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Cocktailhire · Cocktail bartender hire

Cocktail Bartender Hire for Weddings, Dry-Hire Venues & Large Parties

For a wedding, dry-hire venue or large party, the bar needs a clear service plan as well as people making drinks. Cocktailhire supplies cocktail bartenders to work from your agreed venue bar, serve the selected menu and fit the booked service around your event running order.

Allow 1 cocktail bartender for every 50 guests, starting from £270 for the first 3 hours and increasing by £67.50 per extra hour per person. The booking includes working tools, menu selection and an itemised shopping list with direct ingredient links. Postcode travel is separate.

Calculate your instant quoteExplore the cocktail menuCall 07909 421 914

How Event & Party Cocktail Bartender Hire Works

Set the bar service within your event running order. Your cocktail bartenders work from the agreed venue bar, serve the chosen drinks and coordinate the opening, guest arrivals and handover with your organiser.

How Do I Book a Cocktailhire Bartender? · 2:50

Watch the existing 2:50 film, How Do I Book a Cocktailhire Bartender? It covers the booking process; the event-planning details alongside it explain how to brief your venue and cocktail team.

Watch this video on YouTube

What needs coordinating for your event bar?

  • Wedding timings: Put the reception, speeches and evening arrivals on one running order, with the cocktail service opening and closing times marked.
  • Dry-hire arrangements: Agree the venue bar, outside-staff permission and which party provides the stock, ice, glasses and preparation access.
  • Guest flow: Use one cocktail bartender per 50 full guests, rounding up, and explain any concentrated arrivals at the bar.
  • Shared service duties: Record the cocktails and other bar drinks to be served, the organiser’s timing contact and any handover to the venue team.

For a separate service position, see the staffed mobile bars. The all-inclusive packages cover ingredients too. You can choose these options when calculating the instant quote.

Event Bar Service, Guest Flow & Venue Coordination

The cocktail bar sits within a larger event. Give the bartenders, organiser and venue one plan for service times, client-supplied stock, guest arrivals and the final handover, so each part of the drinks service has a clear owner.

Wedding Running Orders & Dry-Hire Venues

How do we plan cocktail service around a wedding running order?

Identify the parts of the wedding when the cocktail bar should be open: a drinks reception, the period after speeches, the evening party or another booked window. Share the ceremony, meal, speeches and evening-arrival times, including any room change that affects the bar. Agree who gives the team its opening cues and when the service finishes. Your cocktail bartenders prepare before paid service starts, then make and serve the selected drinks during the hours recorded for your booking.

What should a dry-hire venue agree before we book cocktail bartenders?

Confirm that the venue permits outside cocktail staff and identify the bar or suitable event counter they will use. Record who provides the drinks stock, ice, glasses and storage, together with the delivery and preparation access. Ask the venue which insurance or other supplier documents it needs before the day. Give the organiser, venue and cocktail team the same service plan so the booking fills the drinks-service role you need within the venue’s wider arrangements.

Client Stock & the Complete Bar Drinks Brief

How do we coordinate the stock for a client-supplied bar?

Choose up to five cocktails from the existing menu before buying ingredients. After payment, including a deposit where available, your paperwork gives you an itemised shopping list with direct ingredient links and quantities. The client or an agreed venue supplier provides those ingredients, ice and glasses; the cocktail bartenders bring working tools. Nominate who will have the stock on site for preparation and where any reserve bottles will be held. Leftover client-supplied bottles remain yours after the service.

Can the bar serve wine, beer and Prosecco alongside cocktails?

Yes. Cocktail bartenders can also serve Prosecco, wine, bottled beers and soft drinks supplied by you, when these are included in the event brief. Tell us what guests will order and provide the appropriate glasses and chilled stock. Agree whether welcome drinks come from the same bar and when they are needed. Assign dining-table wine, water and meal service to the venue or caterer, so the cocktail team can run the agreed bar service and guests know where to order.

Guest Flow, Staffing & Service Handover

How do guest numbers and arrivals affect the bar plan?

Book one cocktail bartender for every 50 guests, rounding up from the full guest count: up to 50 needs one, 51–100 needs two, and 101–150 needs three. Include evening arrivals in the total for the service you are booking. Tell us if guests will approach together after a ceremony, speech or presentation. Confirm the bar position, the route guests use to order and where stock can be reached, so people and supplies move through the agreed service area.

How do the cocktail bartenders hand over to the venue team?

Agree the boundary between the booked cocktail service and any drinks service supplied by the venue. Identify the organiser or bar contact for timing changes, questions about stock and the final service call. If another team will continue afterwards, record when its service begins, which stock and glasses it will use and how the bar position will be handed over. This gives guests a clear changeover and lets each team work to the service hours and responsibilities that have been agreed.

