At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve drinks and provide top-notch customer service at a world-renowned opera festival.
- Company: Glyndebourne Opera House, a stunning cultural venue in Sussex.
- Benefits: Earn £10.90 - £12.71 per hour, enjoy free shuttle bus and onsite parking.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and create unforgettable experiences in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Energetic, reliable, and customer-focused individuals with a positive attitude.
- Other info: Flexible hours, perfect for students looking for summer work.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 13 £ per hour.
Glyndebourne Opera House, set in the beautiful Sussex countryside, is one of the world’s most iconic cultural venues, renowned for its opera, elegant dining, and famous summer picnics. Dining at Glyndebourne delivers high-quality hospitality across restaurants, bars, private dining spaces and outdoor catering.
We are recruiting Bar Staff (Front of House) to join our team for the Summer Opera Festival, running from May to August 2026. This is a casual position, with hours varying week to week based on business needs. During the Festival we operate seven days a week, so flexibility is essential, including regular weekend work.
The role includes:
- Preparing and serving drinks
- Providing friendly and efficient customer service
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness at the bar
- Supporting the wider front‑of‑house team to ensure a smooth service
Specific duties will be aligned to your experience and aptitude. We are looking for reliable, personable individuals with energy and enthusiasm, a positive can‑do attitude, and the ability to work calmly under pressure as part of a team. A strong focus on customer service is essential.
What We Offer
- £10.90 ‑ £12.71 per hour
- Weekly paid tronc
- Free shuttle bus from Lewes Station
- Free onsite parking
- The opportunity to work at one of the UK’s most iconic cultural venues
Interviews will be held in February 2026. If your application is successful, we will be in touch at the beginning of February 2026 to invite you to interview.
Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates is proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to supporting and developing our people. Apply today to be part of an unforgettable summer at Glyndebourne.
Bar Staff - Casual (May - August) employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar Staff - Casual (May - August)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Glyndebourne! Familiarise yourself with the venue, its history, and the events happening during the Summer Opera Festival. This will not only impress during interviews but also help you connect with the team and customers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you meet potential employers, let your energy and enthusiasm shine through. Remember, they’re looking for friendly faces who can handle the hustle and bustle of a busy bar environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt. Since the hours vary week to week, showing that you can work weekends and adjust to changing needs will make you stand out as a reliable candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Glyndebourne team for an unforgettable summer experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Bar Staff - Casual (May - August)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see your energy and enthusiasm, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are. A friendly tone can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous bar or customer service experience you have. We’re looking for reliable individuals who can handle the hustle and bustle of a busy festival, so share examples that demonstrate your skills in this area.
Be Flexible: Since this role requires flexibility with hours, it’s a good idea to mention your availability in your application. Let us know if you can work weekends and how many hours you’re willing to commit. This will help us understand how you fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing venue!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, take some time to research Glyndebourne Opera House. Familiarise yourself with its history, the types of events it hosts, and its dining options. This knowledge will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about providing excellent customer service, think of specific examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to handle various situations with a positive attitude.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Working as bar staff means being part of a team, so be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team environment, especially under pressure, to ensure smooth service. This will highlight your ability to fit into their dynamic.
✨Be Flexible and Enthusiastic
Flexibility is key for this casual position, so express your willingness to work varied hours, including weekends. Show your enthusiasm for the role and the festival itself; a positive can-do attitude can make a big difference in how you're perceived by the interviewers.