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 unique experiences.
- Other info: Flexible hours with evening shifts and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of history while working in a dynamic and vibrant 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 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 in Westminster 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 opportunities for personal growth, this role not only allows you to be part of the parliamentary process but also fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and flexibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar Assistant - Variable Hours in Westminster
✨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 excellent service will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the role and the team, which could be super helpful when it comes to your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Bar Assistant - Variable Hours in Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for and what the role involves. Understanding this will help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role is all about providing top-notch service, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in customer service. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to keep customers happy – we love to see that!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep it 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 candidate for the Bar Assistant role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
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 the basics of mixing drinks. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're 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 prepared to discuss how you handle difficult situations and ensure a positive experience for patrons.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Given that the position requires variable hours and covering different service areas, highlight your adaptability. Share instances where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or taken on new responsibilities without hesitation.
✨Practice Cash Handling Scenarios
As cash handling and using an EPOS system are part of the job, it’s wise to prepare for questions related to these tasks. Brush up on basic cash handling procedures and be ready to explain how you would ensure accuracy in transactions and manage the float at the end of your shift.
