HooBar is a mobile bar hire company that works out of a vintage horsebox. Based in Worcester, they cater for the surrounding area, the Cotswolds and the rest of the UK. They provide service for weddings and private functions, corporate events and more.
What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?
To be able to provide the most bespoke service to our customer, we like to have as much information as possible. Mainly, we need a brief explanation of the type of event that is being held, the number of guests coming, where the event is being held and most importantly, what sorts of drinks the customer would like to have at their event. Our service is completely custom-made for you.
What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Firstly, when getting a number of quotes, make sure to look into the terms and conditions. This is where you'll find out that most mobile drink bars as for a minimum spend of £750 - £1,000. This means that if you do not reach this target at your event, you're liable to pay the difference. This can be especially harsh when you are left with a £500 bill at the end of your event. At HooBar, we don't have a minimum spend. Another thing to make sure is that your bar accepts card payments at no extra cost to you. We use SumUp, that allows your guests to pay for their drinks using a card - with no extra cost to you or your guests. The final thing to check is that your bar supports local businesses. Where possible at HooBar we buy local, this reduces the fuel used in transporting the drinks, and ensures that local businesses continue to grow in your local area.
Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.
We started our business up not long after getting married. One of the things that we struggled to find was a business that had the environment in mind, that supported local businesses, was quirky and original and treated us an individual couple - So that started our business promise. We found the most beautiful old 1960's Rice horse box, and we converted it with love, sweat and tears. Each area of the bar was meticulously bought up to modern standards, whilst respectfully keeping the old quirky traits. We have running water, electricity, solar power, fridges, freezer, colour-changing lights, Edison-style bulbs and exterior lighting to give HooBar that vintage look. I love talking to people, and attending events. I receive genuine enjoyment from serving people and even introducing them to new drinks that they've not tried before. I also love people's faces when they see the bar - they are so complimentary and they want to know all about her! My business is not just a way to pay my monthly bills - it's where I have found my calling.
Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?
We have only recently joined Add to Event, but we've received a lot of interest so far. We've recently accepted our second booking and we're looking forward to receiving many more. We just getting into 2019 wedding season believe it or not, and we're already taking requests for quotes for 2020! At the moment, I'm also focussing on the Autumn and Winter season for this year where we've taken a booking for a vegan festival! I have a booking on Thursday for a big new home supplier, and I'm really looking forward to welcoming their prospective new purchasers with a chilled glass off prosecco with pomegranate, and some classy Belvoir Presse in a variety of different flavours for those who are driving.