At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bar team, craft cocktails, and create an unforgettable guest experience.
- Company: Join Sweeties, a vibrant late-night venue in Kings Cross with stunning views and a lively atmosphere.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, 28-33 days holiday, and discounts on travel and dining.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants from arts, music, and entertainment backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a fun environment, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts!
- Qualifications: Must have prior experience as a Head Bartender or similar role in a busy bar.
Head Bartender [Sweeties] Sweeties Head Bartender · £16.59 – £17.36 per hour incl. Tronc (eq. £34.5k – £36.1k) plus Additional Tips & Benefits · Set working days Wednesday – Saturday (30 – 40 hours) · Late Night Venue open until 3:00am Thursday – Saturday · Kings Cross ·Calling all Late Night ‘Nightlife Aficionados’! As Head Bartender in Sweeties you will oversee a specialist drinks service from early evening sunset cocktails through to late-night lounge and party vibes. Think floor-to-ceiling views and a good time soundtrack from our ever-evolving DJ line-up curated by our Music & Culture team.As Sweeties Head Bartender you will be passionate about service, with an exceptional working knowledge of bar operations and order of service; along with a deep appreciation of cocktails, spirts, champagne, and quality wines in order to guide and train the team, make recommendations to guests based on their preferences, and ensure consistent quality control and bar compliance. You will assist with cocktail prep, create and mix a range of signature cocktails in addition to the classics.Sweeties Head Bartender is also key to hosting our guests and making them feel welcome whilst they visit The Standard and our energetic and vibrant city. You will therefore need to be highly social, upbeat and friendly; confident and able to handle pressure well; have exceptional organisational and communication skills; thrive in a busy high volume, high energy environment and manage multiple tasks and guest with ease.Your roleWhile we take every detail of design and guest experience seriously, we do not take ourselves too seriously. ‘Standard People’ are at the heart of our brand; vivid, dynamic and engaging.Prior experience as a Head Bartender is essential for this role; you will have an uncompromised and natural flair for service and be able to build genuine relationships with guests. In addition to this you will also need...Prior experience as a Head Bartender, Bar Supervisor, or Senior Cocktail Bartender, ideally gained in a similar busy bar, ‘Lifestyle’ boutique hotel or destination cocktail barFlexible, confident, and hands-on approach to lead, motivate, and guide the team to deliver a consistently high standard of drinks and service to guestsConfident expertise in guest experience; professional, positive, and polite in all interactionsHighly social, motivated and pro-active; excellent with guests and building strong relationships across all departments and teamsStrong knowledge in bar operations and steps of serviceOrganised and detail orientated; adept at preparing for events, monitoring stock, equipment, and supplies, and maintaining the organisation and cleanliness of the spaceExpert in classic and contemporary cocktails with a good understanding of the London bar sceneStrong experience with cocktail prep, opening, requisitions, and bar compliance experienceEffective at training team in preparing drinks, up-selling, and guest experiencePrior experience using POS, Birchstreet, and Sevenrooms is advantageousFull-time availability (Wed-Sat) and late night (Thurs-Sat, 3am)In addition to those with experience we are actively seeking candidates with a diverse range of lifestyle skills and welcome applications from those in the arts, music and entertainment industries.We are defined by our richness of personality and diversity of background and lifestyle so if you think you have what it takes to be a Head Bartender in Sweeties, we’d love to hear from you!All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates prior to commencing employment.Benefits IncludeStarting rate of £16.59 per hour (incl. Tronc), increasing to £17.36 per hour after probationMeals on dutyWear your own smart casual style in line with Sweeties style guide 4 day working week (Wed-Sat: 30-40 hours) with set days off when Sweeties is closed28 Days Holiday rising to 33 days with servicePension SchemeLife Assurance (2 x Annual Salary)Medical Assistance (including online GP and Physio)Employee Assistance Programme with Well-being serviceMembership to Headspace Meditation appDiscount platform including GYMWorldwide Travel Discounts via The Standard Advantage platformEmployee & Family Rates across all Standard and Bunkhouse propertiesIn-house Experience ProgrammeF&B Discounts ranging from 25-50%Recruitment Referral Bonus up to £1,000Tuition Aid Scheme & subsidised trainingSeason Ticket Loan & Bike 2 Work SchemeSocial Committee with regular monthly social activities
Head Bartender [Sweeties] employer: Reed.co.uk
At Sweeties, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and individuality in the vibrant Kings Cross area. Our work culture is dynamic and inclusive, offering a supportive environment where you can thrive as a Head Bartender while enjoying a four-day work week, generous holiday allowances, and a range of benefits including discounts on travel and wellness programmes. Join us to not only elevate your bartending skills but also to be part of a team that celebrates diversity and fosters personal growth in the heart of London's nightlife.
Contact Details:
Reed.co.uk Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bartender [Sweeties]
✨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 Reed.co.uk. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Reed.co.uk
Don't be shy about reaching out to Reed.co.uk 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 Head Bartender [Sweeties]
Expertise in cocktail preparation and mixology
Strong knowledge of bar operations and order of service
Exceptional customer service skills
Ability to build genuine relationships with guests
Leadership and team management skills
Organisational skills and attention to detail
Experience with POS systems and bar compliance
Ability to thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
Effective training and mentoring skills
Knowledge of the London bar scene
Flexibility and adaptability in a late-night setting
Strong communication skills
Proactive and motivated approach to guest experience
Experience in a busy bar or lifestyle boutique hotel
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 Reed.co.uk 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 Reed.co.uk
✨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!
