At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bar team, craft cocktails, and create memorable experiences for residents and guests.
- Company: The Observatory, a unique sky bar with stunning views and a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Benefits: Earn tips, enjoy sociable hours, and receive discounts across all venues.
- Other info: Join a fun, ambitious team with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exclusive venue where you build relationships and host unforgettable events.
- Qualifications: Bartending experience, strong cocktail knowledge, and a passion for hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 19 £ per hour.
53rd Floor Sky Lounge, Wardian, Canary Wharf E14. Full-time | Tips & Service Charge | Immediate start.
The Observatory is a Sky Bar & Restaurant on the 53rd floor of Wardian, looking out over Canary Wharf and the whole of London. It's one of the highest bars in the city - and it's exclusively for the developments residents & their guests. You're looking after a community of around 1,500 residents & their guests who treat this as their local, their living room and their party venue. Regulars come in weekly. You'll know their names, their drinks and their birthdays. It has the feel of a private members' club, without the stiffness. We're looking for someone to take real ownership of it.
THE ROLE
- You'll help run The Observatory Bar day to day - leading the small team, keeping cocktail and service standards high, and being the face residents come to.
- Alongside that, the venue hosts a busy year-round events calendar: birthdays, engagements, weddings, seasonal parties and private hires, plus the events we programme ourselves.
- To be clear about the events side: you're the host, not the event planner. Our dedicated events team handles the logistics, the planning and the bigger productions. Your part is being the person residents talk to, helping shape the drinks and the feel of the night, and delivering it brilliantly on the day.
- If you've worked functions or private hires before, you'll be right at home. If you're a superb bartender who's keen to grow into that side, we'll teach you.
Responsibilities
- Lead from the front behind the bar, delivering excellent cocktails and genuine hospitality.
- Take ownership of the running of the bar - standards, stock, ordering, prep and organisation.
- Build real relationships with residents and be their first point of contact for bookings.
- Look after resident celebrations and private hires from enquiry through to the night itself.
- Lead, train and develop the team.
- Work with our events team on the larger bookings and the annual events calendar.
- Grow the events side of the venue and get residents using the space more.
- Work with senior management on drinks menus, and where The Observatory goes next as we enter an exciting new chapter.
WHAT YOU'LL GET
- Tips and service charge on top of your pay.
- Sociable hours. We open at 4pm on weekdays and midday at weekends. No breakfast shifts, no 3am finishes, no split shifts.
- Genuine ownership of a unique venue rather than one site among many.
- Room to grow. We're a multi-site London group - Supershakes, Beringers, Lockdown, The Eleventh Hour - and we'd far rather promote from within than recruit in.
- Involvement in menu development, supplier tastings and the events programme.
- Staff food and drinks on shift, plus discounts across all our venues.
- Support from an experienced events and senior hospitality team.
- A team that actually enjoys working together.
- 28 days holiday.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Solid bartending experience, ideally with time in a management or senior role.
- Strong cocktail knowledge and consistency under pressure.
- Some experience of events, functions or private hires - or real appetite to learn it.
- A natural host who genuinely likes people and remembers them.
- Organised, proactive and comfortable owning a space.
- Calm and confident through a busy service.
- Someone who cares about the details, because our regulars notice them.
- And honestly: we're looking for someone who wants to stay. Building a relationship with a community of regulars takes time, and it's the best part of this job - but only if you're here long enough to enjoy it.
WHY THIS ONE
There aren't many jobs like this in London. One shift you're making cocktails for a couple who come in every Friday. The next you're helping them plan their engagement party, 53 floors above the city. If that sounds like the kind of place you'd like to run, we'd love to meet you.
About The Bull Group
The Bull Group - small, ambitious & loads of fun! With 8 great venues + an action packed events calendar (beer festivals, live music, fitness events, Pride & more). We're all about our people. Come join a team that's going places!
Experience: Required
Employment: Full-time
Schedule: 3:30pm - 12am
Salary: £15 – £19 hourly
Benefits: Service Charge & Tips
Starting time: Immediate start!
Head Bartender - Cocktails & Events in London employer: The Bull Group
Supershakes is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture, perfect for those passionate about coffee and community. With competitive pay, flexible roles, and clear pathways for career progression, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Join us in East London & Canary Wharf, where your leadership can shape the future of our cafés while enjoying fun team dynamics and opportunities for brand collaborations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bartender - Cocktails & Events in London
✨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 The Bull Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Bull Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Bull Group 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 - Cocktails & Events in London
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 The Bull Group 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 The Bull Group
✨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!