Cocktail makers garnishing a drink, pouring from a bottle and preparing Espresso Martinis
Cocktailhire teams together in two event photographs

Where can I see Cocktailhire at work and read client feedback?

See documented completed-event photographs and read the selected genuine Google testimonials below.

What do clients say in Google reviews?

These are selected testimonials from our Google Business Profile. Our overall Google rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 40 Google reviews.

Jennifer Pash

Google review ·

Communication was very good throughout the whole process, they turned up on time and our guests were really impressed!

Excerpt from a Google review

Kate May

Google review ·

Harry was fantastic, and the cocktails were flowing all night. Everyone had a great time, and it really made the party.…

Excerpt from a Google review

Sarah Kearns

Google review ·

I was very impressed with the whole service, and I will definitely be booking them again!

Excerpt from a Google review

Read all reviews on Google

Google review data checked on 1 November 2026.

Cocktailhire mirror mobile bar at the independently commissioned Claridge’s wedding

Completed event

What did we supply for Claridge’s, London?

A completed mirror-bar installation at a Claridge’s wedding. This photograph shows Claridge’s; the separate Savoy record documents its own installation.

Read the Claridge’s and Nobu event record

Cocktailhire wooden mobile bar at Amazon Manchester

Completed event

What did we supply for Amazon Manchester?

A three-metre wooden bar for an after-work team event, with client-arranged ingredients and ice.

See the Amazon Manchester setup

Cocktailhire three-metre bar at the Represent Manchester launch

Completed event

What did we supply for Represent Manchester?

Separate staffed bars on the ground and first floors of the Manchester store launch.

See the two-floor Represent setup

Read the separate Savoy mirror-bar installation record

Check availability and your event price

Where can I read the London event case studies?

Read the documented Savoy installation and the Claridge’s wedding and Nobu event records, then compare their access, staffing and equipment with your own brief.

The Savoy: 4.5m mirror barClaridge’s and Nobu: event records

Where can I see the team and client feedback?

Use the service photographs and video on this page to see the team at work, and read clients’ own accounts on Google.

Read client reviews · About Cocktailhire

Cocktailhire wooden mobile bar at Amazon Manchester
Cocktailhire wooden mobile bar at Amazon Manchester

Cocktail Bartender Hire: Four Steps from Booking to Service

Confirm the hours and drinks, receive the paperwork and linked shopping list after payment, and provide access for preparation before your service starts.

  1. Step 01

    Pick Your Service Format & Hours

    Choose staff-only cocktail bartender hire at your suitable counter. Choose your service start and finish, starting from three hours at £270 per cocktail bartender, then increasing by £67.50 per extra hour per person. Book one cocktail bartender for every 50 guests, rounding up using your full guest count.

  2. Step 02

    Select Your Cocktail Menu

    Choose up to five drinks from the existing Cocktailhire menu for your event. Include the listed alcohol-free choices where wanted and record any wine, Prosecco, bottled beers or soft drinks the bar will also serve. Your selected cocktails form the event menu and ingredient shopping list.

  3. Step 03

    Deposit & Instant Paperwork Release (With Direct Shopping Links)

    Once your payment is made, including a deposit where available, your full booking paperwork is released immediately. This includes an itemised shopping list with direct clickable links to every single ingredient, with bottle counts, mixers, fresh garnishes and ice quantities calculated for your guest count and selected drinks.

  4. Step 04

    Early Arrival & Full Prep Before Your Start Time

    Your cocktail bartender arrives early with ample time to unpack the kit, set up the working area and prepare your selected drinks before service starts. Confirm access for that preparation in your event details. Setup and preparation do not use your paid service hours: your cocktail bartender is ready to serve the first drink at your booked start time.

Cocktail Bartender Prices for Your Guest Count (The 1:50 Rule)

Start with your full guest number to find the correct price row. Up to 50 guests needs one cocktail bartender and 51–100 needs two. Each additional 50 guests requires another cocktail bartender, rounding up: three for 101–150, four for 151–200, five for 201–250 and six for 251–300. Book from three hours and add time by the hour.

Staff-only cocktail bartender totals for your guest band, before postcode travel. The client supplies ingredients, ice and glasses.
Your guest count (staff included)First 3 hours totalEach extra hour total4 hours total5 hours total6 hours totalIncluded
Up to 50 guests (1 cocktail bartender)£270.00+£67.50 / hour£337.50£405.00£472.50Professional working tools, the selected event menu and an itemised ingredient shopping list with direct links.
51–100 guests (2 cocktail bartenders)£540.00+£135.00 / hour£675.00£810.00£945.00Professional working tools, the selected event menu and an itemised ingredient shopping list with direct links.
101–150 guests (3 cocktail bartenders)£810.00+£202.50 / hour£1,012.50£1,215.00£1,417.50Professional working tools, the selected event menu and an itemised ingredient shopping list with direct links.
151–200 guests (4 cocktail bartenders)£1,080.00+£270.00 / hour£1,350.00£1,620.00£1,890.00Professional working tools, the selected event menu and an itemised ingredient shopping list with direct links.
201–250 guests (5 cocktail bartenders)£1,350.00+£337.50 / hour£1,687.50£2,025.00£2,362.50Professional working tools, the selected event menu and an itemised ingredient shopping list with direct links.
251–300 guests (6 cocktail bartenders)£1,620.00+£405.00 / hour£2,025.00£2,430.00£2,835.00Professional working tools, the selected event menu and an itemised ingredient shopping list with direct links.

