Department/Team: Backstage Operations
Hours: Minimum 16 hours per week (working flexibly across evening, weekend, and Bank Holidays; in line with performance schedules and according to business needs).
Location: The Old Vic, The Cut, London, SE1 8NB
Salary: £14.96 per hour
Responsible to: Backstage General Manager
The Team
The Backstage F&B team is responsible for all Food & Beverage related activity within Backstage and The Old Vic theatre itself. The team includes the Operations Director, Backstage General Manager, Head of FOH Operations, Head of Customer Experience, Backstage Chef, Chef de Parties, KPs, Backstage Duty Managers, and Backstage FOH Crew (Bartenders, Baristas and Waiting staff).
The post holder reports to the Backstage General Manager. By the nature of the post, they will work with all departments of The Old Vic Group.
Role summary
The Backstage FOH Crew is responsible for ensuring an exceptional visitor and dining experience, by providing friendly and tailored service, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere as well as taking orders and serving food and drinks of the highest standard.
This role requires working multi-functionally across our Backstage café bar. We’re looking for exceptional skill in three key areas: barista, bartending and waiting.
Areas of responsibility
Operational responsibilities
- Operate the EPOS/till systems and accurately process all transactions.
- Carry out opening and closing duties, according to the rota.
- Assist with stock rotation and stock counts as required.
- Report maintenance, health & safety, or customer service issues to management.
- Support events, private hires, and theatre hospitality functions as necessary.
- Keep up to date with knowledge of products, menus, wines, beers and any ‘specials’.
Bar Tender responsibilities
- Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Mix cocktails according to recipes and customer preferences
- Check customers' identification to verify legal drinking age
- Keep the bar area clean, stocked, and organised
- Restock beverages, garnishes, ice, and bar supplies
Barista responsibilities
- Prepare and serve coffee, espresso-based beverages, teas, and other drinks according to
- recipes and quality standards
- Recommend menu items and upsell beverages, pastries, and other products when appropriate
- Ensure beverages and food items are presented consistently and meet quality standards
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the café, service counter, seating area, and equipment
- Clean and sanitize coffee machines, grinders, utensils, and workstations regularly
- Restock coffee beans, milk, syrups, cups, and other supplies as needed
Waiter responsibilities
- Greet customers warmly and escort them to their tables
- Present menus and explain daily specials
- Taking accurate food and beverage orders
- Serve food and drinks promptly and professionally
- Check on customers during their meal to ensure satisfaction
- Handle customer requests, complaints, or special dietary needs courteously
- Prepare and present bills, and process payments
- Set up and clear tables before and after service
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the dining area
- Work closely with kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely service
- Follow food safety and health regulations.
- Restock supplies such as cutlery, napkins, and condiments.
Customer Service
- Act as an ambassador for the Theatre and Backstage in welcoming its audiences and guests.
- Always deliver the highest possible level of customer service, ensuring a friendly, safe and secure environment in which the public can enjoy their visit.
- Handle customer inquiries and resolve complaints professionally.
General
- Promote and comply with current legislation and The Old Vic policies on Diversity, Sustainability, and Health & Safety both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties, commensurate with the level of the post to ensure the smooth running of Backstage.
This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Theatre's management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The post holder must be able to demonstrate the following:
Essential
- Proven experience of working in customer service - preferably hospitality - either as bar tender, barista or waiting staff
- A proven ability to provide a high level of customer service in an often highly pressurised environment
- Highly motivated with a positive and flexible approach to work and ability in either role
- A proven ability to work as both part of a team and independently.
- Good timekeeping.
- Previous experience in a theatre, arts venue, café, restaurant, or bar.
- Barista training and experience using commercial coffee machines.
- Cocktail-making experience.
How to Apply
We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:
- Sending a short video file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you.
- Sending a short audio file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you.
- Completing our application form.
- Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.
The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview.
All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
The Process
The recruitment process for this role will be two stages:
- 1st stage in person conversation
- 2nd stage in person trial shift
The closing date for this role is Sunday 18 October at 11:59pm. FirstConversations are likely to take place w/c Monday 19 October 2026.
Equal Opportunities
We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of the global majority, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled candidates.
We may take positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under-represented groups at The Old Vic.
In the event that we ask you to attend the theatre for a conversation and you are struggling financially, we may be able to reimburse you for any reasonable travel costs.
We partner with a range of inclusive organisations, to find out more please read our FAQs.
FAQs
Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here.
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Backstage FOH Crew employer: Old Vic Theatre
The Old Vic is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, offering a unique blend of hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to employee well-being. With generous benefits such as enhanced annual leave, mental health support, and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of London’s artistic community.
