At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bar, create amazing drinks, and ensure a top-notch guest experience.
- Company: Birchwood at The Conduit, a restaurant committed to ethical farming and sustainability.
- Benefits: Healthcare perks, discounts, meals on duty, and generous holiday leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for ongoing training and career growth in a supportive atmosphere.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and showcase your cocktail skills in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Bartender or Head Bartender with strong beverage knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Birchwood The Conduit
Reporting to: Restaurant Manager. Working Closely With: Head Bartender, Restaurant Manager & General Manager.
About the Concept
Birchwood is a collection of restaurants united by a clear philosophy. Wherever it is found, Birchwood is defined by respect for land, animals and people, bringing the values of independent, ethical farming and season led cooking into both rural and urban settings. It is built on direct relationships with farmers, growers and producers who share our commitment to animal welfare, slow growth and low intervention. Our own butchery, Block, allows full transparency and whole animal use, ensuring every cut has purpose and value while delivering depth of flavour and integrity on the plate. Birchwood The Conduit is a collaboration between Birchwood, LevyUK and The Conduit.
Purpose
The Head Bartender is responsible for leading the beverage operation, ensuring high-quality drinks, strong service standards and an engaging guest experience across both the bar and coffee offering. This is a hands‑on leadership role, where you will take ownership of the bar during service, support and develop the team, and contribute to a beverage programme that reflects seasonality, creativity, sustainability and low‑waste principles. Alongside strong cocktail and wine knowledge, the role requires oversight of the coffee and barista operation, ensuring consistently high standards in coffee preparation, equipment maintenance and guest experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the bar during service, ensuring smooth, efficient and high-quality delivery
- Maintain exceptional standards in drink preparation, presentation and consistency
- Support the wider front of house team during busy service periods
- Ensure the bar contributes positively to the overall guest experience
- Support and contribute to a seasonal, ingredient‑led cocktail offering
- Champion a low‑waste approach to drinks, using thoughtful preparation and ingredients
- Maintain strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, beer and soft drinks
- Develop and promote knowledge of low‑intervention and natural wines
- Oversee the daily coffee and barista operation alongside the wider beverage programme
- Maintain strong understanding of coffee preparation, extraction and milk texturing standards
- Ensure all coffee equipment is correctly maintained, cleaned and calibrated
- Support consistency and quality across all coffee service
- Assist with training and development of Baristas and wider FOH team members where required
- Support seasonal development of coffee and non‑alcoholic beverage offerings
- Assist with menu updates and daily changes where required
- Provide warm, knowledgeable and engaging service
- Confidently recommend drinks, tailoring suggestions to guest preferences
- Share the story behind drinks, ingredients and producers where appropriate
- Build rapport with members and create a welcoming bar environment
- Lead, supervise and support the Bartender and Barista teams, ensuring consistently high standards across the full beverage operation
- Lead by example in service standards, professionalism and attitude
- Support training and development of the bar team
- Assist with onboarding new team members
- Act as a key link between the bar team and management
- Oversee bar setup, ensuring it is clean, stocked and organised
- Support stock control, ordering and deliveries
- Monitor wastage and support cost control
- Ensure all equipment is maintained and issues are reported promptly
- Ensure compliance with licensing laws and responsible alcohol service
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness across FOH and BOH areas
- Follow all health, safety and hygiene procedures
- Ensure adherence to company policies and operational standards
- Work closely with kitchen and front of house teams
- Support a positive, collaborative and high-performing team environment
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and feedback
- Represent the values of Birchwood, The Conduit and Levy
Skills & Experience
- Experience as a Senior Bartender or Head Bartender
- Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits and beverage service
- Understanding of coffee preparation techniques and barista equipment
- Experience supporting or overseeing coffee service within a quality‑led hospitality environment
- Interest in seasonal ingredients and low‑waste approaches
- Interest in or knowledge of low‑intervention/ natural wines
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
Key Competencies
- Confident and visible leader
- Warm, engaging and personable
- Strong attention to detail
- Calm and solutions‑focused under pressure
- Organised and proactive
Benefits
- Medi cash- Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical and therapy treatments (includes up to 4 dependent children)
- Aviva Digi care- Free annual healthcare check
- Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
- Entertainment discounts - up to 55% off cinema tickets
- Health & Wellbeing discounts - Discounts for Nuffield Health (20%) and Pure Gym (10%)
- Travel discounts - Discounts with holiday companies such as TUI and Expedia
- Shopping discounts - Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
- Meals on duty
- Pension scheme and Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- 23 days + BH's and additional day off for your birthday
- 2 days additional leave, following return from Maternity leave during first year back
- Competitive and supportive family benefits
- Day off for baby's first birthday
- Holiday purchase scheme
- On‑going training & development and career pathways
- Professional subscriptions paid
- Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products
Head Bartender - Birchwood at The Conduit in London employer: Chartwells Independent
Birchwood at The Conduit is an exceptional employer that prioritises ethical practices and sustainability, creating a vibrant work culture where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills. With comprehensive benefits including healthcare, wellness discounts, and ongoing training opportunities, team members enjoy a supportive environment that values their contributions and fosters a sense of community. Located in a dynamic urban setting, Birchwood offers a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering high-quality, seasonal beverages while championing low-waste principles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bartender - Birchwood at The Conduit in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into Birchwood at The Conduit and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff, check out the drinks menu, and understand their vibe. This will help you tailor your conversation and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your cocktail skills! If you get a chance, demonstrate your knowledge of cocktails and spirits during the interview. Maybe even suggest a seasonal drink idea that aligns with their low-waste philosophy. This will highlight your creativity and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be a team player! Emphasise your experience in leading and supporting teams. Share examples of how you've helped develop others or improved service standards in previous roles. They want someone who can foster a positive environment, so let that shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for joining the Birchwood family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Bartender - Birchwood at The Conduit in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Beverages:When you're writing your application, let your love for cocktails, coffee, and all things beverage shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating amazing drinks and providing a top-notch guest experience!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Bartender, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Share examples of how you've supported and developed your team in previous roles – we love to see that!
Be Creative with Your Cocktail Knowledge:Don't just list your cocktail knowledge; tell us about your favourite seasonal ingredients and how you’ve used them in your creations. We’re all about creativity and sustainability, so show us how you can contribute to our low-waste approach!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our Birchwood family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Cocktails
Brush up on your cocktail knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite drinks, how they're made, and any seasonal ingredients you think would elevate the menu at Birchwood. This shows your passion for the role and your understanding of their philosophy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Bartender, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a bar or team in the past. Highlight your ability to train others, maintain high standards, and create a positive work environment. This will demonstrate that you're not just a great bartender, but also a strong leader.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Birchwood values sustainability and low-waste principles. Come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to these goals in the bar. Whether it's through ingredient sourcing or waste management, showing that you align with their values will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with the Concept
Familiarise yourself with Birchwood's philosophy and their commitment to ethical farming and season-led cooking. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for these values and how you can incorporate them into your beverage programme. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
