Hire a Cocktail Bar in London

We delivered next level parties for exceptional companies

We also did more than 40,000 birthday parties. Probably, including your neighbour’s recent big bash.

Cocktail Bars in London: A Buyer’s Guide

If you’re searching for cocktail bars in London for a wedding, corporate reception, product launch, birthday or a brand pop-up, you’re in the right place. We specialise in helping hosts book brilliant mobile cocktail bars and mixologists across the capital, from Shoreditch rooftops to West-End hotel suites. In this guide we’ll walk you through what to expect on price, how to match a bar to your venue and crowd, and the small details that make the biggest difference on the night.

Why hire a cocktail bar in London

London guests expect a bit of theatre, and a professional cocktail bar delivers it without fuss. We bring a self-contained station, expert bartenders, proper glassware, ice and a menu that fits your theme. Service is swift, drinks are consistent and you’re not queueing at a busy public bar. Most importantly, you stay present with your guests while we run the show. Whether you want a Shoreditch speakeasy feel, a West-End glam martini list, a tiki terrace build with sunshine flavours, a sustainable zero-waste menu, or a fresh spritz bar for a fashion launch, we can shape a package to fit.

What it typically costs in London

For the majority of private events, expect packages in the region of £18 to £30 per person. That usually covers three to four cocktails each, quality ingredients, ice, glassware and trained mixologists for a set service window. Many suppliers also work to a minimum spend, often £900 to £1,800 depending on guest numbers, menu and service length. If your headcount is small, a minimum spend is the simplest way to secure a premium bar without paying per person. If your crowd is larger, a per person rate keeps the budget predictable.

A few pricing notes that help:

• Drinks count matters, not just duration. A two hour reception with two rounds each will price differently from a four hour party with free-flow.
• Glassware upgrades, signature garnishes, premium spirits and theatre pieces like smoke domes can nudge the price.
• London logistics can add cost. Rooftops, basements, lift-only access or late night load-outs need extra crew time.
• Dry hire is an option. If you prefer to supply spirits and we bring the bar, staff and mixers, you’ll pay less per person but you’ll manage stock.

Matching the bar to your event type

The best cocktail bar for a wedding is not always the ideal setup for a product launch. Here’s how we think about it.

Weddings

Aim for effortless elegance. Welcome spritzes on arrival, a two drink token system for the reception, then a shorter late-night list with crowd pleasers. A roaming tray service during photos keeps the mood up. Consider a no-coffee espresso martini using cold brew to speed service.

Corporate receptions

Speed and consistency are king. We keep a compact menu, batch elements where appropriate and build a visible bar that carries your brand colours. Low ABV options help guests pace themselves. Clear allergen labelling is essential, and we provide it.

Product launches

Drinks become part of the story. We create a signature serve inspired by the product palette, then back it with two simpler options. A fashion launch spritz bar with seasonal fruit and herbal notes is a proven hit. Glassware style matters for photos.

Birthdays

Go playful. Think crowd-pleasing sours, mojitos built properly, fresh fruit fizzes. Add a mocktail list so everyone feels included. A cake-cutting shot moment is fun if it suits your group.

Roof-terrace parties

Keep it light and weather-savvy. Spritzes, highballs, frozen slush specials and a crisp no-alcohol option. We bring wind-proof bar dressing, crushable cups where glass is restricted, and covered ice storage.

Brand pop-ups

Visual impact first. We’ll style the unit to your look, add branded menus and run short service sprints to suit dwell time. If the site has strict waste rules, we build a closed-loop prep plan to match.

Choosing the right space in London

Cocktail bars work almost anywhere in the city, yet each space has its quirks. We plan for them so you don’t have to.

Rooftops and terraces

We secure wind-safe garnish trays, weighted menu holders and lidded ice wells. If glass is banned, we supply quality reusable alternatives. Power for blenders is assessed in advance.

Warehouses and East-side lofts

Industrial charm needs soft touches. We’ll bring warm bar lighting and a speakeasy-leaning menu to match the setting. Load-in routes can be long, so timing the access window is crucial.

Galleries

Minimalism rules. We keep the bar footprint compact, use neutral finishes and ensure all prep is odour-free to protect the art. Quiet tools reduce noise during speeches or performances.

Townhouses

Stairs, narrow hallways and neighbours require care. We select a slimline bar unit, protect floors and plan a 23:00 finish if the house rules ask for it. Smaller glassware keeps trays nimble in tight rooms.

Hotels

Clear roles help. We coordinate with hotel event teams on power, ice and house policies. If the hotel runs main bars, we position our station as a satellite for speed and style.

Marquees

Ground conditions are everything. We bring stable flooring under the bar, safe lighting and closed coolers. If you’re off-grid, we calculate ice, water and generator needs so service runs smoothly.

Menus that match the London mood

Your menu should feel like London, not a generic list. We like to build a three tier structure.

Signature serves

A house drink that nods to your theme, maybe a Shoreditch speakeasy riff with aromatic bitters and a clear ice cube, or a West-End glam martini with a delicate citrus mist. One great signature becomes a talking point.

