At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve food and drinks while providing top-notch customer service at the House of Lords.
- Company: Join the Catering and Retail Services team at the iconic House of Lords.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme and health programme, plus witness history in action!
- 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 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 Kensington 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, generous pension schemes, and a focus on inclusivity, this role not only allows for personal growth but also enables you to be part of the vital work that supports the UK Parliament. Experience the excitement of working onsite at Parliament, where every shift contributes to the rich tapestry of British democracy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar Assistant - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A 0PW in Kensington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Familiarise yourself with the House of Lords and its bars. This will help you feel more confident during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable with handling different customer scenarios. Remember, a friendly smile and quick service can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at events. They might share insider tips or even put in a good word for you when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready for flexibility! Since this role involves variable hours, be prepared to discuss your availability openly. Showing that you're adaptable can really set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Bar Assistant - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A 0PW in Kensington
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 friendly tone can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Bar Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we’re looking for, like customer service or bar operations knowledge. It shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
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.
