From intimate garden parties to large-scale festivals, the way people enjoy a drink is changing — and one Warrington-based company is leading the charge. Bars & Beyond Ltd, founded by local entrepreneur John Houghton, is quickly becoming the name to know in the mobile bar industry.
Drawing on his proven track record in business with the success of Hydaheat Ltd, John saw an opportunity to bring the same professionalism, innovation, and local-first ethos into events. The result? A mobile bar company that delivers not just drinks, but an experience.
Bars & Beyond isn’t your average pop-up bar. With a fleet of stylish setups — from rustic wood finishes to sleek, modern designs — the company can tailor its look and feel to match any occasion, whether it’s a garden party for 30 guests, an office celebration, or a festival with 6,000 attendees. In 2024, they planned and executed a festival in Chester, serving thousands of festival goers across a 12-meter bar with efficiency, quality, and a smile. (plus, a great team).
To complement its mobile bars, Bars & Beyond has expanded into glass hire, offering everything from elegant stemware to high-volume festival stock. The company also provides trained mixologists and flair bartenders, turning any bar into a performance and adding theatre to the drinks service.
What really makes Bars & Beyond stand out, however, is its commitment to community and sustainability. Wherever they go, John and his team seek out artisan brewers, distillers, and suppliers, keeping the bar offering fresh, exciting, and locally rooted. They also recruit and train staff from the local area, blending local talent with the company’s experienced core team — a model that not only boosts the local economy but ensures guests receive a warm, authentic service.
The company is also branching into bespoke branded bar experiences, including a collaboration with AU Vodka to create a festival-ready Vodka Bar, proving that Bars & Beyond has the versatility to work with major brands as well as grassroots producers.
“We don’t just pour pints — we create an atmosphere,” John explains. “Every event is different, and we take pride in offering bars that feel like a natural part of the celebration, while giving back to the communities we work in.”
With a strong first year under its belt, Bars & Beyond is now gearing up for even bigger opportunities at some of the UK’s leading festivals and food events. For organisers seeking a reliable, stylish, and community-driven bar partner, Bars & Beyond is proving to be a game-changer.
For more information, visit www.barsandbeyond.co.uk