Assistant Manager in Alton

Assistant Manager - The Anchor Inn

The Anchor Inn is a charming 17th-century country pub with rooms, nestled in the beautiful rolling countryside of Hampshire. Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment, we're preparing to reopen with a renewed focus on exceptional hospitality, outstanding food and memorable guest experiences.

With this exciting new chapter ahead, we're looking for an experienced Assistant Manager to join us and help bring the vision for the newly refurbished Anchor Inn to life. Working alongside the General Manager, you'll play an important role in building a fantastic team, setting high standards and creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere our guests will love.

At Butcombe Pubs & Inns, we're all about great food, great service and creating moments that people remember. Whether it's a warm welcome, a perfectly poured pint or going the extra mile for a guest, our teams bring our pubs to life every day.

About the Role

This is a hands-on management position with a strong focus on people, hospitality and delivering an exceptional guest experience. Working closely with the General Manager, you'll help lead the team and support the smooth running of this food-led pub, making sure every shift delivers the high standards our guests expect.

With five beautiful en-suite guest bedrooms alongside a quality food and beverage offering, The Anchor Inn offers a varied and rewarding environment where no two days are the same.

You're a visible and supportive leader who enjoys being on the floor, getting to know your guests and team, and helping create an environment where people want to work and guests want to return.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the General Manager with the day-to-day running of the pub, ensuring every shift delivers great hospitality and memorable guest experiences.

• Helping to build and develop a strong team as we prepare for the reopening.

• Leading by example and inspiring the team to Set the Bar High with service and operational standards.

• Coaching, developing and motivating team members, helping them build confidence and grow their careers.

• Creating a positive, inclusive team culture where people feel valued and supported.

• Taking ownership of the guest journey, ensuring guests receive a warm welcome and feel genuinely looked after.

• Dealing with guest feedback and resolving any issues quickly, professionally and From the Heart.

• Supporting with rotas, stock control, compliance and operational standards.

• Working with the team to deliver strong commercial performance while maintaining the warm, welcoming feel our pubs are known for.

• Helping to create the atmosphere and experience that will make the newly refurbished Anchor Inn the Talk of the Town.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is passionate about hospitality and ready to take the next step in their management career.

You’ll ideally have experience in a similar Assistant Manager or supervisory role within a busy food-led pub, restaurant, hotel or hospitality environment. Most importantly, you’ll be a natural people person who enjoys leading from the front and creating great experiences for both guests and colleagues.

You’ll be someone who:

• Leads by example and brings energy and enthusiasm to every shift.

• Has a genuine passion for great food, drink and hospitality.

• Enjoys developing and supporting people.

• Is confident making decisions and taking ownership.

• Understands the importance of commercial performance and operational standards.

• Creates memorable guest experiences and looks for opportunities to Raise the Spirits.

• Shares our belief that people are at the heart of what we do.

What's In It For You?

• Flexible Working – We understand the importance of work/life balance and offer flexibility to help make work fit around your lifestyle.

• Award-Winning Culture – Join one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, winners of The Publican Awards Best Pub Employer 501+ Employees 2026, and a business recognised for its industry-leading training and development.

• Benefits Bar – Access discounts, cashback and perks across major retailers, holidays, groceries, days out and more.

• Career Growth & Development – From structured training plans to development opportunities across the business, we'll support you in building a long-term career in hospitality.

• Length of Service Awards – We celebrate your milestones and dedication.

• Annual Awards Night – Be recognised and celebrated at our annual Bar Raiser Ball.

• Extra Time Off – Enjoy an extra day of holiday on your birthday, plus the option to purchase additional holiday throughout the year.

• Team Discounts – Enjoy 30% off across Butcombe Pubs & Inns and 50% off food whilst on shift.

• Wellbeing Support – We’re proud ambassadors of The Burnt Chef Project and provide access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.

• Beautiful Locations & Great Teams – Work in stunning pubs and inns alongside passionate people who genuinely care about hospitality.

Why Join Butcombe?

We believe hospitality is at its best when people can be themselves. That’s why we’ve created a culture where everyone belongs and where you’re encouraged to Be You.

We Work From the Heart, Set the Bar High, Raise the Spirits and create experiences that genuinely become the Talk of the Town.

INDMP