Catering Bar Assistant

Catering Bar Assistant

Full-Time 24000 € / year No home office possible
ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Serve food and drinks, support events, and assist in the kitchen.
  • Company: Join the Architectural Association, a leader in architectural education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to 40 days leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible hours in a vibrant Central London location.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative environment and engage with inspiring architecture students.
  • Qualifications: Customer service experience and basic food safety knowledge preferred.

Location: London – Bedford Square

Department: Catering

Reporting to: Bar Manager

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours of work: Full-time; 35 hours per week. Working 5 days per week (Monday to Saturday) on a rota basis. Shifts are typically between 7am to 9pm, or later if required.

Role Overview: This is a customer-facing role within the bar and catering team. You will serve food and drinks, support events across the school and assist in the kitchen when needed.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Serve hot and cold drinks, food and alcohol
  • Provide a friendly and approachable service to students, staff and visitors
  • Handle payments accurately
  • Prepare coffee using a manual machine, including milk texturing and basic machine maintenance to Standard Operating Procedures
  • Support and restock bar supplies, fridges and shelves
  • Receive and store deliveries correctly across stock rooms
  • Keep all food and beverage areas clean, organised and well maintained
  • Support the setup, service and closing down of private functions and school events
  • Assist and support the kitchen team in the dining room when required
  • Maintain cleanliness across the bar and service areas including FMB, BMR and Bar
  • Follow food safety and health and safety requirements at all times

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

All staff must:

  • Comply with all legislative and regulatory requirements (e.g. Finance, HR, Health & Safety)
  • Adhere to the requirements set out in the AA Code of Behavioural Expectations and other institutional policies

Person Specification:

Skills:

  • Strong customer service and communication skills
  • Good numeracy skills for handling payments
  • Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask in a busy environment
  • Problem solving and ability to use initiative

Experience:

  • Previous experience in a bar, café or customer facing role
  • Experience preparing coffee using a manual machine
  • Experience handling stock, deliveries or event setup is desirable

Qualifications and training:

  • Basic food safety knowledge
  • Willing to complete further health and safety training

Attributes:

  • Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities
  • Positive and proactive approach to work
  • Works well as part of a team and supports colleagues
  • Maintains a professional and respectful approach with colleagues, students and visitors
  • Communicates clearly and calmly, even under pressure
  • Creative thinking and problem-solving are essential skills for AA employees

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of staff benefits, including up to 40 days’ leave per annum, in addition to Bank Holiday, a defined pension scheme, season ticket loans and access to professional development opportunities. You will also be able to take part and be involved in a creative and unique teaching environment, where the students display their amazing work with various on-site exhibitions, public programmes and lectures.

Our Bedford Square campus is based just a 5-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station, right in the heart of Central London.

How to Apply:

Please email the below documents to by the closing date of 10th June 2026 stating the job title in the subject heading:

  • AA Application Form
  • Cover Letter / Email highlighting why you feel you are the right person for the role. This should be no more than two pages
  • Full CV

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Interviews will be held the week commencing on 15th June 2026.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Please note that it will not be possible for the AA School to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for successful candidates. Therefore, the appointed candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of their employment with the AA School, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Thank you for your interest in the AA and this role.

Catering Bar Assistant employer: ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

The Architectural Association is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With generous benefits including up to 40 days' leave, a defined pension scheme, and professional development opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow within a unique educational environment that celebrates architecture and design. Join us at our historic Bedford Square campus, just a short walk from Tottenham Court Road, and be part of a team that values inclusivity and supports your career journey.

ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Contact Detail:

ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Catering Bar Assistant

Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! If you're eyeing that Catering Bar Assistant role, pop by the AA campus and soak in the atmosphere. Familiarising yourself with the space can give you a leg up during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Chat with current staff or alumni from the AA. They might share insider tips or even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role!

Tip Number 3

Show off your skills! If you’ve got barista experience or customer service chops, be ready to demonstrate them. Maybe even bring a portfolio of your past work or a list of references who can vouch for your skills.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and know how to follow instructions—both key traits for a Catering Bar Assistant.

We think you need these skills to ace Catering Bar Assistant

Customer Service Skills
Communication Skills
Numeracy Skills
Attention to Detail
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Multitasking
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and learn about the Architectural Association. Understanding our values and culture will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with us.

Craft Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight why you're the perfect fit for the Catering Bar Assistant role. Keep it concise, no more than two pages, and let your personality come through.

Show Off Your Experience:When detailing your CV, focus on relevant experience in customer service or bar roles. Mention any specific skills like coffee preparation or stock handling that align with what we’re looking for.

Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get your documents in as soon as you can to avoid missing out!

How to prepare for a job interview at ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Catering Bar Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like serving drinks, handling payments, and supporting events. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills

Since this role is customer-facing, be ready to discuss your previous experience in similar positions. Think of specific examples where you provided excellent service or handled difficult situations. This will demonstrate your strong communication skills and ability to work under pressure.

Practice Coffee Making

If you have experience with manual coffee machines, great! If not, consider practicing before the interview. Being able to talk about your knowledge of coffee preparation and machine maintenance can set you apart from other candidates. Plus, it shows your willingness to learn and adapt.

Be Ready for Teamwork Questions

This role requires a positive attitude and teamwork. Prepare to discuss how you've worked effectively with others in the past. Think of examples where you supported colleagues or contributed to a successful event. This will highlight your collaborative spirit and adaptability.