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: Flexibility required; own transport essential due to rural location.
- 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 in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Salt House
Salt House is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and creative work culture, perfect for those passionate about hospitality and bespoke experiences. Set in the picturesque Standon Hall estate, employees enjoy a unique environment that encourages innovation and personal growth, with opportunities to work closely with premium spirits brands and shape memorable events. With supportive ownership and a focus on genuine guest experiences, Salt House offers a rewarding career path for those looking to make their mark in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bar & Beverage Lead for Bespoke Spirits & Events in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 experiences or cocktail menus that could fit the Salt House style. This will demonstrate your passion for hospitality and your ability to think outside the box.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your leadership style. Think of examples where you've motivated a team or created a strong culture of service. Salt House is all about individuality, so let your personality shine through!
✨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 contributing to something truly unique.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Bar & Beverage Lead for Bespoke Spirits & Events in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for hospitality and drinks shine through in your application. Share your favourite cocktails, wines, or spirits and why they inspire you. We want to see that genuine enthusiasm!
Be Creative:This role is all about creativity, so don’t hold back! Include any unique ideas you have for drinks or events in your application. We’re looking for someone who can think outside the box and bring fresh concepts to Salt House.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in premium hospitality environments. Talk about how you've led teams, created memorable experiences, or managed bar operations. We want to know how your background aligns with our vision!
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 the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve developed team members or created a strong culture of hospitality. This will demonstrate that you can lead from the front, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Creative
Come armed with ideas! Think about innovative cocktail concepts or unique event experiences you could bring to Salt House. Sharing your creative vision during the interview will highlight your fit for a role that values individuality and creativity.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, this isn’t just about answering questions. Engage with the interviewers by asking them about their experiences at Salt House and what they envision for the future. This shows your interest in the venue and helps build rapport, making you a memorable candidate.
