Compare the complete job, not a bar-front price on its own.
A mobile bar quote changes when the amount of equipment, labour or included supplies changes. Before comparing prices, keep the date, real guest number, address and service hours the same. Otherwise the lower total may simply leave you with more work to arrange.
The main cost decisions
- Bar units: Cocktailhire's baseline is one 1.5-metre unit per 100 guests, at £325 per unit.
- Staff: the planning ratio is one bartender per 50 guests. Labour is a separate requirement from the physical frontage.
- Service hours: a longer serving window changes labour and, for packages, the relevant package calculation.
- Supplies: confirm ingredients, ice and glassware rather than assuming every bar quote includes them.
- Travel and additions: check applicable travel and any agreed equipment or presentation extras in the written quote.
A useful comparison
For 150 guests, two units provide 3 metres of bar frontage. The unit price alone is not the total for a staffed cocktail event. The three-bartender baseline, serving hours, supplies and applicable additions must also be accounted for.
Staff-only bookings leave the client buying ingredients from the shopping list. An all-in-one cocktail package includes the bar, team, selected cocktail ingredients, ice and glassware. Compare those responsibilities as well as the final number.
Do not lower attendance to obtain a smaller quote; staffing and supplies depend on the real guest count. If more guests are coming, raise the number before confirming the plan.
See mobile bar hire and send your event details for the full written quote.