Fast favourites

Mojitos, palomas, brambles, margaritas, spritzes and sours. These are built for speed and broad appeal. We streamline specs so even at peak times the queue moves.

Inclusive options

A dedicated mocktail section, low ABV spritzes, and a small beer and wine back-up if you’d like it. The aim is choice without slowing service.

Dietary and allergen needs are handled with care. We flag egg whites, nuts, dairy and gluten where relevant, and we offer aquafaba foams for vegan guests. If sustainability is a priority, we design a zero-waste list that reuses citrus, adopts dehydrated garnishes and repurposes prep offcuts into cordials.

How many bartenders do you need

As a rule, one skilled bartender can comfortably produce 60 to 80 cocktails per hour with a tight menu and batching. Add a barback for every two bartenders to manage ice, glassware and prep. For a sharp corporate hour with 150 guests, two bartenders plus a barback keeps things swift. For a wedding reception over three hours with 100 guests, one bartender and one barback works well if we batch the signatures.

Logistics that keep service smooth

We’ll ask a few practical questions early so you get a proper quote and a calm setup.

Access

Where can we load in, and when. Lifts, stairs and parking restrictions affect crew planning.

Power and water

If blenders or frozen machines are on the menu, we’ll confirm sockets and load. We can work entirely self-contained if needed, including water and waste.

Ice and glassware

We bring both unless you prefer disposables or the venue provides. Reusable cups are often required on terraces.

Storage and prep

A small back-of-house space, even a tidy corner, helps us maintain pace and presentation.

Booking on Poptop, and why it’s easier here

Poptop is not just a party planning marketplace, it’s the most reliable and straightforward way to organise an unforgettable event. Here’s what you get with us.

• Enjoy a truly friendly attitude. You get more than a service, you get an experience. We choose suppliers for skill and warmth, so guests feel welcome and you feel proud of your event.
• Plan your party in minutes, not days. We show instant, all-inclusive pricing. You can compare options, pick a date and book without waiting for manual quotes.
• Get an event that is uniquely yours. Menus are tailored to you, from dietary tweaks to a playlist that suits your crowd. Your bar feels personal rather than off-the-shelf.
• Relax and plan without the anxiety. We keep you informed at every stage. Clear messages, clear timelines, no surprises, just steady progress to event day.
• Find what you need effortlessly. Tell us your date, guest count and postcode, then browse a matched set of cocktail bars in London that fit.
• Discover everything in one convenient place. From food to entertainment, we’re a one stop shop. You can build the whole night in one go.
• Host a party that will be remembered. We specialise in distinctive services, so your event stands out for the right reasons.
• Book with confidence and complete security. Every supplier is vetted, and if something goes wrong we’ll find an alternative. Our money-back guarantee means your booking is protected.

Getting the brief right

A great brief saves budget and boosts guest experience. When you post your request, include:

• Headcount, age mix and drinking style, for example mostly wine drinkers, love a sour, low ABV preferred
• Service window, for example welcome hour only, or four hour party with a short break for speeches
• Venue layout and access notes, especially rooftops, basements or shared loading bays
• Theme and tone, Shoreditch speakeasy, tiki terrace, fashion spritz, or classic glamour
• Dietary needs and allergen flags, vegan foams, nut free, gluten cautious
• Glassware policy, real glass or reusable cups if the venue restricts glass

With this information, we’ll confirm the ideal menu, staffing, ice and glassware levels, then give you a clear price and plan.

Popular London themes and how we deliver them

Shoreditch speakeasy

Dimmed bar lighting, cut crystal glassware, aromatics and stirred classics. Think spirit-forward signatures with an approachable twist.

West-End glam

Clean back-bar, cold martinis, coupe-served sours, crisp service pace. Subtle garnish work that photographs beautifully.

Tiki terrace

Sunshine flavours, fresh juices, crushed ice, reusable cups where glass is banned. We keep recipes balanced so they stay refreshing.

Sustainable and zero-waste

Citrus reuse, dehydrated garnish prep, batch cordials, minimal plastic. We can report on waste reduction if you need it for corporate KPIs.

Fashion launch spritz bar

A tight set of spritzes with seasonal fruit, floral notes and a non-alcoholic twin for each. High output, fast service, very photogenic.

Add-ons that elevate service

• Welcome tray service on arrival
• Personalised menu cards in your colour palette
• Signature garnish station for guest interaction
• Branded napkins or glass charms for launches
• Mocktail theatre for teen or family events
• Espresso martini hour powered by cold brew for speed

Ready to book your London cocktail bar

We make hiring cocktail bars in London simple, fast and secure. Share your date, guest count and postcode, then compare instant packages with transparent pricing. Whether you want speakeasy sophistication, West-End sparkle, a breezy tiki terrace or a sustainable, zero-waste approach, we’ll build a bar that feels made for you. Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll turn it into a crowd-pleasing, perfectly poured reality.