At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, lead a team, and create an amazing pub atmosphere.
- Company: Join Craft Locals, a growing group of people-focused pubs.
- Benefits: Earn £13.50–£14.50/hr plus bonuses, tips, and great discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a flagship pub and grow your career in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in a quality pub or restaurant and a passion for service.
- Other info: Enjoy training opportunities and a clear path to management roles.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 33200 £ per year.
About us
Passion and love for hospitality is what we’re looking for in our next Assistant Manager. Tucked away by the canal at Bulbourne, just outside Tring, the Grand Junction Arms is a destination for those who love proper pubs. Whether you’re arriving from the Chiltern Hills, cycling along the towpath, or making the short trip from London by train, you’ll always find a warm welcome. With vast gardens, outdoor bars and plenty of space to enjoy long summer days by the water, the Grand Junction is made for big gatherings and lazy afternoons. Inside, you’ll discover a buzzing pub atmosphere, with a great range of craft beers, cask ales, premium spirits and a carefully chosen wine list. Our kitchen serves fresh, seasonal menus built around traditional pub favourites, elevated with local produce and contemporary touches. Every dish is cooked to order, with daily specials and sharers designed for lively tables. As one of Hertfordshire’s best-kept secrets, the Grand Junction Arms combines the character of a classic canalside inn with the energy of a modern, food-led pub. Whether you’re here for a weekend feast, a pint in the garden or one of our summer events, it’s a place to eat, drink and make memories.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a flagship pub and grow with a small but ambitious independent group.
What’s in it for you
- Pay: £13.50–£14.50/hr (equivalent to £31,000–£33,200/year)
- Bonus: Performance-related bonus
- Tips: Share of card tips (approx £3000 - £5000 per year)
- Perks: 50% off food & 20% off drinks across the group, 28 days holiday, sharers, socials, staff discount
- Training: Weekly supplier sessions, WSET opportunities, brewery visits, leadership development
- Career path: Clear progression into Deputy Manager or GM roles as we grow
- Autonomy: The freedom to contribute ideas and influence the way the pub runs
What you’ll be doing
- Welcoming guests and ensuring outstanding service
- Training, motivating and onboarding team members
- Supporting the GM in running the venue, including stock, rotas and systems
- Creating a brilliant atmosphere for guests
- Delivering events and managing busy shifts
- Working closely with the Head Chef to champion a fresh food offer
- Helping drive sales, manage costs and influence the P&L
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience as an AM or Supervisor in a quality pub or restaurant
- A people person who loves leading a team
- High standards, eye for detail and passion for food, beer and hospitality
- Strong communication skills and confidence in taking responsibility in the GM’s absence
- Commercial awareness and an interest in how great service translates into profit
- Social media awareness to help showcase the pub and events
This is your chance to build your career with a growing independent group. Apply today and make your mark. Craft Locals is a growing group of people-focused pubs, dedicated to delivering exceptional food, well-kept cask ale, and memorable guest experiences. We believe great pubs start with great teams, and we invest in our people — giving them the support, training, and tools they need to shine. We’ve built systems that make running a pub straightforward and compliant, so our teams can focus on what really matters: welcoming guests and delivering an outstanding experience. From reservations to stock, scheduling to events, we use a suite of best-in-class tools — including AllGravy, MarketMan, Harri, S4Labour, Lightspeed, Trail, FoodAlert and SevenRooms — to simplify operations and keep everything running smoothly. At Craft Locals, we’re proud to combine a love of people, food, and drink with smart systems and strong support — creating pubs that teams enjoy working in and guests love visiting.
Assistant Manager - Food & Cask Led Pub employer: Craft Locals
Contact Detail:
Craft Locals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager - Food & Cask Led Pub
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pub scene! Visit local pubs, chat with staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only give you insights into what makes a great pub but also help you connect with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend hospitality events or join online groups related to the industry. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for hospitality in interviews! Share your experiences and ideas on how to create a welcoming atmosphere. Employers love candidates who can bring energy and creativity to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for enthusiastic individuals who want to grow with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager - Food & Cask Led Pub
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the pub environment. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion for food, drink, and great service.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Manager role. Highlight your experience in pubs or restaurants, especially any leadership roles. We’re looking for someone who can motivate a team and create a fantastic atmosphere, so showcase those skills!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you tick. Share your unique experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to hospitality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Craft Locals!
How to prepare for a job interview at Craft Locals
✨Know Your Pub Culture
Before the interview, get familiar with the Grand Junction Arms and its vibe. Understand their menu, the types of craft beers they serve, and what makes them unique. This will show your passion for hospitality and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully trained or motivated staff. Highlight how you create a positive atmosphere and manage busy shifts, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss how great service can translate into profit. Think about ways you could drive sales or manage costs at the pub. Showing that you understand the business side of hospitality will impress the interviewers.
✨Engage with Social Media
Since social media awareness is important for showcasing the pub and events, come prepared with ideas on how to promote the Grand Junction Arms online. Share any relevant experience you have in using social platforms to engage customers and enhance their experience.