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 programmes, plus witness history in action!
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and learning in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a unique environment and enhance your skills in hospitality.
- 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.
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 Catering and Retail Services team at the House of Lords as a Bar Assistant offers a unique opportunity to work in a historic and prestigious environment while providing exceptional customer service. With a generous pension scheme, a focus on health and wellbeing, and the chance to witness history in the making, this role not only promises a rewarding experience but also supports your professional growth within a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
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! If you're eyeing that Bar Assistant role, pop by the House of Lords and soak up the atmosphere. Familiarising yourself with the place can give you a leg up in interviews and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your bar skills! Whether it's mixing drinks or handling cash, being confident in your abilities will make you stand out. Consider practicing at home or even volunteering at local events to gain experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Chat with current or former staff members if you can. They might share insider tips about the application process or what it’s really like working there, which could be super helpful for you.
✨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. 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 relevant experience and skills that match what we’re looking for, like customer service and 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 easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super straightforward – just follow the prompts!
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 any specific offerings at the House of Lords. This will show that you're prepared and genuinely interested in 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 high standard of service for Peers and their guests, so showcasing your communication skills is essential.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since the position involves variable hours and covering different areas, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlight any previous experience in similar roles where you had to be flexible with your schedule or duties, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Practice Cash Handling Scenarios
If you have experience with cash handling or EPOS systems, be prepared to talk about it. If not, consider discussing how you would approach these tasks. Being able to handle payments accurately is crucial, so showing that you understand the importance of this responsibility can set you apart.
