Bar Staff for Hire London.

The Sesh Bars supply experienced, licensed bartenders and bar backs for events across London. Whether your venue has its own bar, you've dry-hired a mobile unit, or you need extra crew to support an existing team — we provide staff who arrive briefed, professional, and ready to serve from the first order.

The Sesh Bars bar team at an outdoor London event, ready to serve
01 — Roles

Bar Staff Roles Available.

Bar staff hire covers three primary roles: head bartender, cocktail bartender, and bar back. Head bartenders manage the bar operation — stock, pacing, and team coordination — alongside serving. Cocktail bartenders focus on drink production, from classic serves to bespoke menus. Bar backs handle restocking, glass collection, ice runs, and bar hygiene so the bartenders never stop pouring.

Every staff member arrives pre-briefed on your event: guest count, drink list, dress code, venue layout, and any dietary or licensing considerations. We require a drinks list and event brief at least 48 hours before the event. For cocktail-heavy events, a tasting session can be arranged at your venue or our premises in advance.

Head Bartender

Bar management + serving, shift lead

Cocktail Bartender

Full menu capability, fast and accurate

Bar Back

Stock, glass, ice — keeps bar moving

02 — What's Included

What Bar Staff Hire Covers.

Every bar staff booking includes public liability insurance, APLH-qualified staff, pre-event briefing, smart event dress (black shirt, dark trousers, or as specified), and post-event closedown. Staff carry their own tools — shakers, jiggers, bar spoons, strainers, and speed pourers — so nothing is left to chance at the venue.

For events where you need the full package — bar unit, drinks, and staff together — see our professional bartender hire London page for combined mobile bar and staff options. Bar staff hire is also available as an add-on to any of our mobile bar packages if you need more hands on a busy night.

  • Public liability insurance
  • APLH-qualified staff
  • Pre-event briefing
  • Event dress code
  • Own bar tools
  • Post-event closedown
  • Licensing advice
  • Flexible shift lengths
03 — Event Types

Events We Staff Across London.

Bar staff hire serves a wide range of event formats: private parties at home or in hired venues, corporate receptions and product launches, wedding receptions where the couple has already contracted the venue bar, outdoor festivals and community events, and pop-ups. Minimum shift is four hours; events running beyond eight hours carry an overtime rate.

London venues frequently have their own bar infrastructure but lack the crew to operate it properly at high-volume events. Our staff integrate with venue teams or operate independently — whatever the event requires. We've staffed bars at warehouses in Hackney, rooftop venues in the City, private townhouses in Mayfair, and marquee receptions in the outer boroughs. Flexibility is built into every booking.

Private parties
Corporate receptions
Wedding receptions
Product launches
Outdoor festivals
Pop-ups and markets
08 — FAQ

Bar Staff for Hire FAQ.

How much does bar staff hire in London cost? +
Bar staff hire in London starts from £180 per bartender for a four-hour event shift. Rates vary by event type, bar complexity, and whether you need a head bartender or a supporting bar back. Full crew packages for larger events are priced on request. All staff include public liability insurance and hold personal alcohol licences where required.
What is the difference between bar staff hire and mobile bar hire? +
Bar staff hire provides experienced bartenders and bar backs for events where the venue already has a bar. Mobile bar hire provides both the physical bar unit and the staff. If your venue has its own bar but needs extra crew — or if you have dry-hired a bar unit elsewhere — bar staff hire is the right option. We can also supply staff alongside our own mobile unit.
Are your bar staff licensed to serve alcohol? +
Yes. All The Sesh Bars staff hold personal alcohol licences or have completed APLH training as a minimum. Senior bartenders and shift leads hold full personal licences. For events requiring Temporary Event Notices, we advise on the process and can co-apply on your behalf.
How far in advance should I book bar staff for my event? +
Book at least four weeks ahead for weekend events in peak season (May–September). Weekday and off-peak bookings can often be confirmed within two weeks. For large or complex events, earlier is always better — Saturday night availability in central London moves quickly.

Other Services

Areas We Cover

Get a Free Quote.

Share your event details and receive a mobile bar hire quote within 24 hours. No obligation. Call, WhatsApp, or email.

Mon–Fri · 09:00–18:00 Sat · 10:00–16:00 Sun · By Appointment