At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team and create unforgettable guest experiences at a top London venue.
- Company: Join The Columbo Group, a passionate independent hospitality group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, career progression, and discounts across venues.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind one of London's iconic nightlife spots.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior management within a late-night venue and a passion for hospitality.
- Other info: Enjoy a creative and supportive culture with ongoing training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the General Manager role at The Columbo Group.
We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring General Manager to lead our flagship East London site. The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch is a cornerstone of London’s nightlife – a late-night bar, restaurant, and live music venue serving Southern-inspired food, world‑class cocktails, and hosting incredible live performances.
As General Manager, you’ll be responsible for driving the success of one of London’s busiest and most iconic venues. You’ll lead from the front, creating a culture of high performance, unforgettable guest experiences, and genuine hospitality. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll balance operational excellence with strategic leadership.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, motivate, and inspire a large and diverse team across bar, floor, kitchen, and events.
- Drive exceptional guest experiences in a high‑volume, late‑night environment.
- Deliver strong financial performance through effective P&L management, cost control, and sales growth.
- Maintain the highest standards of food, drink, service, and compliance.
- Oversee live music and events programming, ensuring seamless operations and an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Recruit, train, and develop future leaders within your team.
- Build strong relationships with local communities, partners, and suppliers.
- Proven experience as a General Manager (or senior management) in a large, late‑night venue, bar, or restaurant.
- Commercially astute with a strong track record of hitting financial and operational targets.
- A natural leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑energy environment.
- Passionate about hospitality, people development, and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, and food‑led operations.
- Comfortable working with live music and events.
At The Blues Kitchen, we’re passionate about music, food, and great hospitality. As General Manager, you’ll be given the autonomy to run your venue as if it were your own, with the support of a forward‑thinking independent hospitality group behind you.
Benefits- Competitive salary & bonus structure.
- Performance‑based super bonus scheme—if the venue performs to its expected targets, you can earn up to 100% of your salary as a bonus at the end of the year.
- Career progression across a growing group of iconic venues.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Discounts across all our venues.
- A vibrant, creative, and supportive working culture.
General Manager in London employer: The Columbo Group
Contact Detail:
The Columbo Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have worked at The Columbo Group or similar venues. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance for an interview, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about your experiences leading teams and creating unforgettable guest moments – it’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research The Blues Kitchen and its vibe. Understand their menu, music, and what makes them tick. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also help you tailor your approach to fit their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for hospitality and live music shine through. We want to see how excited you are about creating unforgettable guest experiences and leading a vibrant team!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your experience in high-volume venues and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive financial performance and operational excellence.
Be Authentic: We love authenticity! Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your cover letter. Share your unique approach to leadership and how you inspire your team to deliver exceptional service.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Columbo Group
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research The Blues Kitchen and its unique offerings. Familiarise yourself with their menu, cocktail specials, and live music events. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can enhance guest experiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and inspired teams in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you turned them into opportunities for growth and development within your team.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with P&L management and cost control. Bring examples of how you've successfully driven sales growth in high-volume environments. This will highlight your commercial awareness and ability to deliver strong financial performance.
✨Engage with the Community
The Columbo Group values strong relationships with local communities. Prepare to talk about how you've built partnerships in the past and how you plan to engage with the local scene at The Blues Kitchen. This shows you're not just focused on the venue but also on creating a vibrant atmosphere that resonates with the community.