At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bar team and create unforgettable drink experiences for events.
- Company: Salt House, a unique venue blending tradition with modern hospitality.
- Benefits: Paid overtime, creative input, and access to premium spirits brands.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive team ready for innovation.
- Why this job: Shape memorable events in a vibrant, eclectic environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for drinks, leadership skills, and experience in premium hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Salt House is a one-of-a-kind venue offering an eclectic backdrop for events that challenge conventions. Renowned for its stylish and bold atmosphere, we strive to bring creativity and individuality to every celebration. Our dedicated team works closely with clients to bring their vision to life, ensuring every event is as unique as they are. At Salt House, we believe in delivering extraordinary experiences that leave lasting impressions.
Set within the historic Standon Hall estate in rural Staffordshire, Salt House combines grand traditional architecture with bold modern interiors, immersive spaces and a creative approach to hospitality that breaks away from the ordinary. From jungle-themed bars and rare whisky collections housed inside the estate’s original safe, to luxury finishes, private events and bespoke guest experiences — we are building something designed to stand out.
This is not simply a “bar manager” role. We are looking for someone who genuinely loves hospitality, spirits, cocktails, wine and guest experience — someone who wants to lead a team, create memorable experiences and help build one of the region’s most exciting destination venues.
The Role
- You will lead the bar operation across weddings, private parties, corporate events and special experiences hosted at Salt House.
- You will be responsible for:
- Leading, motivating and developing the bar team
- Creating a strong culture of hospitality and service
- Developing cocktail, wine and spirits offerings
- Helping shape bespoke drinks experiences for clients and events
- Managing bar operations and staffing during events
- Training and mentoring team members
- Working closely with ownership to continually evolve the drinks programme and guest experience
- Managing stock control, ordering and supplier relationships
- Maintaining strong GP margins and operational standards
- Helping deliver tasting nights, special events and premium beverage experiences
This role combines hands-on hospitality with leadership, creativity and operational responsibility. Some weeks will involve office-based planning and development work. Others will involve high-energy event service late into the evening. Flexibility is essential, but so is passion for the industry.
What we Are looking for
We are not looking for corporate hospitality managers or people driven purely by targets and spreadsheets. We are looking for someone who:
- Has genuine passion for cocktails, wine, whisky and hospitality
- Leads from the front and motivates people naturally
- Is creative and full of ideas
- Has experience managing bar teams in premium hospitality environments
- Understands both service standards and operational discipline
- Wants to build something rather than simply maintain it
- Can confidently engage with wedding clients, corporate guests and private hosts
- Has personality, warmth and professionalism in equal measure
This role could suit:
- an experienced Bar Manager looking for more creative freedom
- a strong Assistant Manager ready to step up
- or a talented hospitality operator looking to escape corporate environments and help shape something unique.
What We Offer
- Paid overtime during event-heavy periods
- Genuine creative input into the drinks programme
- Opportunity to work with premium and rare spirits brands
- Supplier training, tastings and development opportunities
- Access to some of the world’s most respected whisky houses and spirit producers
- Opportunity to help shape and host future tasting events and beverage experiences
- A unique working environment unlike typical bars, pubs or hotels
- Supportive independent ownership with room for ideas and innovation
- Long-term opportunity to help build a destination hospitality venue
Due to our rural location, your own transport is essential. This role requires flexibility around evenings, weekends and event schedules.
To Apply
If you are passionate about hospitality, drinks culture and creating experiences that people genuinely remember — we’d love to hear from you. Tell us about your background, your favourite venue or drinks experience, and why you feel you’d be a great fit for Salt House.
Head Bar & Beverage Lead for Bespoke Spirits & Events employer: Salt House
Salt House is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and creative work culture, set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Standon Hall estate. We offer our team members the chance to lead and innovate in a unique hospitality environment, with opportunities for personal growth through hands-on experience and collaboration with premium spirits brands. Our commitment to delivering extraordinary guest experiences ensures that every day at Salt House is both rewarding and memorable, making it an ideal place for passionate hospitality professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bar & Beverage Lead for Bespoke Spirits & Events
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around Salt House or check out their social media. Understanding their vibe and unique offerings will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest in creating memorable experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare some ideas for bespoke drinks or event concepts that could fit the Salt House style. This will demonstrate your passion for hospitality and your ability to think outside the box, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your leadership style. They want someone who can motivate and develop a team, so think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or created a strong culture of service.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Salt House family and ready to dive into this exciting opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Bar & Beverage Lead for Bespoke Spirits & Events
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for hospitality and drinks shine through! Share your favourite cocktails or memorable experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for the industry. We want to see your personality!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for at Salt House. Highlight your leadership style and any creative ideas you have for our bar operations. This is your chance to stand out!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to be yourself in your application. We value warmth and professionalism, so let your unique voice come through. Share stories that showcase your character and how you connect with guests and team members alike.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Salt House!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salt House
✨Know Your Spirits
Brush up on your knowledge of cocktails, wines, and spirits before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite drinks and how you would create unique experiences for clients at Salt House. This shows your genuine passion for the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led and motivated teams in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you’ve inspired creativity or improved service standards. This will demonstrate that you can lead from the front, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Creativity
Come armed with ideas for bespoke drinks experiences or events you could host at Salt House. This not only highlights your creativity but also shows that you’re eager to contribute to their vision of delivering extraordinary experiences.
✨Engage with the Venue's Unique Vibe
Familiarise yourself with Salt House’s eclectic atmosphere and think about how you can enhance it. During the interview, express your understanding of their brand and how you can help shape a memorable guest experience that aligns with their bold approach.
