At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented bar team and craft exceptional cocktails in a luxurious setting.
- Company: Join Sofitel London St James, where luxury meets playful indulgence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free stays, discounts, and exceptional training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with a focus on personal growth and well-being.
- Why this job: Be part of a world-class venue that values creativity and innovation in hospitality.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in a senior bar role with strong mixology and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Sofitel London St James, we redefine luxury by treating a stay as more than just a temporary pause—it’s an opportunity for guests to fall in love with a unique blend of refined luxury and playful indulgence. Our commitment to excellence transcends the ordinary, and we invite you to join a team that specialises in transforming stays into enchanting tales.
Situated within the elegant ambiance of Sofitel London St James, our St James Bar embodies French sophistication in the heart of London. Renowned for its innovation and attention to detail, the bar offers an exquisite selection of fine spirits, wines, and handcrafted cocktails. As our Head Bartender, you will lead our talented bar team in creating extraordinary guest experiences. With expertise in mixology, you will craft exceptional cocktails while collaborating closely with Bar Management to design an appealing menu of cocktails, wines, and beers.
Your role includes maintaining the highest service standards, ensuring cleanliness and safety protocols, and fostering team development through ongoing training and feedback. This is an opportunity to bring creativity, passion, and leadership to a world-class venue that values innovation and exceptional hospitality.
Responsibilities
- Inspire and lead our bar team to deliver personalised service that surpasses expectations, creating truly unique and memorable experiences for each guest.
- Be fully conversant with the St. James Bar licence laws and ensure that all members are trained and compliant.
- Attend meetings & trainings as required on food and beverage, Health & Safety and pass on any relevant information to your team.
- Create and maintain standards of service that will be in line with the company strategy and policy.
- Curate and continuously evolve an innovative cocktail menu that is both seasonally inspired and exquisitely crafted.
- Ensure all guests’ checks are correctly posted at the end of each service period on Micros.
- Be accurate for maximising sales in the department through efficient utilization of resources.
- Responsible for controlling the cost, and take appropriate actions to maximise profit.
- Collaborate with the Bar Manager to assist in achieving our collective goals of revenue growth and sustained profitability.
- Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and organisation within the bar area.
- Mentor and cultivate the skills of our bar team, fostering their growth in both mixology expertise and customer service.
- Assist in implementing sustainability initiatives to minimise the environmental impact of bar operations.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a senior bartender, head bartender, or supervisory bar role within a luxury hotel or high-end hospitality environment.
- Advanced knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, and mixology techniques.
- Proven leadership and team development skills.
- Strong understanding of licensing laws, food safety regulations, health & safety requirements.
- Experience using POS systems, preferably Micros.
- Exceptional guest service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package, including service charge and annual bonus.
- Free Stays in the UK or Ireland (4 nights/year).
- Employee Benefit Card – Discounted rates at Accor properties worldwide.
- Complimentary Meals While on Duty.
- Special Rates in F&B, Rooms & Spa.
- Exceptional Training and Development Opportunities.
- Global Growth Opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 GP Access.
- Social Events and Activities.
Bring passion and dedication to excellence, and we will recognise your contribution with a variety of benefits, rewards and development opportunities.
Head Bartender employer: Sofitel
At Sofitel London St James, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a culture of diversity, professional growth, and individual recognition. As the Head Bartender, you will not only lead a talented team in crafting exquisite cocktails but also enjoy competitive benefits, including free stays at our properties, exceptional training opportunities, and a supportive work environment that prioritises your well-being. Join us in redefining luxury hospitality and experience a career that celebrates creativity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bartender
✨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 Sofitel. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sofitel
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sofitel 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
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 Sofitel 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 Sofitel
✨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!
