Bartender Hire in London

Bartenders charge £18 to £30 per hour with a minimum booking of 4 to 5 hours. A single bartender for a small event costs £100 to £150 for the evening. Cocktail mixologists charge £200 to £500 for a bespoke service. For a 150-person event needing three bartenders, budget £350 to £550 for the evening. These prices typically exclude drinks and supplies.

Check their experience with your type of event — a cocktail mixologist and a high-volume bar server are different skill sets. Verify they hold a personal alcohol licence if drinks are being sold. Read reviews on Gathrd for speed, friendliness, and professionalism. Ask what equipment they bring versus what you need to supply. For cocktail events, ask them to suggest a menu and discuss ingredient sourcing. Confirm public liability insurance.

A rough guide is one bartender per 40 to 50 guests for a standard bar serving beer, wine, and simple cocktails. For cocktail-heavy events where every drink is made to order, one bartender per 30 to 40 guests is better. For a drinks reception where everyone arrives at once and wants serving simultaneously, increase staffing for the first hour. Discuss your event flow with the bartender to plan the right ratio.

Most bartenders supply their skills, equipment, and expertise while you provide the alcohol, mixers, and ice. This gives you control over the budget and drink selection. However, many bartenders can advise on quantities and even source drinks for you at an additional cost. Some offer all-inclusive packages where they supply everything, which simplifies planning but usually costs more per head.

Yes, cocktail mixologists specialise in creating bespoke menus tailored to your event theme, colour scheme, or flavour preferences. They can name drinks after the bride and groom, match your brand colours for a corporate launch, or design a signature cocktail around a seasonal ingredient. Discuss your ideas when booking and the bartender will typically propose a menu for your approval.