Cover the part of the party when you actually want cocktails served, not automatically the entire time the house is open. Start with arrivals, food and the evening's main social period, then choose a clear service window around them.
Separate serving time from getting the bar ready
If guests arrive at different times, a short early slot may miss people you want included. If everyone sits down for food, decide whether cocktails should continue during that period or whether the useful demand is before and after it.
Tell us the requested start and finish times before booking. Setup and clearance are separate operational arrangements; do not assume they come out of the time guests are meant to be served or that later service is automatically included. Check the written booking so the end of the cocktail service is understood before the night begins.
- Choose hours from the actual party timetable.
- Confirm serving, setup and clearance arrangements separately.