At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bar team, craft cocktails, and ensure top-notch service during busy shifts.
- Company: The Blues Kitchen, a vibrant venue known for its food, drinks, and live music.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 50% off at venues, training, and exciting incentives.
- Other info: Enjoy a relaxed dress code and opportunities for global industry trips.
- Why this job: Join a lively environment and showcase your cocktail skills while having fun.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy bars, cocktail-making confidence, and a passion for hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 12.75 - 12.75 £ per hour.
The Blues Kitchen is one of London's most loved venues, known for its all‑American comfort food, expertly crafted cocktails and an incredible programme of live blues, soul and funk performances.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading by example behind the bar during busy services.
- Making classic cocktails quickly and consistently.
- Supporting bartenders and barbacks during high‑volume shifts.
- Maintaining strong drink standards and bar organisation.
- Helping ensure the bar team delivers fast and friendly service.
- Strong experience working behind a busy cocktail bar.
- Confidence making classic cocktails quickly and consistently.
- Someone energetic, organised and guest‑focused.
- Strong teamwork and communication.
- A genuine interest in cocktails and hospitality.
Compensation
Competitive pay: £12.75 per hour plus tronc (total package usually between £12.75-£16.50 per hour). Hourly wages paid every two weeks on a Friday and tronc paid on the last Friday of the month.
Benefits
- 50% off across all Columbo venues, plus free access to our events and festivals.
- Training and development through the Columbo Academy.
- Hero of the Month recognition, including a paid weekend off.
- £50 voucher for top drinks seller incentives.
- Employee referral bonuses of £1,000 for Chef or Manager roles and £250 for hourly roles.
- Opportunities for global industry trips for top performers.
- Pension scheme via Nest.
- A high-energy working environment with lively services.
- A relaxed dress code. No uniforms. Just bring your best self.
Head Bartender in London employer: Columbo Group
The Blues Kitchen is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and energetic work environment where creativity and passion for hospitality thrive. With competitive pay, generous discounts across all Columbo venues, and extensive training opportunities through the Columbo Academy, employees are encouraged to grow and excel in their roles. The unique culture of recognition, including the Hero of the Month programme and exciting global industry trips for top performers, makes it a rewarding place to work for those who love cocktails and live music.
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 Columbo Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Columbo Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Columbo Group 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 Columbo Group 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 Columbo Group
✨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!
