At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve food and drinks while providing top-notch customer service at the House of Lords.
- Company: Join the prestigious House of Lords Catering and Retail Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme and health programme, plus witness history in the making!
- Other info: Flexible hours with evening shifts; perfect for students looking for variable work.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique experience and contribute to the UK's parliamentary process.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a good understanding of bar operations are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
We are looking for a Bar Assistant - Variable Hours to join our Catering and Retail Services team at the House of Lords. This is a position where you will ensure that a high standard of customer service and presentation is always offered through the provision of food and beverages for Peers, their guests, and Staff of the House. You will maximise sales and profitability and achieve targets through your prompt and efficient service.
This role will usually be based in the Woolsack bar, however there is a requirement to cover other service areas of the Catering and Retail Services Department when the needs of the House demand, including the River Restaurant and Bar and require a range of service skills. Variable hours staff are booked one week ahead according to business needs and their availability. This position is predominantly evening based and an opportunity to work onsite at Parliament!
You'll be accountable for:
- Working effectively, ensuring that the highest standards of customer service are maintained at all times.
- Dispensing a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, in a timely and efficient manner.
- Ensuring that high standards of housekeeping, cleanliness of premises and equipment are maintained at all times.
- A proactive approach to maximising additional sales opportunities for increasing revenue and profitability.
- Ensuring good rotation of stock at all times and that sale points are stocked for service.
- Being responsible for accurate cash and card payment handling and for the float at the end of the shift.
If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply.
What we're looking for:
- A strong and confident communicator.
- Knowledgeable - a good understanding of Bar operations.
- A good standard of customer service.
It would be even better if you had or are willing to learn:
- Experience of cash handling and using an EPOS system.
What you'll get in return:
- Generous pension scheme.
- Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
- The opportunity to witness history in the making!
The work we do is vital to the House of Lords, and you will be a pivotal member in the team strengthening the work of the House. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK parliament. It is independent from and complements the work of the House of Commons to:
- Make laws.
- Check and challenge the actions of the government through questions and debates.
- Investigate public policy and provide a forum of independent expertise.
Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Wednesday 27th May 2026. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact HL Recruitment. The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates with diverse characteristics, including different ages, caring responsibilities, disability, sex, gender reassignment/trans, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments.
Bar Assistant - Variable Hours employer: House of Lords
Contact Detail:
House of Lords Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar Assistant - Variable Hours
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Familiarise yourself with the House of Lords and its atmosphere. This will help you feel more confident during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think about how you would handle different scenarios at the bar. Being able to demonstrate your ability to provide top-notch service will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or social media. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the House of Lords.
We think you need these skills to ace Bar Assistant - Variable Hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A bit of humour or a personal touch can make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the Bar Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in customer service and bar operations. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for us!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at House of Lords
✨Know Your Bar Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of bar operations, including the different types of beverages you'll be serving. Familiarise yourself with common cocktails and drink recipes, as well as the basics of cash handling and using an EPOS system. This will show that you're prepared and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Customer Service is Key
Since this role revolves around providing excellent customer service, think of examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to discuss how you handle difficult situations or complaints, as this will demonstrate your ability to maintain high standards even under pressure.
✨Show Your Flexibility
As a Bar Assistant with variable hours, being adaptable is crucial. Prepare to discuss your availability and willingness to cover different service areas when needed. Highlight any previous experience in similar roles where you had to adjust to changing demands or work in various environments.
✨Dress to Impress
First impressions matter! Make sure to dress smartly and appropriately for the interview. A neat appearance reflects your professionalism and respect for the role. Remember, you’ll be representing the House of Lords, so aim for a polished look that aligns with their standards.