Best Mobile Bar Hire Options for Corporate Events in the South East
- Dan Brooks
- Jan 26
- 10 min read
QUICK OVERVIEW
Mobile bar hire for corporate events in Kent and the South East typically costs between £15 and £50 per person for full service packages, or £300 to £1,500 for dry hire. The best options include fully staffed bars with professional bartenders, premium drinks, glassware, and all licensing handled for you. Whether you are planning a product launch, summer party, or client entertainment evening, a mobile bar takes the stress out of drinks service.
Ready to get started? Explore our mobile bar hire services or get in touch for a free quote.
Table of Contents
What Is Mobile Bar Hire for Corporate Events?
How Much Does Corporate Mobile Bar Hire Cost in 2026?
What Types of Mobile Bar Packages Are Available?
Top 10 Benefits of Mobile Bar Hire for Corporate Events
How to Choose the Right Mobile Bar for Your Event
Do You Need a Licence for a Mobile Bar?
Best Mobile Bar Styles for Corporate Events
Mobile Bar Hire in Kent and the South East
Corporate Event Bar Trends for 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Mobile Bar Hire for Corporate Events?
Mobile bar hire for corporate events is a professional drinks service that brings a fully equipped bar directly to your venue. It includes everything you need: the bar unit itself, trained bartenders, quality drinks, glassware, ice, and often the licensing paperwork too.
Think of it as having your own private bar, set up exactly where you need it. This works brilliantly for:
Company summer parties and Christmas celebrations
Product launches and brand activations
Conference networking drinks
Client entertainment evenings
Exhibition stands and trade shows
Team building days and awards ceremonies
The beauty of mobile bar hire is flexibility. Unlike a fixed venue bar, a mobile bar goes wherever your event is. Garden marquee? No problem. Warehouse space? Easy. Hotel conference room? Absolutely.
At Brooks Bar Hire, we have been providing mobile bar services across Kent and the South East since 2013. In that time, we have supported over 750 events, from intimate corporate dinners to large scale festivals serving hundreds of guests.
How Much Does Corporate Mobile Bar Hire Cost in 2026?
Here is the honest answer: it depends on what you need. But we can give you realistic figures to help with budgeting.
Typical Price Ranges
Package Type | Price Range | What Is Included |
Dry Hire | £300 to £800 | Bar unit and equipment only. You supply drinks and staff. |
Cash Bar (Pay Bar) | £500 to £2,000 minimum spend | Full service. Guests pay for their own drinks at bar prices. |
Pre-Paid (Open Bar) | £20 to £35 per head | Full service with drinks included. Great for client events. |
Premium Cocktail Package | £35 to £50 per head | Premium spirits, craft cocktails, and mixologist service. |
What Affects the Price?
Guest numbers: More guests means more staff and stock needed
Service hours: A 4 hour evening costs less than an all day event
Drinks selection: Cocktails cost more than beer and wine
Bar style: An Airstream bar costs more than a standard setup
Location: Travel distance from the supplier
Branding: Custom wraps and personalisation add cost
For accurate pricing based on your specific requirements, view our services and pricing page or contact us directly.
What Types of Mobile Bar Packages Are Available?
Understanding the different package types helps you choose the right one for your budget and event style.
Dry Hire: Maximum Control
With dry hire, you rent just the bar unit and equipment. You source your own drinks and provide your own staff. This works well if you have a limited budget, want complete control over drink choices, or already have trained staff available.
Cash Bar: No Upfront Drinks Cost
A cash bar, sometimes called a pay bar, means guests buy their own drinks at normal bar prices. You agree a minimum spend with the bar company. If guests spend more than the minimum, there is no extra charge to you. If they spend less, you pay the difference.
This is popular for staff parties where you want to provide a professional bar without footing the entire drinks bill.
Pre-Paid or Open Bar: All Inclusive
With a pre-paid package, you pay a fixed amount per guest and drinks are included. This creates a premium experience where guests enjoy free drinks all evening. It is ideal for client entertaining, awards ceremonies, and events where you want to impress.
Hybrid Packages: Best of Both
Many corporate clients choose a hybrid approach. For example, you might host the first two hours as an open bar for welcome drinks, then switch to a cash bar for the rest of the evening. This keeps costs manageable while still creating a generous first impression.
