Head Bartender - BPS in London

Head Bartender - BPS in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Arcade

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the bar team, craft amazing drinks, and create unforgettable guest experiences.
  • Company: Join Arcade, a vibrant new venue in Covent Garden, redefining hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible rotas, 50% off meals, and access to wellness services.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team passionate about creativity and collaboration in hospitality.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting opening team and shape the future of hospitality.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Bartender with strong cocktail knowledge and leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Join Our Bar Team – Bring The Energy, Craft The Drinks, Shape The Experience!

About Arcade: We’re gearing up for something big. Arcade is opening a brand-new venue in the heart of Covent Garden — and we’re looking for an exceptional Head Bartender to help lead our bar team from day one. 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 hospitality venues — Arcade Battersea Power Station. 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.

Responsibilities:

  • 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.

Qualifications:

  • 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.

Working At Arcade: We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Our teams are the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry-leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow. At Arcade, we’re more than just a restaurant group... We’re a collective of bold, diverse food and drink brands driven by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for hospitality. We believe in growing together, empowering our people, and creating opportunities to thrive across all areas of the business. Whether onsite, behind the scenes or head office, working at Arcade means being part of something exciting, fast-moving, and truly unique in the hospitality industry.

Benefits Of Being Part Of The Team: Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:

  • 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 - BPS in London employer: Arcade

Arcade is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Covent Garden, where creativity and collaboration thrive. As part of our bar team, you'll enjoy comprehensive benefits, including generous discounts, wellness support, and opportunities for personal growth within one of the UK's most exciting hospitality projects. Join us to craft unforgettable experiences while being part of a diverse and inclusive team that values your contributions and fosters your development.

Arcade

Contact Details:

Arcade Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Bartender - BPS in London

Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by Arcade and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff if you can; it shows you're genuinely interested and helps you understand their vibe.

Tip Number 2

Show off your cocktail skills! Bring a few signature drinks to the table during your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for drink culture.

Tip Number 3

Be ready to talk teamwork! Share examples of how you've led a bar team in the past. Highlight your coaching style and how you keep the energy high during busy shifts.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Bartender - BPS in London

Cocktail Knowledge
Leadership Skills
Team Development
Bar Service Management
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Stock Control

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When you're writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating memorable guest experiences and how you thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Bartender, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership style in your application. Talk about times you've coached or supported your team, and how you set the tone during busy shifts.

Be Specific About Your Experience:We want to see your relevant experience, so don’t hold back! Mention specific roles you've had, especially in high-volume venues, and detail your cocktail knowledge and any stock control experience you have.

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you one step closer to joining our exciting team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arcade

Know Your Cocktails

Brush up on your cocktail knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite drinks, how to make them, and any unique twists you might add. This shows your passion for the craft and helps you stand out as a candidate who truly understands the bar scene.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy environment. Think about times when you coached a bartender or resolved a conflict. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you're ready to take charge and inspire others at Arcade.

Emphasise Guest Experience

Be ready to talk about how you create memorable experiences for guests. Share specific stories where your service made a difference. This aligns perfectly with Arcade's focus on vibrant guest experiences and shows that you understand the importance of hospitality.

Understand Stock Control

Familiarise yourself with stock control and cost management practices. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed inventory in previous roles. This knowledge is crucial for the Head Bartender position and will show that you can contribute to the smooth running of the bar.