Bar Tender

Bar Tender

Full-Time 25000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Imperial London Hotels

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Craft exceptional cocktails and create memorable moments for guests in a stunning rooftop bar.
  • Company: Join the family-run Imperial London Hotels with a rich 187-year legacy.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, training opportunities, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for creativity and career growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting new hotel opening in the heart of Bloomsbury, London.
  • Qualifications: Experience in bars or hospitality with a passion for cocktails and great service.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.

Role: Bartender at Arcus at The Imperial (New Opening Hotel)

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 40 hours (5 of 7 days weekly rota)

Salary: £31,000 + Benefits

About Us

Imperial London Hotels is a family-run company with a 187-year legacy, dedicated to putting authentic London experiences within everyone’s reach. This summer, we open the doors to our fully re-imagined hotel, The Imperial, a new lifestyle offering within our portfolio. With 357 bedrooms, multiple dining venues, a workout studio, and destination rooftop bar, this will be a new beacon, bang in the heart of Bloomsbury, London.

About the Role

We’re looking for a stand‑out Bartender who brings energy, personality and craft to every serve. Working within our breathtaking new rooftop venue opposite Russell Square. Perched on the 10th floor of the newly re-imagined Imperial Hotel, this 324-cover destination offers 360-degree views of Central London’s iconic skyline. Providing both indoor and outdoor spaces plus a private dining room. You’ll be the face of our bar, mixing great drinks, creating great moments and helping deliver the kind of atmosphere guests want to return to again and again.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Craft exceptional cocktails, pour beautiful serves and deliver it all with style and confidence
  • Keep the bar immaculate, stocked and ready for action at all times
  • Bring warmth and personality to every interaction, offering recommendations that elevate the guest experience
  • Support the wider F&B team with set‑up, service and close‑down
  • Stay sharp on stock, cash‑handling and waste processes
  • Maintain top‑tier hygiene and safety standards — always
  • Stay calm, collected and guest‑focused during busy service
  • Bring fresh ideas, help shape seasonal offerings and support small events
  • Handle any equipment or maintenance issues promptly
  • Jump in wherever needed to keep service seamless

Who you are:

  • Experienced in bars or hospitality, with solid knowledge of cocktails, spirits and contemporary drinking culture
  • Comfortable with POS systems, stock processes and basic cash handling
  • Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene (or willing to obtain), plus L2 APLH
  • Confident, guest‑centric and able to communicate in English at CEFR B2 level
  • Creative, curious and passionate about great drinks and great service

Bonus points for:

  • Experience in lifestyle venues, menu development, event support, sustainability‑led bar practices, and digital bar tech

What’s in it for you:

  • 28 days holiday, rising to 33 with length of service (including bank holidays)
  • Access to ILH Training Academy programmes, apprenticeships and supported study
  • Holiday Purchase Scheme
  • Complimentary uniform dry‑cleaning, plus discounted personal dry‑cleaning
  • Interest‑free Season Ticket Loan
  • Workplace Pension
  • Team Member flat rate and 50% friends and family hotel discount
  • 50% discount across ILH F&B outlets
  • Discounted drinks at Blooms Café
  • Employee‑funded Health Cash Plan
  • Local Bloomsbury discounts
  • Early Pay access
  • Shopping discounts with selected retailers
  • Salary sacrifice schemes including nursery care, cycle to work, and technology
  • Access to mental health first‑aiders, wellbeing support, and the Employee Assistance Programme

Ready to Shake Things Up? If you’re all about warmth, craft and creating memorable moments behind the bar, we’d love to have you on the team!

Bar Tender employer: Imperial London Hotels

Imperial London Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and guest-centric service. As a Bartender at the newly opened Imperial Hotel in Bloomsbury, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances, access to training programmes, and discounts across our venues, all while working in a stunning rooftop bar with breathtaking views of Central London. Join us to be part of a family-run company with a rich legacy, where your passion for mixology and hospitality can truly shine.

Imperial London Hotels

Contact Details:

Imperial London Hotels Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Bar Tender

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Imperial London Hotels. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Imperial London Hotels

Don't be shy about reaching out to Imperial London Hotels directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Bar Tender

Cocktail Crafting
Customer Service
POS System Proficiency
Cash Handling
Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2
Communication Skills
Creativity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Imperial London Hotels and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial London Hotels

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!