Above 300 guests, use the same calculation: divide the full guest count by 50 and round up to find the required cocktail bartenders. Every additional person uses the same hourly prices.

Which cocktails are available for the event menu?

Select up to five drinks from the Cocktailhire menu and record the same choices in your event brief. Include the listed alcohol-free options where wanted, then use your selected-menu shopping list to arrange the ingredients and ice. Add any client-supplied wine, Prosecco, bottled beers or soft drinks to the service plan.

Cocktail Bartender Hire FAQs — Video and Written Answers

Watch the films about shopping paperwork, preparation and staffing, then check the written details for your venue and event bar service.

Who Buys the Cocktail Ingredients? · 1:07

Watch this video on YouTube

How do I receive my ingredient list and direct links?

Once payment is made, including a deposit where available, the paperwork supplies an itemised shopping list with direct ingredient links. Quantities, ice and garnishes follow the chosen drinks and guest count.

Does Bartender Setup Time Cost Extra? · 1:14

Watch this video on YouTube

Does setting up the drinks station use my service hours?

Setup and preparation take place before the paid service period. Agree access in advance so the cocktail bartender has time to prepare and can serve the first drink at your booked start time.

How Many Bartenders Does My Event Need? · 2:06

Watch this video on YouTube

How many cocktail bartenders does our guest count require?

The existing 2:06 film discusses staffing for events. For your current booking, use one cocktail bartender per 50 full guests, rounding up, and share the arrival pattern and service running order.

What should I know before booking a cocktail bartender?

What does cocktail bartender hire cost?

Cocktail bartender hire starts from £270 per person for the first three service hours. Additional time is £67.50 per extra hour per person. One cocktail bartender costs £337.50 for four hours or £405 for five hours, with postcode travel shown separately in the quote.

How many cocktail bartenders are needed for my guest count?

Book one cocktail bartender for every 50 guests and round up from the full guest total. One covers the band up to 50 guests; two cover 51–100. For an 80-guest event, the staff prices are £540 for three hours, £675 for four hours and £810 for five hours, before travel.

Does cocktail bartender hire supply the drinks and glasses?

For staff-only hire, the client supplies the alcohol, mixers, garnishes, ice and glasses; the cocktail bartender brings working tools. After payment, the booking paperwork gives you an itemised shopping list with direct ingredient links, calculated for the guest number and selected drinks. You keep any leftover bottles.

How do I work out the cost of shopping for ingredients?

Use your itemised list to check the quantities and compare current prices at your chosen shops. The total depends on the drinks selected, guest count, service hours and brands you buy. Deduct suitable items you already hold and include the listed ice and garnishes as well as bottles and mixers.

Will a cocktail bartender pour Prosecco, wine and beer as well?

Yes. Along with your selected cocktails, a cocktail bartender can serve Prosecco, wine, bottled beers and soft drinks supplied by you. Add these drinks to the event details so the working area, available glasses and service timings can be planned around the full drinks selection.

How can I book and get the event paperwork?

Enter the event date, full postcode, guest count and service hours in the instant quote, then review the payment option shown. Payment, including a deposit where available, releases the full paperwork and linked shopping list. Have the date and event plans settled so availability can be confirmed through the booking process.

Can our venue’s bar team work alongside the cocktail bartenders?

Yes, with the responsibilities agreed before the event. Set out which team serves the selected cocktails, which handles other bar drinks and who provides the stock, ice and glasses for each part. Share the bar position, service windows and organiser’s timing contact. If the venue team continues after your cocktail booking, agree the changeover and any stock handover in advance.

How can I check the public liability insurance for my event?

The published insurance confirmation names Cocktailhire for event catering. Review the stated dates against your event and send the team any specific requirements from your venue before booking. Request the renewed confirmation if your event is beyond the printed policy period.

Read the published insurance confirmation

Get your instant price & lock your date

Where is cocktail bartender hire available in the UK?

Read the relevant regional guide below and give the full event postcode so travel and access can be included in the quote.

Where in the UK can I book cocktail bartender hire?

