At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve food and drinks while providing top-notch customer service at the House of Lords.
- Company: Join the iconic House of Lords and be part of a historic team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme and health programme, plus flexible hours.
- Other info: Flexible hours with evening shifts and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Experience working in Parliament and witness history in the making!
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for customer service.
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 - Westminster, SW1A 0PW employer: House of Lords
Joining the House of Lords as a Bar Assistant offers a unique opportunity to work in a historic and prestigious environment, where you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional customer service to Peers and their guests. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous pension schemes, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role not only provides meaningful employment but also fosters personal and professional growth within a supportive team culture. Experience the excitement of working onsite at Parliament while contributing to the important work of the House.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar Assistant - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A 0PW
✨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, like dealing with difficult customers or upselling drinks. We want to see that you can keep a cool head under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They might share insights about the role or even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with us directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Bar Assistant - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A 0PW
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 customer service skills and any relevant experience in bar operations. We love seeing how your background fits with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, less is often more!
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 quick to do. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at House of Lords
✨Know Your Bar Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of bar operations. Familiarise yourself with different types of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as common cocktail recipes. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in customer service. Think of specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer. The House of Lords values high standards of service, so demonstrating your ability to handle various situations with grace will be key.
✨Practice Cash Handling Scenarios
Since you'll be responsible for cash and card payments, it’s a good idea to review basic cash handling procedures. You might even want to practice some mock scenarios with a friend to feel more confident discussing your experience with EPOS systems during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Given that this role involves variable hours and covering different service areas, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully managed changing schedules or took on additional responsibilities.
