Head Bartender in London

Who We Are: The Arts Club is a distinguished private members' club located in Mayfair, London, founded in 1863, as a haven for those with a professional or amateur relationship with the Arts, Literature or Sciences, and it has continued to welcome a community of discerning thinkers and thought leaders ever since. Over the years, it has attracted renowned artists, writers, and cultural icons including Charles Dickens, Thomas Hughes, Paolo Tosti, Charles Halle, Frederic Leighton, Auguste Rodin and James McNeill Whistler.

Job Summary: The Head Bartender is responsible for overseeing the day‑to‑day operation of the bar, ensuring exceptional service standards, team performance, and operational efficiency across all bar areas. This role combines strong leadership, advanced beverage knowledge, and a hands‑on approach to service, supporting the Bars Manager in driving sales, maintaining standards, and delivering a seamless and high‑quality experience for members and guests. The Head Bartender acts as a key link between management and the bar team, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and continuous development.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the bar, ensuring service is delivered efficiently and in line with company standards.
• Lead, motivate, and support bartenders and barbacks to maintain high performance and service levels.
• Ensure all opening and closing procedures are completed in line with Bar Manager requirements.
• Act as the main point of contact between the bar team and management, communicating effectively across departments.
• Deliver an exceptional guest experience by responding promptly and professionally to member and guest requests.
• Ensure all bills are accurate, correctly presented, and processed in line with company procedures.
• Drive sales through upselling, product knowledge, and promoting all bar and Club offerings.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and presentation across all bar areas.
• Monitor and support stock control, ensuring appropriate levels and minimising wastage.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members, fostering continuous development.
• Handle guest feedback and complaints professionally, resolving issues or escalating where necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all hygiene, health and safety, and security procedures.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure a seamless member experience.
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, initiative, and a strong presence on the floor.
• Attend training sessions and meetings as required.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties assigned by management.

Benefits

• Private medical benefits via Medicash
• Discount in over 800 retail outlets via Reward Gateway
• Discounts on food & beverage in our restaurants and sister businesses
• Discounts with Lanserhof at The Arts Club (Private Wellness Club and Clinic)
• Life assurance
• Long Service Awards
• An exciting range of learning and development programmes
• Uniform laundry service
• Opportunities for promotion and continual progression
• Complimentary meals while on shift
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellness Support

Eligibility: In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and encourage people of all different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives to apply. However, applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.

Compensation: Competitive salary