients	Supplied by Client	Included
Drinks Quantity	Based on Your Supplies	Agreed Package Allocation
Best For	Clients Managing Their Own Drinks	Clients Wanting Convenience

If you already have access to alcohol or want to purchase your own drinks, dry bar hire may be the more economical option.

If you want fewer responsibilities and a clearer drinks budget, an all-inclusive package is often preferable.

8. How Much Does Wedding Bar Company Cost?

Wedding bar hire costs depend on guest numbers, venue requirements, drinks selection and service duration.

Some couples prefer to provide their own alcohol and hire a professional bar team, while others choose a complete drinks package.

For a smaller wedding, dry bar hire can be a practical solution if the venue allows you to supply your own alcohol.

For larger wedding receptions, an all-inclusive or unlimited open bar can simplify the planning process.

Popular Wedding Bar Options

Welcome drinks reception: A fixed number of cocktails, prosecco or mocktails served after the ceremony.

Evening cocktail bar: Professional cocktail makers serving cocktails during the evening celebration.

Unlimited wedding bar: A complete drinks service operating throughout the agreed reception hours.

Dry wedding bar: A professional bar and staff, with the couple supplying the drinks.

The best option depends on how you want guests to experience your wedding and how much of your overall budget you want to allocate to drinks.

9. How Much Does Corporate Mobile Bar Hire Cost?

Corporate bar hire can be tailored to everything from small office celebrations to large product launches and awards ceremonies.

For companies organising a straightforward drinks reception, a fixed-drinks package can be an effective way to manage costs.

For premium events, an unlimited cocktail bar may create a more memorable hospitality experience.

Corporate clients can also consider:

• Bespoke cocktails inspired by their brand
• Branded cocktail menus
• Personalised cocktail toppers
• Alcohol-free cocktails and mocktails
• Cocktail waiting staff
• Multiple bar stations for larger events
• Premium spirits and Champagne

At Spin and Shake, we’ve supported corporate hospitality for a wide range of events, from private office celebrations to high-profile branded occasions.

Our team can help recommend a suitable package based on your objectives, venue and guest numbers.

10. Are There Any Hidden Costs When Hiring a Mobile Bar?

A professional mobile bar quotation should clearly explain what is included and identify any additional charges.

Depending on the event, potential additional costs may include:

Travel and parking: Especially for venues outside the usual operating area or in locations with expensive parking.

Additional staffing: Larger events or premium service requirements may need more drink staff.

Extended service hours: Additional charges may apply if the bar operates longer than originally agreed.

Premium drinks upgrades: Luxury spirits, Champagne and bespoke cocktails may increase costs.

Venue logistics: Stairs, restricted access or complex setup arrangements can require additional planning and labour.

Licensing: Where alcohol is sold, appropriate licensing arrangements may be necessary.

VAT: Always confirm whether your quotation includes VAT.

Before booking, ask your supplier for a clear breakdown of the package, staffing, drinks, service duration and any additional charges.

11. How to Save Money on a drink company

There are several ways to manage your drinks budget without compromising the overall experience.

Choose the Right Package

If you only need cocktails for a short reception, a fixed-drinks package may be more suitable than an unlimited bar.

Keep Your Drinks Menu Focused

Offering a smaller selection of popular cocktails can simplify preparation and help reduce ingredient costs.

Consider Dry Hire

If you can purchase your own alcohol at competitive prices, dry bar hire may help you manage your overall budget.

Plan Your Service Hours Carefully

Think about when guests will actually need the bar.

A shorter, well-planned service can sometimes be more effective than keeping a bar open throughout an entire event.

Avoid Understaffing

Choosing fewer cocktail makers may initially appear cheaper, but long queues and slow service can affect the guest experience.

A properly staffed bar is often better value.

Book in Advance

Early planning gives you more time to discuss packages, secure availability and arrange the details of your event.

12. Why Choose Spin and Shake?

At Spin and Shake, we specialise in professional event bar hire, cocktail bartenders and bespoke drinks experiences for weddings, corporate events and private parties across the UK.

Our services range from staff only to fully equipped mobile bars, all-inclusive cocktail packages and unlimited open bars.

We understand that every event is different.

That’s why we tailor our quotations around your guest numbers, location, date, drinks preferences and service requirements rather than relying on a single fixed price for every booking.

Whether you’re planning an intimate birthday party or a large corporate celebration, our team can help you choose the most suitable package.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Bar Hire Costs

How much does a bar hire cost in the UK?

At Spin and Shake, mixologist hire starts from approximately £250–£300, dry bar hire from £500–£600 and all-inclusive bar packages from £600. Unlimited open bar packages start from around £25 per guest, depending on event requirements.

How much does it cost to hire a cocktail staff?

Professional dry hire starts from approximately £250–£300. The final cost depends on location, duration and staffing requirements.

How much does an unlimited open bar cost per person?

At Spin and Shake, unlimited open bar packages start from £25 per guest. Cocktail-inclusive and premium packages may cost more depending on the drinks selection and event requirements.

Does it include alcohol?

It depends on the package. staff only and dry bar hire generally require clients to supply their own alcohol. All-inclusive and unlimited open bar packages include drinks within the agreed package.

How many bartenders do I need for 100 guests?

As a general guideline, two bartenders may be appropriate for 100 guests. Additional staff may be required for complex cocktails, premium service or particularly busy periods.

Is it cheaper to supply your own alcohol?

It can be, particularly if you’re able to purchase alcohol at competitive prices. However, remember to include mixers, ice, garnishes and other supplies when calculating your total budget.

How long can I hire a mobile bar for?

Mobile bar hire can be arranged for shorter drinks receptions or longer celebrations, depending on the package and supplier availability. The agreed service hours will be confirmed in your quotation.

Is an unlimited open bar really unlimited?

Unlimited open bar packages allow guests to enjoy drinks from the selected menu throughout the agreed service period, subject to responsible alcohol service and booking terms.

Can I hire a mobile bar for a house party?

Yes. Bartender only and dry bar hire are particularly suitable for house parties and smaller private celebrations.

Do prices include VAT?

VAT treatment depends on the quotation. Always check whether prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT before booking.

Get a Personalised Quote

Every event is unique, and the best mobile bar package depends on your requirements.

At Spin and Shake, we offer flexible options ranging from professional cocktail staff to fully stocked, unlimited open bars.

Whether you’re organising a wedding, corporate event, birthday party or private celebration, our team can help you find the right drinks service for your budget.

Tell us your event date, location, number of guests and preferred drinks package, and we’ll prepare a personalised quotation.