general questions
Where is Gondola Bar Company based?
We’re based in Derbyshire, but we’re more than happy to travel wherever your celebration takes us. Whether you’re planning a wedding in the Cotswolds, a festival in Wales, or a party by the coast, we’ll bring the alpine atmosphere to you.
How do you transport the Gondola?
We’ve designed and built a custom trailer specifically for the gondola, which allows us to transport it safely and securely. When we arrive at your event, we carefully remove it from the trailer and set it up in the perfect spot, ready to serve your guests.
What events is the gondola bar suitable for?
Honestly, just about anything! From weddings and birthdays to corporate parties and festivals, the gondola fits right in. It’s a real conversation starter and brings a touch of fun and novelty to any occasion.
Can the gondola be used indoors and outdoors?
Yes, absolutely. The gondola works beautifully both inside and out. As long as there’s enough access to get it into position and no height restrictions, we can make it work in almost any space. We’re always happy to talk through the details with you beforehand to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Do you operate year-round or only seasonally?
We operate all year round! In the summer, it’s perfect for garden parties and outdoor celebrations, and in winter it transforms into a cosy après-ski bar that feels straight out of the Alps.
Drinks & Service
What kind of drinks do you serve?
Our standard menu takes its inspiration from classic alpine and après-ski favorites. You’ll find things like Aperol Spritz, Jägermeister cocktails, and warming winter drinks, along with two draught lines for your choice of beer or cider. That said, the menu is completely flexible — we’re more than happy to tailor it to your event or create something unique together.
Can we customise the drink menu for our event?
Of course! We love helping people design a drinks menu that suits their style, theme, or season. Whether you want a signature cocktail, a prosecco bar, or something completely different, we’ll make it happen.
Is there a bartender included with the rental?
Yes! Every booking comes with both of us — Frances and Ryan. We’re fully trained, licensed bartenders and we personally run every event. You’ll always get friendly faces behind the bar who know the setup inside and out.
Are non-alcoholic or themed drink options available?
Definitely. We can provide a great range of mocktails, soft drinks, and themed options so everyone feels included, whether they’re drinking alcohol or not.
Are you licensed to serve alcohol at private/public events?
Yes, both Frances and I hold personal alcohol licenses. To sell alcohol legally, the venue itself needs a premises license, or you can apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). If you’re not sure how to do that, we can guide you through the process and help with the paperwork.
booking & pricing
How do I book the gondola bar for my event?
We’d love to hear about what you’re planning! The easiest way to get started is to reach out to us by phone, email, or social media. Once we know a bit about your event, we can chat through options and create a setup that fits perfectly.
How far in advance should I book?
We currently have just one gondola, so bookings can fill up fast! We recommend reserving your date as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, we ask for a £500 non-refundable booking deposit to secure your date. The remaining balance can be paid closer to the event, we’ll make sure all the details are clear from the start.
Do you offer packages for weddings, festivals, or corporate events?
We do! Every event is different, so we create flexible packages to suit the occasion. Whether you’re hosting an intimate garden wedding or a large-scale corporate function, we can tailor the setup, drinks, and service to match your vision.
Can we brand or decorate the gondola for our event?
Yes, we’re very flexible. Let’s discuss your vision in more detail and we will do our best to help
EXPERIENCE
Do you provide lighting or music inside the gondola?
The gondola comes with lighting to create the perfect atmosphere, and we can also provide music to suit your vibe — whether that’s chill background tunes or lively après-ski beats.
Can the gondola be used just for decoration or photo opportunities?
Even if you don’t need a full bar setup, the gondola makes a fantastic photo backdrop or centrepiece.
Do you offer additional add-ons?
Just let us know what you need, and we’ll see how we can help.
Setup & Logistics
How much space do we need for the gondola setup?
We’ll confirm exact dimensions with you during booking, but in general, we just need a flat, accessible space with enough room to unload and position the gondola safely.
What kind of surface can it be placed on (grass, pavement, etc.)?
The gondola needs to sit on level ground so we can safely offload and secure it. Hardstanding surfaces are ideal, but if you’re unsure about your setup area, we’re happy to assess it in advance.
Do you need access to electricity or water?
We’re completely self-sufficient and can run off-grid with our generator if needed. However, if there’s access to mains electricity, that’s even better. It helps us keep the fridges running without the noise of a generator.
How long does setup and takedown take?
Setup and takedown are usually quick and straightforward, taking around an hour each. We’ll arrive in plenty of time before your event to make sure everything’s ready and looking perfect.