Top 10 Benefits of Mobile Bar Hire for Corporate Events
You might be wondering whether mobile bar hire is worth the investment. Here are ten reasons why businesses across Kent and the South East choose this option.
Professional service that reflects well on your brand. Trained bartenders provide consistent, high quality service that impresses clients and staff alike.
Complete flexibility on location. Set up in a marquee, office, warehouse, garden, or any venue. The bar comes to you.
No stress about stock levels. Professional bar companies calculate quantities based on your guest numbers. No running out, no waste.
Licensing handled for you. Reputable companies manage Temporary Event Notices and insurance, removing legal headaches.
Creates a natural social hub. The bar becomes a focal point where people gather, network, and connect.
Branding opportunities. Customise the bar front, create signature cocktails, and reinforce your company identity.
Better value than venue corkage. Many venues charge £15 to £25 per bottle in corkage fees. Mobile bar hire often works out cheaper.
Quality drinks selection. Access premium spirits, craft beers, and locally sourced options that elevate your event.
Full setup and pack down. The bar team arrives early, sets up everything, and clears away at the end. You do nothing.
Memorable talking point. A beautiful bar, whether rustic wood or a vintage Airstream, creates a memorable impression that guests remember.
See how our bars look in action on our gallery page.
How to Choose the Right Mobile Bar for Your Event
Choosing a mobile bar company involves more than comparing prices. Here is what to look for.
Check Their Experience with Corporate Events
Corporate events have different requirements to weddings or private parties. Ask specifically about their experience with business functions. Do they understand the importance of punctuality, professional appearance, and discreet service?
Verify Insurance and Licensing
Any reputable mobile bar company should have public liability insurance. We carry cover up to £5 million. They should also be able to handle Temporary Event Notices on your behalf if your venue requires one.
Ask About Bar Styles
Different events suit different bar styles. A sleek LED bar works well for modern brand activations. Rustic wooden bars suit relaxed summer parties. Unique options like an Airstream bar create real talking points.
We offer six different bar ranges, including our beautiful bespoke Airstream which is perfect for festivals, outdoor events, and brand activations.
Calculate Staffing Requirements
As a general guide, allow one bartender per 50 to 75 guests for cocktail service, or one per 100 guests for simpler drinks. Busy arrival periods may need extra staff. Your bar company should advise on this.
Do You Need a Licence for a Mobile Bar?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The short answer: it depends on whether alcohol is being sold.
When You Need a Temporary Event Notice
If guests are paying for drinks, even at a cash bar, you need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). This is a simple application to your local council.
According to GOV.UK guidance, a TEN costs £21 and must be applied for at least 10 clear working days before your event.
Key TEN Requirements
Maximum 499 people at any one time, including staff
Maximum event duration of 168 hours (7 days)
Individuals can apply for up to 5 TENs per year, or 50 if they hold a personal licence
A single venue can have up to 15 TENs per year
When You Might Not Need a TEN
If your venue already holds a premises licence that covers alcohol sales, you may not need a separate TEN. Also, if drinks are provided free as part of a pre-paid package (no sale at point of service), the licensing requirements can differ.
Here is the good news: we handle all licensing requirements as part of our full service packages. You do not need to worry about the paperwork.
Best Mobile Bar Styles for Corporate Events
The style of bar you choose sends a message about your brand and the type of event you are hosting.
Rustic Wooden Bars
Hand crafted wooden bars create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They work beautifully for summer parties, garden events, and relaxed networking evenings. Our rustic bars feature built in refrigeration, ice wells, and speed rails for efficient service.
Contemporary LED Bars
Modern LED bars suit product launches, tech companies, and contemporary brand activations. The lighting can often be customised to match your brand colours.
Airstream and Vehicle Bars
For real wow factor, consider an Airstream bar or converted vehicle. These create incredible photo opportunities and become the centrepiece of any event. Our Airstream is available for hire across the UK and can be fully branded.
Modular Zip Bars
For larger corporate events, modular bar systems allow you to create longer serving areas. This reduces queues and keeps guests happy. We can configure up to six sections of our Zip Bar for high volume events.
Mobile Bar Hire in Kent and the South East
Being based in Maidstone, Kent, we are perfectly positioned to serve corporate events across the South East of England.
