At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and elevate bar experiences across Hakkasan venues in London.
- Company: Join the renowned Hakkasan Group, known for luxury dining and vibrant nightlife.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off food and drinks, enhanced leave, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a creative leader shaping the future of high-end bars in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in beverage management, with strong industry connections and leadership skills.
- Other info: 28 days holiday, employee support programmes, and community initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hakkasan Group, home to the internationally acclaimed restaurants Hakkasan and Yauatcha, is seeking an entrepreneurial and visionary Head of Bars – UK to lead and elevate the bar experience across Hakkasan Mayfair, Yauatcha Soho and Yauatcha City. Reporting directly to the Director of Beverage – UK & International, this is a senior and highly visible role for a creative, commercially minded bar leader with exceptional management experience, deep industry connections, and the confidence to challenge convention.
You’ll not only oversee bar operations but also influence, energise and transform existing bar teams - encouraging Bar Managers to adopt a more progressive, agile and guest-focused approach. Through collaboration, coaching and fresh perspective, you’ll help foster a culture of continuous improvement, creativity and excellence across all venues.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead, mentor and empower Bar and Beverage Managers across London, instilling a spirit of creativity, accountability and forward thinking.
- Confidently challenge existing approaches, guiding teams toward more dynamic and commercially focused ways of working.
- Deliver engaging brand activations, pop-ups, takeovers and collaborations with world-class mixologists and premium partners.
- Act as a key networker and brand ambassador, strengthening Hakkasan’s visibility across the London and international bar scene.
- Partner with the Director of Beverage – UK & International on strategic innovation, new product development and seasonal campaigns.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Operations to create bar-led guest experiences and storytelling moments that capture our brand spirit.
- Drive commercial performance through insight-led strategy, cost management and revenue growth.
- Lead bar recruitment, training and succession planning to build and retain best-in-class talent.
- Minimum 5 years of management experience within the beverage industry, ideally in luxury or high-end hospitality.
- Entrepreneurial and commercially astute, with a record of delivering impactful activations and creative programmes.
- A natural influencer and change leader, able to shift entrenched mindsets and elevate standards across multiple venues.
- Connected and credible within the bar and mixology community, with strong relationship‑building skills.
- Exceptional communicator who inspires collaboration and champions continuous improvement.
- Deep knowledge of mixology, flavour innovation and guest experience design.
- Strategic, hands‑on and passionate about redefining what a world‑class bar can be.
Dine & Delight: 50% off food and beverage across all our restaurants – including takeaway – to enjoy the Hakkasan and Yauatcha experience anytime.
We’ve Got You Covered: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave, confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme, and life assurance.
Birthday Bonanza: A birthday treat on your special day.
Share the Experience: Refer talented friends and earn up to £750 through our Refer a Friend scheme.
Moments That Matter: Gifts for Christmas, Chinese New Year, birthdays and long service to celebrate life’s key moments.
Grow With Us: From WSET certifications to leadership development and international career opportunities, we invest in your growth.
Giving Back: Join initiatives supporting charities, sustainability and our local communities.
Time to Recharge: 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays).
Head of Bars - UK in London employer: Tao Group Hospitality
Contact Detail:
Tao Group Hospitality Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Bars - UK in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and mingle! Attend industry events, bar openings, and mixology competitions. The more people you meet, the better your chances of landing that dream role at Hakkasan.
✨Show Off Your Creativity
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your innovative ideas for bar experiences. They want to see your vision for elevating their brand!
✨Be a Brand Ambassador
Make sure you know Hakkasan inside out. Familiarise yourself with their offerings and values so you can confidently discuss how you’d enhance their bar scene and connect with their audience.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Bars - UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for the bar industry shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for mixology and how you can elevate the bar experience at Hakkasan and Yauatcha.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in luxury or high-end hospitality. We’re looking for someone with a strong track record, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Creative: This role is all about creativity and innovation, so don’t hesitate to share your unique ideas in your application. We love fresh perspectives, and we want to know how you can bring something new to our bars.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on our radar for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tao Group Hospitality
✨Know Your Mixology
Brush up on your mixology knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss current trends in cocktails and how you can bring innovative ideas to Hakkasan's bar experience. Show them you're not just a manager, but a passionate connoisseur of beverages.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about your leadership approach and how it aligns with the role. Prepare examples of how you've empowered teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments. They want to see that you can inspire creativity and accountability among Bar Managers.
✨Be Ready to Challenge the Norm
Hakkasan is looking for someone who can confidently challenge existing practices. Come equipped with ideas on how to elevate their bar operations and enhance guest experiences. This is your chance to demonstrate your entrepreneurial spirit and vision.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since this role involves being a key networker, think about your connections within the bar and mixology community. Be ready to discuss how you can leverage these relationships to boost Hakkasan's visibility and create exciting collaborations.