At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve exciting cocktails in a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere.
- Company: Join the Smoking Lobster Group, a family-run Pan-Asian fusion restaurant.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a fun, dynamic team with growth opportunities and training.
- Why this job: Showcase your bartending skills while engaging with guests and creating memorable experiences.
- Qualifications: Previous bar experience and a passion for cocktails are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Smoking Lobster is a family-run, Pan-Asian fusion restaurant group, with a focus on small plates, exciting cocktails, a vibrant dining experience and celebrating local produce from the Isle of Wight.
About Us
Smoking Lobster is focused on delivering an elevated style of service and hospitality in a professional, laid-back environment. Heavily influenced by a mix of Eastern Asian cuisine, Smoking Lobster is a contemporary choice for diners who wish to fully immerse themselves in an experience centred around bold food, creative drinks and a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere. Our bar offering plays a key part in the guest experience, with a focus on exciting cocktails, quality ingredients, attention to detail and confident, personable service.
The Role
We are seeking experienced, confident and professional bartenders to join our front of house team. This is not standard bar service. We deliver an elevated but relaxed style of hospitality, where technical skill, product knowledge and personality all matter. You will be expected to work with pace and precision during busy services, while maintaining a high standard of presentation, cleanliness and guest interaction. You will have the opportunity to showcase your personality through your hospitality, while delivering drinks consistently to specification and helping guests engage with our cocktail list, wines, beers, spirits and wider restaurant concept.
What We Are Looking For
- Fun, professional and laid-back personalities
- Scrupulous attention to detail in all aspects of drinks, service and presentation
- Previous bar and cocktail experience preferred
- Confidence in preparing cocktails consistently to specification
- Good knowledge of spirits, wines, beers and classic drinks
- A genuine interest in learning about our products, suppliers and concept
- Confident, natural communication skills
- A strong sense of pace and organisation during peak times and busy services
- Positive energy and a strong team ethic
- The ability to maintain a clean, organised and well-stocked bar
- Flexibility and availability predominantly for weekends and evenings
- Flexibility in working between two Island venues
What You’ll Be Doing
- Preparing and serving cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks to a high standard
- Delivering a professional, elevated but relaxed style of service and exceptional hospitality
- Guiding guests through our drinks menu, cocktail list, ingredients and flavour profiles
- Maintaining consistency across all drinks through accurate specification and presentation
- Keeping the bar clean, organised, stocked and ready for service
- Supporting floor service where required and working closely with the wider front of house team
- Serving families, corporate clients, UHNW individuals, groups, parties and events
- Maintaining the highest standards of presentation, cleanliness and compliance
- Supporting the wider team during busy and peak periods
- Representing the restaurant group as an ambassador for our brand culture
- Being flexible in your role and responsibilities
- Reporting to those managing you, supporting those beside you and guiding those under you
What We are Offering
- Full training in our drinks specifications, including ingredients, building & garnish
- Flexible, zero-hour contract
- Competitive rate of pay + tronc
- Staff discount of 20% when you dine with us
- On-shift discount of 50%
- Extended breaks & split-shifts
- Ability to set availability requests in our dedicated staff rota platform
- A strong, supporting team environment with a focus on growth & nurturing
- Measurable growth potential in your role
- Opportunity to undertake formal training & qualifications, such as WSET Level 1 & 2, Food Safety & Hygiene, First Aid
Hours
We are offering a flexible, zero hour contract (on a part-time or full-time basis) with the expectation to work split shifts of 12 hours, between 30 hours and up to 60 hours per week.
Tronc
We operate a transparent tronc system, meaning all tips are distributed fairly across the team based on hours worked and role. The tronc is managed independently and paid in addition to your hourly rate on a monthly basis, rewarding the whole team for delivering a consistently high standard of food and service. It ensures everyone contributes to, and benefits from, a busy and successful service. Your hourly rate of pay comprises your National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage plus tronc and excludes discretionary cash tips. Any additional or surplus service charge collected is distributed via the tronc system in accordance with the Company’s tronc policy.
To Apply
Please read the full role description detailed above, and attach your CV, with a short cover note on why you are a good fit to join Smoking Lobster Group.
Experienced Bartenders | Smoking Lobster Group (Cowes & Ventnor) employer: Smoking Lobster
Smoking Lobster Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture, where hospitality is not just a job but a passion. With a focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training opportunities, including formal qualifications, and a flexible working environment that values your availability and personal commitments. Join our dynamic team in Cowes & Ventnor, where you can showcase your skills in a fun, laid-back atmosphere while enjoying competitive pay and generous staff discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Bartenders | Smoking Lobster Group (Cowes & Ventnor)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Smoking Lobster vibe! Before you apply, check out their social media and website to understand their style and offerings. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in their unique dining experience.
✨Tip Number 2
When you get that interview, be ready to showcase your personality! Smoking Lobster values confident and personable service, so let your fun side shine through while discussing your bartending skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your cocktail knowledge! Be prepared to discuss your favourite drinks and how you would engage guests with the cocktail list. Showing your passion for mixology can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! Smoking Lobster is all about a strong team ethic, so share examples of how you've supported your colleagues in busy environments. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a great bartender, but also a fantastic team player.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Bartenders | Smoking Lobster Group (Cowes & Ventnor)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When you’re writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to inject a bit of fun and flair into your cover note.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your previous bar experience and any cocktail skills you have. We love attention to detail, so make it clear how your experience aligns with our vibrant dining experience.
Be Passionate About Hospitality:In your application, express your genuine interest in hospitality and the drinks you’ll be serving. We’re looking for people who are excited about guiding guests through our cocktail list and sharing their knowledge!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smoking Lobster
✨Know Your Cocktails
Make sure you brush up on your cocktail knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite cocktails, how to make them, and any unique twists you've added in the past. This shows your passion for mixology and your ability to engage with guests about the drinks.
✨Show Off Your Personality
Smoking Lobster values personality just as much as skill. During the interview, let your fun and laid-back side shine through. Share stories that highlight your experience in hospitality and how you connect with customers, as this will demonstrate your fit for their vibrant atmosphere.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since attention to detail is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous positions. Whether it's about presentation or cleanliness, showing that you take pride in your work will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about Smoking Lobster's approach to service and their cocktail offerings. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to learn more about the company culture and expectations, making you stand out as a candidate.
