Cash Bar Hire

What is Cash Bar Hire?

Cash bar hire is our most flexible mobile bar service, perfect for events where guests purchase their own drinks. We bring our premium mobile bar, professional bartenders, and complete bar setup to your venue, allowing your guests to enjoy high-quality cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits throughout your event.

This service is ideal for hosts who want to provide exceptional bar facilities without covering all drink costs. Your guests pay for their drinks directly at the bar using cash or card, while you only pay for our professional service, equipment, and bartenders. It's the perfect balance of quality and budget management.

How Cash Bar Hire Works

1. Initial Consultation

We discuss your event details, venue, expected guest count, and any specific requirements. We'll recommend the appropriate bar size and staffing levels for your event.

2. Menu Planning

Together we create a drinks menu tailored to your event. Choose from our extensive selection of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails. We can accommodate special requests and dietary requirements.

3. Pricing Structure

We provide you with our drink prices so you know what your guests will pay. Our prices are competitive with typical bar prices, ensuring good value for your guests while maintaining premium quality.

4. Setup & Service

We arrive early to set up our mobile bar with all equipment, stock, and payment facilities. Our bartenders then provide professional service throughout your event, managing all transactions with guests.

5. Breakdown & Settlement

After your event, we handle all breakdown and cleanup. You pay your agreed service fee, and we provide a breakdown of drink sales for your records if needed.

What's Included

• Premium mobile bar setup
• Professional bartender(s) for duration of event
• All bar equipment and glassware
• Ice, garnishes, and mixers
• Card payment machine for cashless transactions
• All alcoholic drinks (guests pay directly)
• Non-alcoholic options available
• Setup and breakdown service
• Full licensing and insurance
• Coordination with your venue

Perfect For These Events

Weddings

Many couples choose cash bar for evening reception drinks, particularly after providing welcome drinks and wine with dinner. It allows guests to enjoy drinks at their own pace without the host covering unlimited consumption.

Birthday Parties & Celebrations

For milestone birthdays and celebrations where you want to provide a professional bar experience without the expense of an unlimited package. Great for garden parties and home celebrations.

Corporate Events

Ideal for casual corporate events, team celebrations, or occasions where the company wants to provide a bar facility but not necessarily cover all costs. Can be combined with drink vouchers for first rounds.

Fundraising Events

Perfect for charity events and fundraisers where bar revenue can contribute to the cause. We can arrange for a percentage of bar takings to go directly to your charity.

Community Events

Village fetes, community celebrations, and local gatherings benefit from professional bar services where attendees purchase their own drinks.

Drink Menu & Pricing

Our cash bar offers a comprehensive selection of drinks at competitive prices. All prices are displayed clearly at the bar for your guests' convenience.

Typical Drink Categories:

• Draft beers and ciders
• Bottled beers and craft options
• House wines (red, white, rosé, prosecco)
• Premium spirits (gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila)
• Classic cocktails
• Signature cocktails (optional)
• Soft drinks and mixers
• Non-alcoholic cocktails

Pricing Philosophy

We price drinks fairly - comparable to what you'd pay at a good quality pub or bar, but reflecting the premium service and quality ingredients we provide. Our pricing ensures good value for your guests while maintaining the standards you expect from Henry's Bartenders.

Customization Options

Hybrid Approach

Many hosts choose a hybrid model: providing welcome drinks or first round on them, then switching to cash bar for the remainder. We can coordinate this seamlessly.

Drink Vouchers

You can purchase drink vouchers for your guests - for example, two drinks per guest. They use vouchers first, then purchase additional drinks if desired. Great for corporate events.

VIP Tab

Run a cash bar for most guests while maintaining a tab for VIP guests or wedding party. We handle both payment methods simultaneously without confusion.

Themed Bar

Customise the bar appearance to match your event theme. Add decorations, signage, or lighting to create the perfect atmosphere while maintaining cash bar functionality.

Staffing Recommendations

The number of bartenders needed depends on your guest count and event duration:

• Up to 75 guests: 1 bartender (4+ hour events)
• 75-150 guests: 2 bartenders recommended
• 150-250 guests: 3 bartenders recommended
• 250+ guests: 4+ bartenders or multiple bar stations

We'll advise on optimal staffing during your consultation to ensure efficient service and minimal wait times for your guests.

Venue Requirements

For successful cash bar service, we need:

• Space for our mobile bar (typically 8-12 feet wide)
• Access to electricity (standard UK plug socket)
• Access for delivery and setup (approximately 1-2 hours before event)
• Covered area if outdoors (marquee or shelter)
• Venue permission for alcohol service

We work with all venue types - from private homes to hotels, gardens to warehouses. We'll discuss specific venue requirements during your consultation.

Cash Bar vs Other Options

Compare cash bar with our other popular packages to find the best fit for your event: