Dry Hire Mobile Bar: What You Get, What It Costs & How It Works

A dry hire mobile bar gives you professional bar service while you supply the alcohol. With EscoBar Events, you get a professional mixologist, mobile LED bar, cocktail equipment, premium glassware, transport and setup, plus a customised shopping list based on your chosen cocktail menu.

It can suit weddings, parties and corporate events when you’d like to choose and buy your own drinks but still want an experienced team to serve them. Here’s what’s included, how dry hire compares with an all-inclusive package, and what to plan before booking.

What’s included in our Dry Hire package?

Our Dry Hire package includes:

• A professional mixologist
• A mobile LED bar
• Cocktail equipment
• Premium glassware
• Transport and setup
• A customised shopping list based on your cocktail menu

You supply the alcohol. We don’t provide spirits as part of Dry Hire. You’re also responsible for shopping for the drinks and ingredients on your list. Check the quote with us for a clear breakdown of what you’ll need to purchase, including mixers, garnishes, fresh produce and ice.

Dry hire can mean different things from one supplier to another, so check every inclusion rather than assuming a bar or bartender-only offer covers the same service. EscoBar Events has delivered more than 500 events in London, and our team can help you plan a practical menu and shop for the quantities it requires.

Dry Hire vs Full Package: which is right for you?

Choose Dry Hire if you want control over what you buy, already have drinks available, or prefer to manage the shopping yourself. It may help you control your drinks spend, although you’ll need to account for the time and logistics of buying, transporting and chilling stock.

Choose our Full Package if you’d rather leave the drinks supply and related planning to us. It’s our all-inclusive, stress-free option. You can compare both options on our packages page.

How much does a dry hire mobile bar cost?

There isn’t one set dry hire mobile bar cost. Each quote depends on the event and the service required, so we price per event rather than offering a single figure that fits every booking.

Key factors include:

• Guest numbers and service hours: More guests or a longer service can mean more staffing and equipment.
• Number of mixologists: Staffing depends on the expected rush, service style and menu, not just the guest count.
• Cocktail complexity: A short menu of simple serves is different from a cocktail list with multiple fresh ingredients and detailed garnishes.
• Location and access: Travel, parking, stairs, long distances from the unloading point or outdoor access can affect logistics around London and surrounding areas.
• Glassware: The glass types and quantities needed, and whether washing is available, can change the setup.
• Your shopping list: Alcohol, mixers, fresh produce, garnishes and ice are separate purchases for a Dry Hire event.

Remember to consider the full cost of your event bar, not just the hire fee. Your own shopping and delivery costs, chilling and storage, and any venue requirements can all affect the overall budget. We’ll give you a quote based on your event details, so you can compare Dry Hire with the Full Package on a like-for-like basis.

How to build your shopping list

We send a customised shopping list based on your cocktail menu. To plan your quantities, start with the number of guests you expect to drink cocktails and estimate how many serves each may have. Multiply those figures to get a rough total number of drinks, then divide that total across the cocktails on your menu.

For example, if you expect 80 guests to have three cocktails each, you’re planning for around 240 cocktail serves. The exact number will depend on the event length, other drinks available and your guests’ preferences. For each cocktail, use the recipe to work out the required spirits, mixers, fresh produce and garnish quantities. Allow for some variation rather than buying exactly to the last measured serve.

Also plan for:

• Ice: You may need ice for shaking or serving cocktails and for chilling bottles. These are different uses, so consider how you’ll store and replenish it. A rough starting point sometimes used for event planning is 8–12kg per 50 guests, but requirements can change with the menu, weather and event length. Confirm what suits your setup.
• Mixers and garnish: Calculate these from the recipes and expected serves. Fresh fruit and herbs may need to be prepared close to the event.
• Chilling: Work out where bottles and fresh ingredients will be kept cold, and when they need to arrive.
• Glassware: Match glass types to the menu. If glasses won’t be washed during service, you may need more per guest than if they can be collected and reused.

Practical planning tips for a smooth service

Ask about staffing early. As a rough guide, a cocktail-led event with around 35–40 guests per mixologist may need more staff if everyone is likely to order at once, the drinks are intricate, or table service is required. Your supplier can recommend staffing based on your guest numbers, service hours and menu.

Confirm glassware, ice and equipment. Check the number and types of glasses, whether glass collection or washing is available, and who is sourcing ice and storage. Don’t assume these are included just because a package uses the term “dry hire”.

Agree timings and access. Share the venue address, access arrangements, bar location and service hours. Confirm when the team can set up, when your drinks need to be delivered and chilled, and what time service and pack-down finish.

Check venue rules and licensing. Ask the venue whether its premises licence covers alcohol service for your event and what conditions apply. If it doesn’t, ask who is responsible for confirming the right arrangements before the event. In England and Wales, some events may need a Temporary Event Notice; see the official GOV.UK guidance on Temporary Event Notices. Licensing requirements differ across the UK, so check the rules that apply to your location.

Common dry hire mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the alcohol is included: With our Dry Hire package, you buy the alcohol. Check your shopping list and quote before placing an order.
• Buying too little, or too late: Work from the menu quantities, consider your guest numbers and leave time for shopping, delivery and chilling.
• Forgetting ice and storage: Ice is important for cocktails and chilling, but it needs enough room and a plan for replenishment.
• Choosing a menu that’s too complicated: A smaller, well-planned menu can make shopping easier and service smoother.
• Leaving venue checks until the last minute: Confirm access, setup times, glassware arrangements and licensing requirements in advance.

With over 10 years’ experience and more than 500 events delivered in London, EscoBar Events can help tailor the service to your celebration or brand. We’ve also partnered with brands including Patrón, Red Bull and Wilde Toast, and have received more than 100 five-star reviews.

Dry Hire mobile bar FAQs

What does dry hire mean for a mobile bar?

It means you supply the alcohol, while the service provider supplies the agreed bar setup and service. The exact inclusions vary, so check the package details. EscoBar Events’ Dry Hire includes a professional mixologist, mobile LED bar, cocktail equipment, premium glassware, transport and setup, plus a customised shopping list.

Is alcohol included in EscoBar Events’ Dry Hire package?

No. You buy and supply the alcohol. We provide a customised shopping list based on your cocktail menu to help you plan your purchase.

Is dry hire cheaper than a Full Package?

It depends on your event, menu and what you’re buying. Dry Hire lets you source the drinks yourself, but you should include shopping, delivery, chilling and storage in your overall budget. Ask for a quote for both options if you’re comparing costs.

How far in advance should I arrange a dry hire bar?

Get in touch once you have your event date, venue and a likely guest count. Booking early gives you more time to agree the menu, confirm venue requirements and shop from the customised list.

Planning an event in London or the surrounding areas? Get a free quote from EscoBar Events, or call 07584992720 or WhatsApp us.