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' Catering and Retail Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme and health programme, plus unique experiences.
- Other info: Flexible hours with evening shifts and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of history while working in a vibrant parliamentary environment.
- 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 Harringay 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 while providing exceptional service to Peers and their guests. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, including a generous pension scheme and health programmes, the company fosters a supportive and inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth. This role not only allows you to develop your skills in a dynamic setting but also gives you the chance to be part of the vital work that shapes UK legislation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar Assistant - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A 0PW in Harringay
✨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 skills! Whether it's mixing drinks or handling cash, showing that you're ready to hit the ground running will impress the hiring team. We all love a proactive candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Chat with current staff or others in the industry. They might share insider tips or even put in a good word for you. Remember, connections can make all the difference!
✨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 initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Bar Assistant - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A 0PW in Harringay
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, 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
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 confidence will set you apart.
✨Practice Cash Handling Scenarios
Since cash handling and using an EPOS system are key parts of the job, consider practising some scenarios. You might be asked how you would handle a cash discrepancy or process a payment efficiently. Being prepared for these questions will show that you’re ready for the responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Given that this position involves variable hours, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to changing schedules. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully managed flexible working hours, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the team.
