Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create artisanal cocktails and deliver exceptional service in a relaxed country pub.
- Company: The Candover, a welcoming country pub with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Earn £16-£19 per hour, enjoy unique supplier trips and clear career development pathways.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and grow your bar knowledge in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in bartending, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Work in a positive environment where growth and wellbeing are prioritised.
Near Basingstoke
Full/part-time
Base salary of Living Wage + Service Charge
Estimated earnings potential of £16-£19 per hour, paid bi-weekly
Does combining your passion for creating artisanal cocktails, pouring local craft beers and working to contemporary, modern hospitality standards fill you with excitement? Do you thrive on delivering exceptional service, contributing ideas and engaging guests with your natural hospitality?
About The Candover:
The Candover is a relaxed country pub with rooms set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. With timber and stone floors, limewashed walls, antique furnishings and a cosy bar with open fires, it is the kind of place you wander into after a walk and feel instantly at home. While contemporary, attentive hospitality underpins everything we do, our approach remains simple, traditional and welcoming, offering great beer, fantastic wine and exceptional food cooked over fire and wood. Warmth, professionalism and personality sit at the heart of everything we do.
We take inspiration from modern British dining and pair it with the warmth and generosity of Mediterranean hospitality, creating dishes and drinks that feel relaxed, vibrant and full of flavour. Celebrating quality produce and natural flavours, our food is confident but never fussy. Expect flame-grilled meats, seasonal vegetables and lighter plates that bring balance and freshness. Each dish is prepared to be both comforting and contemporary, offering the kind of food you want to eat every day but made with the care and attention that makes it feel special.
About the Role:
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Bartender who is excited by the opportunity to develop their bar knowledge and leadership skills within a country setting. This role offers the chance to deliver high-level drinks execution in a relaxed, informal environment - maintaining the same attention to detail, product knowledge, and consistency expected in leading modern venues, without stiffness or pretence.
Why Work with Us?
The beating heart of The Candover is its staff, which is why we have embedded a fantastic working environment and supportive culture into our foundations. In addition to working amongst beautiful surroundings, we passionately offer clear career development pathways to invest in the development of our team. Alongside, other benefits of working with us can include occasional unique supplier trips, meaningful role‑specific benefits, and a positive and collaborative culture. The Candover is a workplace where growth, wellbeing, and great experiences go hand in hand.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure drinks service is refined, efficient, and approachable
- Take an active role in managing wet stock, including ordering, rotation, and storage
- Support the introduction of new drinks and seasonal offerings
- Lead by example during service, setting high standards for execution and professionalism
- Maintain compliance with licensing laws and health & safety requirements
- Support colleagues during peak service periods
- Use POS systems accurately for ordering and payments
- Share product knowledge and run tastings where appropriate
What We’re Looking For:
- High‑quality, approachable guest service
- Strong stock management and highly organised
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills
- Confident communication and presentation skills
- Leadership by example during service
- Teamwork and support in high‑pressure periods
- Understanding of licensing laws and health & safety
- Previous experience and comfortability with POS systems and payments
Tips are pooled and distributed fairly and transparently by our appointed troncmaster in line with the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023.
Apply now for the opportunity of progression within a professional, supportive environment and build a long-term career in hospitality.
Head Bartender employer: HR Dept (Recruitment Agency)
Contact Detail:
HR Dept (Recruitment Agency) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bartender
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into The Candover for a drink or a bite. Familiarising yourself with the atmosphere and menu will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your cocktail skills! Bring along a few ideas for unique drinks or seasonal offerings that could fit the vibe of The Candover. This not only demonstrates your creativity but also your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Share examples of how you've supported colleagues during busy shifts in the past. Highlighting your ability to lead by example and maintain high standards will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our supportive culture at The Candover.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Bartender
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for bartending shine through! Talk about your favourite cocktails, craft beers, or any unique experiences you've had in the industry. We want to see that excitement and passion for creating amazing drinks and providing top-notch service.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Bartender role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing stock and leading a team. We appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic: We value warmth and personality at The Candover, so be yourself in your application. Share your story, your journey in hospitality, and what makes you unique. Authenticity goes a long way in helping us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of landing an interview, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at HR Dept (Recruitment Agency)
✨Know Your Cocktails
Brush up on your cocktail knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite drinks, how to make them, and any unique twists you might add. This shows your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Head Bartender role.
✨Showcase Your Service Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've delivered exceptional service in the past. Think about specific situations where you went above and beyond for guests, as this aligns perfectly with the warm, welcoming atmosphere The Candover aims to create.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Since this role involves leading by example, be ready to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've successfully managed a team or supported colleagues during busy periods, highlighting your ability to maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Understand the Venue's Vibe
Familiarise yourself with The Candover's concept and values. Mention how you can contribute to their relaxed yet professional environment, and be prepared to suggest ideas for new drinks or seasonal offerings that fit their ethos of quality and comfort.
