Head Bartender in London

Head Bartender in London

London Full-Time 26500 - 34300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Blues Kitchen

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the bar team, craft cocktails, and ensure top-notch service during busy shifts.
  • Company: The Blues Kitchen, a vibrant venue known for great food and live music.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, discounts, training opportunities, and fun events.
  • Other info: Relaxed dress code and opportunities for global industry trips.
  • Why this job: Join a lively team and showcase your cocktail skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in busy bars, cocktail-making skills, and a passion for hospitality.

The predicted salary is between 26500 - 34300 £ per year.

We’re looking for a Head Bartender to join the team at The Blues Kitchen London. The Blues Kitchen is one of London’s most loved venues, known for its all-American comfort food, expertly crafted cocktails and an incredible programme of live blues, soul and funk performances. We’re looking for experienced bartenders who can lead by example behind the bar and help maintain high standards during busy services.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading by example behind the bar during busy services.
  • Making classic cocktails quickly and consistently.
  • Supporting bartenders and barbacks during high-volume shifts.
  • Maintaining strong drink standards and bar organisation.
  • Helping ensure the bar team delivers fast and friendly service.

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong experience working behind a busy cocktail bar.
  • Confidence making classic cocktails quickly and consistently.
  • Someone energetic, organised and guest-focused.
  • Strong teamwork and communication.
  • A genuine interest in cocktails and hospitality.

What to Expect

  • Competitive pay: £12.75 per hour plus tronc (total package usually between £12.75–£16.50 per hour). Hourly wages paid every two weeks on a Friday and tronc paid on the last Friday of the month.
  • A high-energy working environment with lively services.
  • A relaxed dress code. No uniforms. Just bring your best self.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

  • 50% off across all Columbo venues, plus free access to our events and festivals.
  • Training and development through the Columbo Academy.
  • Hero of the Month recognition, including a paid weekend off.
  • £50 voucher for top drinks seller incentives.
  • Employee referral bonuses of £1,000 for Chef or Manager roles and £250 for hourly roles.
  • Opportunities for global industry trips for top performers.
  • Pension scheme via Nest.

Head Bartender in London employer: The Blues Kitchen

The Blues Kitchen London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and energetic work environment where creativity and passion for hospitality thrive. With competitive pay, generous discounts across all Columbo venues, and extensive training opportunities through the Columbo Academy, employees are encouraged to grow and excel in their roles. The unique culture of recognition, including the Hero of the Month programme and exciting global industry trips for top performers, makes it a rewarding place to build a career in the hospitality sector.

The Blues Kitchen

Contact Details:

The Blues Kitchen Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Bartender in London

Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into The Blues Kitchen and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff, check out the drink menu, and get a feel for the vibe. This will help you show genuine interest and make a great impression.

Tip Number 2

Practice your cocktail skills! Brush up on making classic cocktails quickly and consistently. You might even want to prepare a few signature drinks to showcase your creativity during the interview. We love seeing passion in action!

Tip Number 3

Show off your teamwork skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've supported your team in busy environments. Highlighting your ability to lead by example and maintain high standards will definitely catch our attention.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at The Blues Kitchen. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the bar!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Bartender in London

Cocktail Preparation
Bar Management
Team Leadership
Customer Service
Time Management
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for cocktails and hospitality shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely enjoy what you do!

Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your experience behind the bar, especially in busy environments. We’re looking for someone who can lead by example, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.

Be Personable:Remember, we’re all about fast and friendly service! Use your application to showcase your personality and how you connect with guests. A little charm goes a long way!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Blues Kitchen

Know Your Cocktails

Brush up on your cocktail knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss classic cocktails, their ingredients, and how to make them quickly and consistently. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head Bartender, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team during busy shifts. Highlight your ability to support and motivate others, which is crucial for maintaining high standards.

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication

The bar environment is all about teamwork. Be ready to share instances where you've worked effectively with others, especially in high-pressure situations. Demonstrating strong communication skills will show that you're a great fit for their energetic and guest-focused team.

Bring Your Best Self

The Blues Kitchen values authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Dress casually but smartly, and be prepared to discuss what makes you passionate about hospitality and cocktails. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.