Sponsored Post
The prospect of planning a big celebration at home can conjure two competing visions: the joy of a house full of friends, laughter and music – and the quiet dread of playing host whilst simultaneously shaking martinis, clearing glasses, and making sure the Champagne doesn’t run dry. Enter NeatNights – the London-based cocktail and mobile bar specialists who are taking the stress (and the sticky countertops) out of entertaining.
Founded by industry insider Jimmy Ingram, who has been involved in the opening of award-winning bars and restaurants across the Capital, NeatNights was born out of a simple favour for a friend. “A few of my regulars in the music industry asked me to do a private party at their home,” he says. “I had so much fun I ended up doing it again – and when the referrals started coming in, I decided to make it official.” Today, the business caters to some of the most high-profile names in London and the home counties – though many details remain under wraps thanks to a flurry of NDAs from said VIPs.
What sets NeatNights apart is its blend of polish and personality. Yes, the cocktails are expertly crafted – think flawless espresso martinis, seasonal spritzes and tequila menus that rival the city’s finest bars – but it’s the warmth of the hosting that guests remember most. “We treat every event like we’re welcoming friends and family,” says Jimmy. “It has to be fun, informal and interactive. That’s when the magic happens.”
And the magic is scalable. From intimate masterclasses for small groups, where guests can learn to muddle, shake and stir their own creations, to milestone birthdays, weddings and bar mitzvahs with 300 guests, NeatNights has a format for every occasion. Bars pop up seamlessly in kitchens, on counters, or in marquees – and for those lucky enough to have a home bar already, the team bring their expertise (and flawless drinks lists) to you.
The detail is what makes it all feel so seamless. Planning begins with a conversation about mood, style and budget. Drinks menus are designed to be as unique as the hosts themselves – whether that’s a line-up dedicated to mezcal and tequila, an elegant martini menu, or a fully alcohol-free bar complete with virgin negronis, iced coffees and mocktail mojitos. A shopping list can be provided if clients prefer to supply their own bottles, or the team can handle everything from sourcing to set-up.
And it doesn’t stop at the drinks. Over the years, NeatNights has cultivated a little black book of trusted collaborators – live musicians, DJs, percussionists, sax players, even magicians – who can transform a private party into something extraordinary. For those seeking a more turnkey solution, Neat Nights also works with a handpicked selection of venues, securing preferred rates and overseeing everything from catering and entertainment to staff and bar management.
One of the brand’s most popular offerings is its cocktail masterclass experience – an evening that’s part skill-building, part social icebreaker. “People love the chance to get behind the bar and play bartender,” Jimmy explains. “It’s a brilliant way to make an evening interactive – and the results are usually hilarious.”
While the drinks are undeniably a draw, NeatNights is ultimately about hospitality in its truest sense. “I always say it’s like dining out in London,” Jimmy adds. “You might go somewhere for the food or the cocktails, but it’s the way you’re looked after – the atmosphere, the interaction with staff – that stays with you. That’s what we bring into people’s homes.”
If you’re planning your next milestone event, staff party, or simply looking to elevate a Saturday night with friends, NeatNights offers something genuinely special: a bar-quality experience without leaving your front door, delivered with the warmth of hosting you’d expect from your oldest friends. We’ll raise a glass to that.
