Not every celebration wants to follow the crowd, and neither do we. The Blacksheep Bar Co. is for weddings and events with a bit more personality: the ones that want standout service, a bar people gravitate towards, and an atmosphere that feels anything but standard.

At Scout & Hunter, we believe the best events are built around memorable moments, and the bar should be one of them. Not a confusing add-on full of hidden corkage, vague costs, and unnecessary fuss, but a bold, beautifully run feature that keeps the drinks flowing and the energy exactly where it should be.

So we’ve done things differently. With simple, transparent packages, professional service, and a strong sense of style, The Blacksheep Bar Co. brings a fresh take on bar hire across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset: relaxed, polished, and designed to stand out for all the right reasons.

The Three Tiers: Choosing Your Perfect Pour

Every celebration has its own rhythm. Some hosts want to be entirely hands-off, while others have a specific cellar of vintage wines they’ve been saving for years. Our three core tiers are designed to accommodate every style of event catering, from intimate garden gatherings to large-scale luxury wedding catering.

1. Wet Hire: The Seamless & Cashless Experience

If you’re looking for a "plug and play" solution where you don't have to worry about a single lemon wedge or ice cube, Wet Hire is your match. This is our most popular option for couples who want to focus entirely on their guests while we handle the logistics.

We bring the bar, we stock it with premium local selections, we staff it with our expert team, and we serve. It’s a completely cashless system, meaning guests simply buy their own drinks from an agreed, curated price list.

What We Provide:

• The Bar Unit: A stylish, rustic structure sized perfectly for your guest count.

• Premium Stock: Hand-picked Dorset gins, craft ales, and fine wines.

• Glassware: Elegant glasses for every type of serve.

• The Full Setup: POS and card payment systems, ice, chilling, and back-of-bar refrigeration.

• Expert Team: A professional bar lead and trained staff to keep the queues moving.

Best For: Hands-off, budget-friendly hosting where the focus is on a professional, high-end guest experience without the administrative headache.

 

2. Dry Hire: Maximum Control, Minimum Stress

For those who want to curate their own drinks list: perhaps you’ve found the perfect local vineyard or want to buy your favorite spirits in bulk: Dry Hire is the most budget-friendly way to secure a professional bar setup.

You supply the alcohol, and we bring everything else required to run a smooth, sophisticated service. It’s the perfect blend of DIY flexibility and professional execution.

What’s Included:

• A mobile bar structure and fascia that fits your aesthetic.

• Glassware for both bar service and table settings.

• Full chilling, ice, and refrigeration capabilities.

• Draught taps (available on request) for that perfect pour of local cider or lager.

• Staffing: Expert bartenders are available from £30 per hour (with a minimum 8-hour call).

Best For: Hosts who want total control over brands and budgets, with the peace of mind that the equipment and service are handled by specialists in event catering.

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3. The Hybrid: Hosted-Then-Cash

Can’t decide between treating your guests and staying within a specific budget? The Hybrid package offers the best of both worlds. You can start your celebration with a hosted window: perhaps covering the welcome drinks and table wine: and then switch seamlessly to a guest-pay bar for the evening festivities.

Our advanced POS (Point of Sale) system tracks your allowance live. Once the spend cap or time limit is reached, our team manages the transition smoothly. We update the signage and menus so there’s no awkwardness or pause in the celebration.

Example Setup:

• Welcome fizz and craft beers on arrival.

• Selected table wine and water served through the meal.

• A hosted bar until the speeches conclude, switching to guest-pay from the first dance.

The "Bar in a Box" – Your Turnkey Weekend Solution

Sometimes, the occasion calls for something more intimate. Perhaps you’re hosting a weekend-long wedding at a private estate in Somerset or a significant birthday in a Dorset garden. For these moments, we offer our Bar in a Box from £500.

This is a turnkey solution for the entire weekend (typically Friday to Monday). It includes our stylish mobile trailer bar, two draught taps, all necessary glassware, and ambient lighting to set the mood. It’s the ultimate wedding food idea for those who want a dedicated bar hub without the need for a full-service team for the duration.

 

More Than Just a Drink: The Scout & Hunter Ethos

The Blacksheep Bar Co. isn't a standalone service; it is an extension of our two-chef partnership. When we curate a bar menu, we do so with the same passion that goes into our food.

'The Hunter' ensures that our beer and spirit selections can stand up to the bold, smoky flavors of fire-cooked brisket and slow-roasted local lamb. Meanwhile, 'The Scout' brings a patisserie-level precision to our cocktail garnishes and non-alcoholic options, often incorporating foraged ingredients like elderflower, wild mint, or berries found in the hedgerows of the South West.

This synergy is what makes our luxury wedding catering stand out. We don’t just serve a gin and tonic; we serve a hand-picked Dorset gin paired with a specific tonic and a garnish that complements the seasonal salad on your plate.

 

Transparent Logistics & Pricing

We believe in clarity from the very first conversation. To help you plan your local wedding catering in Dorset or the surrounding counties, here is a breakdown of our standard booking terms:

• Save the Date Deposit: A £500 non-refundable deposit secures our team and equipment for your specific date.

• Glassware Deposit: A £250 refundable deposit is required for our comprehensive glassware packages.

• Licensing: Don't worry about the legalities. We handle the TENs (Temporary Event Notices) and ensure all service is responsible and compliant.

• Waste Management: We believe in leaving your venue exactly as we found it. Our team handles all bar-related waste and recycling as part of our service.

Optional Upgrades

Want to add a little extra "wow" factor? We offer several add-ons to elevate your bar:

• Signature Cocktails: Bespoke drinks designed around your favorite flavors.

• Prosecco Walls: A visual and delicious way to welcome guests.

• Table Wine & Toast Service: Seamlessly integrated into your meal service.

• Coffee Service: Professional barista-style coffee for the evening wind-down.

Why Professional Bar Hire Matters

When people look back on a wedding, they talk about two things: the food and the atmosphere. A professional bar is the engine room of that atmosphere. It’s not just about the liquid in the glass; it’s about the speed of service, the smile from the bartender, and the knowledge that everything: from the ice supply to the licensing: is being handled by experts.

By choosing The Blacksheep Bar Co., you are choosing a team that understands the nuances of event catering. We are there to be a highlight of the night, whether we are serving as the main feature or working effortlessly in the background to keep the celebration flowing.

 

Ready to Plan Your Bar?

Whether you’re dreaming of a high-energy guest-pay bar for a festival-style wedding or a sophisticated dry hire service for a corporate gala, we are here to help you navigate the options.

Our mission is to make your celebration exactly what you want it to be: stress-free, beautifully presented, and filled with the very best local flavours the South West has to offer.

Get in touch today and let’s talk about which tier fits your vision. Let’s make your bar the highlight people talk about for years to come.