At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant bar team, craft amazing drinks, and create unforgettable guest experiences.
- Company: Join Arcade, a dynamic hospitality project celebrating global cuisines and exceptional drink culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off food, refer-a-friend bonuses, and access to wellness services.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new venue and shape the future of hospitality in London.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Bartender or Supervisor in a high-energy environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37300 £ per year.
Join Our Bar Team – Bring The Energy, Craft The Drinks, Shape The Experience!
About Arcade:
Arcade is one of the UK’s most ambitious and exciting hospitality projects — a dynamic playground where world-class chefs, bold culinary ideas, and vibrant guest experiences come together under one roof. As a brand incubator, we launch, operate, and scale original concepts that celebrate global cuisines and exceptional drink culture.
About The Role:
We’re looking for a confident, experienced and hands-on Head Bartender to join the opening team at one of London’s most exciting new venues — Arcade Tottenham Court Road. As a key leader within the bar team, you will work closely with the Bar Manager to deliver exceptional drink quality, fast-paced service, and an unforgettable guest experience. You’ll lead from the front, setting the tone on shift while supporting the development of your team and ensuring the bar runs smoothly from open to close.
Working closely with the Bar Manager, you will:
- Lead bar service with energy, precision and pace, ensuring every drink meets our standards
- Support and coach bartenders and barbacks on shift, driving performance and confidence
- Oversee bar setup, organisation and service flow to ensure seamless operations
- Maintain high standards of drink quality, presentation, and cleanliness at all times
- Assist with stock control, ordering, and minimising waste
- Deliver engaging guest experiences through product knowledge and recommendations
- Support onboarding and training, helping to build a knowledgeable and motivated team
- Step up to run the bar in the absence of the Bar Manager or Assistant Bar Manager
- Uphold all Food Safety, Health & Safety, and hygiene standards
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Have proven experience as a Senior Bartender, Supervisor or Head Bartender in a high-volume, quality-led venue
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment and lead by example during busy services
- Have strong cocktail knowledge with excellent attention to detail and consistency
- Are confident training and developing team members on bar skills and service standards
- Understand stock control, cost management, and operational efficiency
- Bring a positive, energetic leadership style that motivates those around you
- Are passionate about hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
- Have excellent organisational skills and can stay calm under pressure
- Are proactive, hands-on, and always ready to jump in where needed
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Benefits of being part of the team:
- Refer a friend bonus
- Internal wage advance facility to instantly access the wages you’ve earned
- Delicious, seasonal meals when you’re at work
- A restaurant recognition budget for Birthday goodies and career milestones
- Dedicated staff chill out areas with kitchens and your own seating off the restaurant floor
- Balanced rotas. Your time outside of work is important to us
- 50% off food in our restaurants for you and your loved ones
- 50% off food in JKS restaurants within Arcade for you and your loved ones
- Access to counselling, remote GP/physio services, legal advice and more through Hospitality Action 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
- Summer and Christmas team parties where we all down tools and have some fun!
Head Bartender in London employer: Arcade Tottenham Court Road
Arcade Tottenham Court Road is an exceptional employer that values high-energy leadership and a commitment to hospitality excellence. With a vibrant work culture, employees are encouraged to grow through training and development opportunities while being part of a dynamic opening team. The location offers a unique chance to shape memorable guest experiences in a fast-paced environment, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
Contact Details:
Arcade Tottenham Court Road Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bartender in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Arcade Tottenham Court Road. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Arcade Tottenham Court Road
Don't be shy about reaching out to Arcade Tottenham Court Road directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Bartender in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Arcade Tottenham Court Road and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arcade Tottenham Court Road
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
