At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee daily operations, manage the team, and ensure a vibrant atmosphere.
- Company: Exciting new bar at London's only grain-to-bottle craft distillery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of shaping our food menu and creating memorable customer experiences.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic venue with live music and a unique cocktail experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in management or a strong desire to step up from assistant roles.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 48000 £ per year.
Salary - £38,000 to £48,000 (depending on experience) plus a quarterly performance bonus.
Doghouse Distillery Bar in Clapham is the bar arm of our Battersea distillery, London's only full multi-category grain-to-bottle craft distillery, making gin, vodka, aperitivo and whisky. The bar opened very recently in May 2026. The ground floor is a cocktail bar with a pub feel, barrels and wood throughout, tap beer and wine alongside the cocktails, including London's largest Old Fashioned menu. Downstairs is a low-lit speakeasy fitted out like a Nashville honky tonk, and is our live music and function space. We are metres from Clapham Common tube. There is live music every Friday and Saturday and both nights are busy and run late. The rest of the week is a neighbourhood bar and there is lots of opportunity to build trade.
Venue Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5pm to Midnight
- Friday + Saturday: 2pm to 2am
- Sunday: 2pm - Midnight
The Role
We are looking for someone to run the venue day to day, working closely with us as owners and with the Bar Manager. The role is open to people already working as a GM. We also think it could be a good opportunity for an Assistant Manager looking to step up and take on a venue of their own. We are happy to train on the job, provided you have the attributes we are looking for. This is a hands-on role, but it is more of an overall floor and venue role than a bar one. We have a Bar Manager who runs the bar and creates our cocktail menu. On busy nights you are making sure the venue runs seamlessly, looking after guests, managing the music and the licensing, and supporting, motivating and leading the bar team. We want the venue to be busy and we also want it run properly. Keeping on top of noise, the licence conditions and our relationship with neighbours and local residents is a key part of the role. We are a cocktail bar and that is a big part of our identity, so strong cocktail knowledge and a real interest in drinks are preferred.
The kitchen currently serves bar snacks, toasted sandwiches, charcuterie, cheeseboards and salads. We are planning to extend the kitchen and build the menu out from there, so there is scope to be part of shaping the food offer as it grows.
Three things matter most to us:
- Attention to detail - Noticing the chair in the wrong place, the menus that are not straight, the glass that is not clean, the lighting or music that is wrong for the time of night. Setting that standard and making sure the team keeps to it.
- People - Getting to know regulars, remembering names and drinks, and building a customer base. There is a lot of scope to put on activity that brings people in, and we are open to ideas of your own.
- Leading a team - Being firm, fair and caring, and getting the most out of people. Developing the team on service, standards and their careers, so they are better for having worked here.
Stock management, ordering, rotas, reporting and P.
General Manager – Doghouse Distillery Bar, Clapham in Bedford employer: Doghouse Distillery
At Doghouse Distillery Bar in Clapham, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, including on-the-job training for aspiring leaders, our team enjoys a dynamic environment where creativity is encouraged, especially in shaping our evolving food and drink offerings. Located just metres from Clapham Common tube, our bar not only offers a unique cocktail experience but also a chance to engage with the local community through live music and events, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
