Bartender in Cardiff

At Sonder, we believe exceptional hospitality comes from the people behind it. We hire for attitude, mindset and passion over simply counting years of experience, and we're looking for people who genuinely want to build a career within hospitality and drinks.

We’re looking for a passionate and confident member of our Bar team who can work independently and deliver consistently high standards across coffee, cocktails and drinks service. Strong barista skills and the ability to work independently are essential. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to develop their skills and build a genuine career in drinks and hospitality.

Sonder is an independent neighbourhood bistro based in the Canton / Pontcanna area. Chef-owned, with over 13 years of experience in professional kitchens, we're building a small but experienced team who care about what they do, enjoy coming to work and want to create a great atmosphere for both our guests and each other. We believe in premium service and ingredients, whilst creating a relaxed, welcoming and unpretentious environment. All of our food is made in-house, alongside our own butchery and baking.

If you're passionate about drinks, enjoy working with people and want the opportunity to grow alongside an independent restaurant, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

The Role

As part of the Bar team, you'll play a key role in delivering the drinks experience at Sonder. You'll be responsible for producing high-quality cocktails, coffee and other drinks, whilst maintaining consistently high standards throughout service. This role requires someone who is confident working independently, takes ownership of their responsibilities and understands the importance of consistency, organisation and attention to detail. You'll have the opportunity to contribute creatively to the drinks offering, work with suppliers to discover new products and wines, and play an active role in developing the bar as the business grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality, consistent cocktails and drinks throughout service.
• Prepare and serve excellent coffee to a consistently high standard.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of the drinks menu and confidently communicate this to guests.
• Deliver warm, relaxed and professional service at all times.
• Ensure every drink leaving the bar meets Sonder's standards for quality, presentation and consistency.
• Contribute ideas and creativity to the development of the drinks offering.
• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation throughout service.

Bar Management

• Work confidently and independently during service, taking ownership of the bar when required.
• Keep the bar organised, clean and fully prepared throughout service.
• Monitor stock levels and communicate ordering requirements to management.
• Work with suppliers to discover new wines, spirits, beers and other products.
• Assist with stock rotation, deliveries and regular stock counts.
• Help maintain the profitability of the bar and work towards consistent GP%.
• Minimise waste and ensure products are used efficiently.
• Maintain high standards of storage, preparation and stock control.

Guest Experience

• Build genuine relationships with guests and create a welcoming atmosphere at the bar.
• Use your knowledge and enthusiasm to make informed drink recommendations.
• Recognise returning guests wherever possible and contribute to personalised hospitality.
• Communicate confidently with guests about cocktails, wines, coffee and other drinks.
• Handle guest requests and concerns professionally, escalating to management where appropriate.

Team Support

• Work collaboratively with both Front and Back of House teams.
• Communicate clearly with the wider team throughout service.
• Support other areas of the restaurant when required.
• Contribute positively to the team environment and help maintain the fun, supportive culture at Sonder.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong barista skills are mandatory.
• The ability to work independently is essential.
• A genuine passion for drinks and hospitality.
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• A naturally warm, engaging and confident personality.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for developing your knowledge of drinks.
• Good communication skills and the ability to build relationships with guests.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• The ability to remain calm and focused during busy services.
• A willingness to learn, develop and take on new responsibilities.
• Previous hospitality experience is desirable, but attitude, mindset and ambition are more important than simply the number of years you've worked in the industry.

Our Expectations:

The Bar team plays a huge role in the atmosphere and experience of Sonder. We're looking for someone who takes pride in what they do, understands the importance of consistency and is capable of maintaining high standards without needing to be constantly directed. You'll be expected to work independently, take ownership and have confidence in your own ability, whilst knowing when to communicate with the wider team and ask for support when needed. Your barista skills must already be at a professional level, and you should be comfortable producing consistently good coffee as part of a busy service. Beyond the technical skills, we're looking for someone with the right attitude and mindset. Someone who wants to learn, contribute ideas, have fun at work and genuinely develop a career in drinks and hospitality. We don't just want someone to work behind the bar — we're looking for someone who wants to grow with Sonder, develop their skills and be part of shaping the future of the business.