At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve drinks and food while creating a fun atmosphere for customers.
- Company: Join Wetherspoon, a UK Top Employer known for its award-winning training programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Guaranteed-hours contracts available, plus loyalty rewards and free shares after qualifying.
- Why this job: Flexible hours and a welcoming environment make this role perfect for students.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 to serve alcohol; younger applicants can apply for other roles.
Job Ref 653503
Job Title Bar staff
Pub The Thomas Ingoldsby, Canterbury
Salary £12.81 an hour
Closing Date 07‑05‑2026
Hours per Week 12
Monday Hours Flexible
Tuesday Hours Flexible
Wednesday Hours Flexible
Thursday Hours Flexible
Friday Hours Flexible
Saturday Hours Flexible
Sunday Hours Flexible
About the role
We’re looking for fun, enthusiastic, passionate people to join our hard‑working teams. No experience is needed, just a good attitude, a willingness to learn and a calm head under pressure. Whether you’re looking for a long‑term career or just some extra shifts, if you’re reliable, friendly and love working as part of a team – this role could be perfect for you.
Benefits
- competitive rate of pay
- a free meal and a drink while working
- 20% discount on all food, drinks and hotel accommodation for you and up to three guests when not working
- £1 extra per hour for hours worked during midnight‑5.59am
- bonus scheme – earn up to 19% of your pay
- availability of guaranteed‑hours contracts and variable‑hours contracts
- paid holiday
- free shares after a qualifying period
Key Duties
- taking orders, preparing, dispensing and serving drinks to the correct spec, whether at the bar or via the customer app
- delivering food to customers, ensuring that check‑backs are completed and clearing plates within the required timeframe
- providing friendly customer interactions: say "hello", thank customers and build rapport
- being knowledgeable about promotions, events and new products
- maintaining our "clean as you go" standards, including clearing tables, wiping surfaces and carrying out toilet checks
- working in all areas, including glass‑washing, restocking fridges, floor and beer garden clearing and other duties, as needed
Progression and Development
Structured on‑the‑job training, apprenticeships and management academies, cross‑training into other areas (kitchen, hotel) and opportunities to move into team‑leader, kitchen‑shift‑leader and/or pub‑manager roles.
Inclusive Working Environment
Wetherspoon promotes an inclusive working environment where everyone is welcome. When you’re at work, we want you to feel comfortable being yourself. Whatever your background, preferences or beliefs, we’ll ensure that you have the skills and knowledge you need for a great career with us.
Under‑18s may attract a lower rate of pay, always in line with, but usually above, national guidelines.
If a high number of applications is received, this vacancy may close early.
Bar staff in Canterbury employer: J D Wetherspoon
At The West Gate Inn in Canterbury, we pride ourselves on being a UK Top Employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where personality is valued. With competitive pay, flexible hours, and an award-winning training programme, we provide our bar staff with excellent growth opportunities and unique benefits such as free meals, discounts, and a loyalty reward scheme, making it a fantastic place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar staff in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Show your personality! Since they recruit for personality, be sure to let your enthusiasm and passion shine through during any interactions. Whether it's in a casual chat or during an informal meet-up, make sure they see the real you.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the pub's culture. Visit The West Gate Inn if you can, and observe how the staff interact with customers. This will give you insights into their service style and help you align your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees. If you know anyone who works at Wetherspoon or has experience in bar roles, reach out to them for advice. They can provide valuable tips on what the hiring managers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Be flexible with your availability. Since the role requires flexibility in working hours, emphasising your willingness to work various shifts can make you a more attractive candidate. Highlight this in conversations or interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Bar staff in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand what The West Gate Inn is looking for in a bar staff member. Highlight the key responsibilities and required skills in your application.
Show Your Personality:Since they recruit for personality, make sure to let your enthusiasm and passion shine through in your cover letter. Share experiences that demonstrate your customer service skills and ability to work in a team.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in hospitality or customer service. Include any previous roles that showcase your ability to handle busy environments and provide excellent service.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at J D Wetherspoon
✨Show Your Personality
Since the company values personality, make sure to let your true self shine during the interview. Share your enthusiasm for the role and engage with the interviewer in a friendly manner.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. This could include handling difficult situations or going above and beyond for customers, as this is crucial for the bar staff role.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
Highlight your flexibility regarding working hours. The role requires availability at various times, so showing that you can adapt to different shifts will be a plus.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, training programmes, and opportunities for growth within the company. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