Cocktailhire provides cocktail bartender hire across the UK from Bury. Choose your regional page below; the full event postcode sets the separately quoted travel. Listed postcode districts are examples. Each linked regional guide contains its complete district list; the postcode index also accounts for districts requiring a full venue address.

UK regional coverage for cocktail bartender hire
Regional service areaTowns, cities and areas coveredExample postcode districtsRegional booking information
Manchester & Greater ManchesterGreater Manchester, Manchester, Salford, Bury, Unsworth, Whitefield, Prestwich, Bolton, Stockport, Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon, Sale, Didsbury, Chorlton, Oldham, Rochdale, Wigan, Trafford, TamesideM1, M2, BL9Manchester & Greater Manchester service page
CheshireCheshire, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Chester, Nantwich, Crewe, Tarporley, Congleton, Warrington, NorthwichSK9, SK10, CH1Cheshire service page
London & Greater LondonLondon, Greater London, Central London, Westminster, Mayfair, Marylebone, Soho, Covent Garden, City of London, Canary Wharf, Shoreditch, Hackney, Islington, Camden, Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Fulham, Putney, Wandsworth, Clapham, Battersea, Richmond, Wimbledon, Greenwich, DulwichWC2R, W1K, W1HLondon & Greater London service page
Liverpool & MerseysideMerseyside, Liverpool, Wirral, Southport, St Helens, Birkenhead, Formby, Knowsley, SeftonL1, L2, CH41Liverpool & Merseyside service page
Leeds, Yorkshire & the North EastYorkshire, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, Leeds, York, Harrogate, Sheffield, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Ilkley, Skipton, Wetherby, Ripon, Hull, Beverley, Doncaster, Barnsley, Rotherham, North East England, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, Darlington, NorthumberlandLS1, YO1, HG1Leeds, Yorkshire & the North East service page
Birmingham & the West MidlandsWest Midlands, Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Edgbaston, Harborne, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Walsall, Dudley, Worcestershire, Bromsgrove, Kidderminster, Hereford, Shropshire, Shrewsbury, Telford, Staffordshire, Stafford, Lichfield, Cannock, Stoke-on-Trent, Warwickshire, Warwick, Royal Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-AvonB1, CV1, WV1Birmingham & the West Midlands service page
Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & OxfordshireSurrey, Guildford, Woking, Farnham, Cobham, Weybridge, Esher, Epsom, Reigate, Dorking, Camberley, Berkshire, Windsor, Ascot, Reading, Maidenhead, Newbury, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Marlow, Beaconsfield, Amersham, Aylesbury, Oxfordshire, Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, Banbury, BicesterGU1, GU2, KT13Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire service page
Kent & SussexKent, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Canterbury, Whitstable, Ashford, Margate, Folkestone, Dartford, Medway, Rochester, Dover, West Sussex, East Sussex, Brighton, Chichester, Horsham, CrawleyME14, CT1, TN1Kent & Sussex service page
Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire & East AngliaEssex, Chelmsford, Brentwood, Shenfield, Loughton, Chigwell, Epping, Billericay, Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, Saffron Walden, Hertfordshire, St Albans, Harpenden, Watford, Hertford, Bishop's Stortford, Stevenage, Cambridgeshire, Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, Huntingdon, Peterborough, Bedford, Norfolk, Norwich, Suffolk, Ipswich, Bury St EdmundsCM1, CO1, AL1Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire & East Anglia service page
Lancashire & CumbriaLancashire, Clitheroe, Ribble Valley, Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley, Lytham St Annes, Blackpool, Lancaster, Cumbria, Kendal, Windermere, Lake DistrictPR1, BB1, LA1Lancashire & Cumbria service page
Nottingham & the East MidlandsEast Midlands, Nottingham, West Bridgford, Mansfield, Newark, Derby, Chesterfield, Bakewell, Peak District, Leicester, Loughborough, Market Harborough, Rutland, Oakham, Northampton, Towcester, Kettering, Lincoln, Grantham, StamfordNG1, DE1, LE1Nottingham & the East Midlands service page
Bristol, the South West, Wiltshire, Hampshire & the Isle of WightSouth West England, Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, Amesbury, Wiltshire, Swindon, Devizes, Marlborough, Chippenham, Andover, Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Romsey, New Forest, Petersfield, Farnborough, Fleet, Hampshire, Somerset, Taunton, Frome, Glastonbury, Yeovil, Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, Cirencester, Cotswolds, Gloucester, Stroud, Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, Christchurch, Devon, Exeter, Plymouth, Cornwall, Truro, Isle of WightBS1, BA1, SP1, SP10, SO23Bristol, the South West, Wiltshire, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight service page

Ready to Arrange Cocktail Bartender Hire?

Enter your date, complete postcode, guest count and service hours. The quote sets out your cocktail bartenders, booked time and travel before you confirm.

Calculate your instant quoteCall 07909 421 914