Pop-Up cider bar for events
Serve craft cider from a mobile bar at markets, weddings and festivals before committing to premises.
- £3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A small mobile cider bar, such as a converted trailer, horsebox or gazebo setup, serving draught and bottled cider at events and private hire.
Your first three steps
- Choose your set-up (trailer, horsebox or gazebo) and price up a basic bar kit and cooling
- Agree a small range with one or two local producers and test it at a friend's party or a small market
- Contact local event organisers, wedding venues and markets about pitches and private hire
Who pays
Event organisers, wedding couples, festival-goers, farmers' market visitors and private party hosts.
How it makes money
Customers pay per drink at public events, or you charge a hire fee or minimum spend for private events, on top of drinks sales.
Skills that help
- Customer service
- Knowledge of ciders
- Event organising
- Basic driving and towing
Watch out for
- A personal licence holder and either a premises licence or Temporary Event Notices are usually needed, check with your council
- Street trading or pitch permissions may be needed in some areas, check locally
- Public liability insurance, and cover for your trailer or vehicle
- Seasonal demand, with quieter winter months
- Check towing rules for your driving licence and vehicle
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a pop-up cider bar?
Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on whether you use a gazebo setup, trailer or horsebox, plus your stock, insurance and towing needs. This is an estimate, so get quotes for your own setup.
How much can a mobile cider bar make?
Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many events you book, your pricing and the season. These are estimates, not guarantees, and demand may be quieter in the winter months.
What licences and rules should I check for a cider bar?
Check whether you need a personal licence holder and either a premises licence or Temporary Event Notices, and ask your council. Also check street trading or pitch permissions locally, public liability insurance, and towing rules for your driving licence.
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