Horsebox Bar Hire in Buckinghamshire

Based in Buckinghamshire, The Ale Van is a mobile bar company that is run out of a vintage VW Horse box. Catering for the whole of the UK, they provide service for all types of events from private to corporate functions.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

For us to give a comprehensive quote, we need to know event date, accurate expected numbers and ideally we need a brief explanation of the type of event the client is looking for as every event is different and requires a different approach. As we provide a variety of different bars, we need to know if the event is held indoors or outdoors as this determine the type of set up we provide. Finally, we need to know the kind of hire type the client is looking for (cash bar / tab bar / dry hire) as this too will effect the quote we give.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

You need to establish if the company is a good fit for the type of event you are holding. For example, if you have a lot of beer lovers attending, then you probably would not want to hire a cocktail bar and visa versa. Secondly, you need to establish that the bar service can accommodate the numbers at your event. If your hiring a cash bar, ask for a drinks price list to ensure prices are affordable. Also this will enable you to see the full range of drinks the company has on offer.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

I grew up in the pub trade, coming from 4 generations of publicans no less! From this background, I was operating and servicing event bars from an early age. It was 2 years ago though that The Ale Van came to be, when I teamed up with two lifelong friends who also work in the catering industry. Our love of craft beer and real ale gave us the direction we wanted to take the events bar company into. The idea behind the Ale Van was to provide people with their very own beer festival on wheels! Providing not only a diverse range of quality beer, but spirits and wines and even food options. Since the business has moved along, we have diversified into pop up bars as well, but the core principals have never changed - providing a great service and quality drinks at decent prices.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

We haven't been on the platform for too long, but we have already secured a number of bookings. There is really no other platform quite like it, or that has the exposure as the site is extremely active. The concept is also so good for getting your company profile out there, as it enables us to approach potential customers that would otherwise go under the radar. We would certainly recommend Add To Event to others - we just wish we had joined up sooner!