Cocktailhire · Event bar service & planning
Manchester & London Event Venues: Bar Planning Guide
Use documented Cocktailhire event settings to understand what a new venue brief needs. An office, retail store, hotel room and marquee have different access and supply arrangements. Confirm current supplier permission, corkage and facilities directly through your venue booking.
Manchester offices: the Amazon example
The documented Amazon Manchester event used a three-metre wooden bar for an after-work team event. Amazon arranged ingredients and ice internally. For a similar office, establish loading, lifts, storage, bar position and the person receiving supplies.
Manchester retail: the Represent example
Represent’s Manchester launch used bars on two floors: 1.5m downstairs and 3m upstairs. A new retail event needs a plan for guest distribution, displays, bar positions, supply routes and glass collection.
London hotels: the booked room comes first
Cocktailhire’s published history includes Claridge’s, Nobu Hotel and The Savoy. For a new event, check whether outside suppliers are allowed, which counter or room can be used, what the hotel provides and any charges. A hotel’s name alone does not establish dry-hire availability or corkage.
Private marquees and homes
Measure the bar’s working footprint and the delivery route. Coordinate tables, catering, power where required, floor protection and weather cover. The full island needs 5.5m by 3.5m before guest circulation; a horseshoe needs 2.5m depth at the ordered width.
Questions to settle with your venue
Confirm supplier permission; bar and kitchen facilities; loading and lift access; installation and removal times; power; drinks and ice storage; glasses and clearing; corkage or other venue charges; and responsibility for licensing or required permissions. Record the answers in the event plan.