Areas We Cover
Our primary service areas include Kent, London, Surrey, Sussex, and Essex. We also travel further afield for larger events. UK wide delivery is available for our Airstream bar.
Popular Corporate Venues We Have Worked With
Over the years, we have provided bar services at venues ranging from country houses and golf clubs to office buildings and outdoor festival sites. Our corporate clients have included household names like Jaguar, John Lewis, and Soho House.
Why Local Matters
Working with a local bar company has real advantages. We know the South East venues. We source local ales, wines, and spirits when clients want them. And our team can respond quickly if your plans change.
Read what our clients say on our testimonials page.
Corporate Event Bar Trends for 2026
The corporate events industry is evolving. Here are the key trends we are seeing this year.
Sustainability Takes Centre Stage
According to the Amex GBT 2026 Meetings Forecast, 38% of event professionals have now implemented sustainable meetings policies. For mobile bars, this means reusable glassware instead of disposables, locally sourced drinks to reduce transport miles, and composting or recycling of waste.
We use compostable straws, recycled napkins, and reusable polycarbonate glasses when traditional glass is not suitable.
Low and No Alcohol Options
The demand for quality non alcoholic drinks has grown significantly. Modern corporate events need sophisticated mocktails and premium alcohol free beers, not just orange juice. Expect your bar company to offer proper low and no alcohol alternatives.
Experiential and Branded Experiences
Companies are moving away from generic drinks service towards experiences that reinforce their brand. This includes signature cocktails named after products, bar fronts wrapped in company colours, and interactive elements like cocktail making demonstrations.
Wellness Focused Menus
The line between drinks and wellness is blurring. We are seeing more requests for drinks with functional ingredients, botanical infusions, and lighter options. Corporate clients want their teams to enjoy the event without the heavy heads the next morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a mobile bar for a corporate event?
We recommend booking 6 to 12 weeks in advance, especially during peak season from May to September and the Christmas party period from November to December. For large or complex events, earlier is better. That said, we can sometimes accommodate last minute requests if we have availability.
Can you set up a mobile bar outdoors?
Absolutely. Mobile bars are designed for indoor and outdoor use. We bring everything needed for outdoor events including gazebos for weather protection, generators for power if required, and proper refrigeration to keep drinks cold. Our Airstream bar is particularly popular for outdoor corporate events.
What drinks do you offer?
We offer a full range including premium spirits, wines, Champagne, craft beers, local ales, cocktails, and soft drinks. We are serious about supporting local suppliers, so we have plenty of made in Kent options including wine, ale, lager, spirits, and soft drinks. We can also create bespoke cocktail menus for your event.
Can the bar be branded with our company logo?
Yes. We offer branding options for our bars including custom bar wraps, logo displays, and branded menu boards. Our Airstream can be fully branded for brand activations and product launches. Discuss your requirements with us and we will advise on what is possible.
What happens with leftover drinks?
This depends on your package. With dry hire, any drinks you have purchased remain yours. With full service packages, we calculate stock levels carefully based on your guest numbers to minimise waste. Any sealed stock that remains is typically taken back by the bar company.
Do you provide glassware?
Yes. Our full service packages include all glassware. We offer both traditional glass and reusable polycarbonate options depending on venue requirements and your preferences. We also bring backup stock in case of breakages.
What if our guest numbers change?
We understand that corporate event numbers can fluctuate. Let us know as soon as possible if your numbers change significantly and we will adjust stock and staffing accordingly. Small variations are usually easy to accommodate.
Making Your Corporate Event a Success
Choosing the right mobile bar hire can transform a standard corporate function into a memorable experience. The bar becomes more than just a place to get drinks. It creates a focal point for networking, reinforces your brand, and shows your guests that you have gone the extra mile.
Here is what to remember:
Book early, especially for peak dates
Choose a package type that matches your budget and hosting style
Work with a company experienced in corporate events
Check insurance and licensing credentials
Consider how the bar style fits your event theme
With over 750 events under our belt since 2013, we have seen what works. From intimate board dinners to large scale festivals, we bring the same attention to detail and commitment to quality service.
Ready to discuss your corporate event?
Get in touch for a free, no obligation quote or call us on 01622 919 616 to chat through your requirements.
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