At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve food and drinks while providing top-notch customer service at the House of Lords.
- Company: Join the dynamic Catering and Retail Services team at the iconic House of Lords.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme and health and wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Opportunity to learn bar operations and cash handling in a unique setting.
- Why this job: Be part of history while working in a vibrant environment with flexible hours.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for customer service 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 27 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 in Camberwell 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 commitment to employee wellbeing, generous pension schemes, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, this position not only allows for flexible working hours but also provides a chance to witness history in the making while developing your skills in a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar Assistant - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A 0PW in Camberwell
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! If you're eyeing that Bar Assistant role, pop by the House of Lords and soak in the atmosphere. Familiarising yourself with the place can give you a leg up during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your bar knowledge! Knowing your drinks and how to serve them can really impress. We recommend checking out some online resources or even visiting local bars to see how they operate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service skills! Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable with handling different types of customers. Remember, a confident communicator is key in this role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Bar Assistant - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A 0PW in Camberwell
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 any relevant experience in customer service or 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 responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills. Avoid fluff – we want to know what makes you a great fit!
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there.
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 types of drinks you’ll be serving. Familiarise yourself with common cocktails and non-alcoholic options, as well as the equipment used. This will show that you're prepared and passionate about the role.
✨Customer Service is Key
Prepare to demonstrate your customer service skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've provided excellent service or handled difficult situations. Remember, this role is all about ensuring a great experience for guests, so highlight your communication skills!
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since the position involves variable hours, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to changing schedules. Mention any previous experience in similar roles where you had to be flexible, as this will show you can handle the demands of the job.
✨Practice Cash Handling Scenarios
If you have experience with cash handling or EPOS systems, be prepared to talk about it. If not, consider how you would approach these tasks. Being able to confidently discuss how you would manage payments and stock rotation will set you apart from other candidates.
