At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft amazing cocktails and deliver personalised service to our guests.
- Company: Join The Dorchester, a top-rated hotel known for its inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary stays, discounts, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement through recognised apprenticeships.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a luxury setting with exciting social events.
- Qualifications: Expertise in cocktail preparation and exceptional communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join us as a Senior Bartender at The Dorchester, recognised as one of ‘The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for’ in 2024 & 2025 and ‘Hotel of the year – London’ at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is part of our DNA, reflected in our values of passion, personality, respect, working together, and creativity. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our culture and drives our success.
What You’ll Do
- Preparing cocktails and beverages with precision, following recipes and presentation standards, both for the bar and for the restaurant. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to seasonal and signature menu development.
- Delivering personalised service by engaging with guests, understanding their preferences and offering recommendations from our menu, including cocktails, spirits and wines.
- Managing orders efficiently by accurately noting guests’ selections, ensuring timely preparations, and coordinating with the team and floor staff for seamless service.
- Taking food orders and offering informed recommendations, ensuring you have strong knowledge of the food menu including allergens and dietary options.
- Maintaining bar organisation and stock levels, including proper handling of glassware, garnishes and ingredients.
- Working within structured time frames, particularly during peak service periods, where food and drinks orders may need to be fulfilled within set time frames while maintaining standards, presentation and quality.
- Your role will require attention to detail, consistency and passion for hospitality to ensure consistent outstanding service.
The operational hours of work are shift‑based and may be subjected to change. These Currently Set As Monday to Sunday: 10:00 - 01:00.
What You’ll Bring
Essential Skills and Experience
- Expertise in cocktail preparation – strong knowledge of classic, contemporary and signature drinks; including proper techniques for shaking, stirring, throwing and layering.
- Understanding of spirits, wines and liqueurs, including their origins, flavour profiles, and ideal pairings.
- Efficiency in service – ability to prepare and serve drinks swiftly while maintaining precision and presentation.
- Exceptional communication skills and guests engagement.
- Professionalism and discretion.
- Upselling and storytelling.
Preferred Skills
- Previous experience as bartender in luxury hotel, high‑end bar, or fine dining establishments.
- Formal training or certification in bartending, mixology, or WSET.
What You’ll Get
- Complimentary stays: Enjoy complimentary stays with breakfast at Dorchester Collection Hotels every year. Discounts with our hotels, and benefit from discounts at various high street and online shops.
- Employee perks: Enrol from day 1 into the Royal London Private Pension scheme (we contribute 8% towards your pension); benefit from seasonal ticket loan, rental deposit scheme, private financial advice, and eye care vouchers.
- Training and development: Advance in your career by accessing various apprenticeships from Level 2 to Hospitality Degree Level 5. We partner with outstanding nationally recognised Apprenticeship providers.
- Social events: Participate in vibrant social events, including a summer party, winter ball, pub quizzes, and cultural and milestone recognition celebrations.
- Referral bonus: Earn a £1000 bonus when you recommend a friend.
- Well‑being support: Access immediate well‑being advice because we care about our employees.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you need us to do anything to support you during the recruitment process (such as adjustments to how you apply, alternative formats of information, or adjustments to the assessment process itself), please call the People & Culture team on 02073791011 or email PeopleAndCultureLondon.UK@dorchestercollection.com so we can discuss how we can support you through this process.
Senior Bartender employer: The Dorchester
The Dorchester is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and career development within the luxury hospitality sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive perks and opportunities for growth, all while delivering outstanding service in one of London's most prestigious hotels. Join us to be part of a team that values excellence and supports your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Bartender
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by The Dorchester and soak in the atmosphere. Familiarise yourself with their cocktail menu and the vibe of the place. This will help you show genuine interest and make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cocktail skills! Brush up on your mixology techniques and be ready to discuss your favourite drinks. Maybe even prepare a signature cocktail to impress during your interview. It’s all about showcasing your passion for bartending!
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the team! If you get the chance, chat with current staff or even guests at the bar. Understanding their experiences can give you insights into the culture and expectations at The Dorchester, which you can mention in your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining our team at The Dorchester. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Bartender
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Cocktail Skills:Make sure to highlight your expertise in cocktail preparation. We want to see your knowledge of classic and contemporary drinks, so don’t hold back on sharing your favourite recipes or techniques!
Personal Touch is Key:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We love candidates who can engage with guests and offer personalised service, so share any experiences where you’ve gone the extra mile for customers.
Be Efficient and Organised:We’re looking for someone who can manage orders efficiently, especially during peak times. Mention any past experiences where you’ve successfully juggled multiple tasks while maintaining high standards.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at The Dorchester.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Dorchester
✨Know Your Cocktails
Brush up on your cocktail knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss classic and contemporary drinks, including their preparation techniques and flavour profiles. This shows your passion for bartending and helps you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Engage with Personality
During the interview, let your personality shine through. Practice engaging with the interviewer as if they were a guest at the bar. Show them how you would recommend drinks and create a memorable experience, highlighting your exceptional communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Efficiency
Prepare to discuss how you manage orders and maintain service efficiency, especially during peak times. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled busy shifts while ensuring quality and presentation, which is crucial for a role at a luxury establishment.
✨Showcase Your Upselling Skills
Be ready to talk about your upselling techniques and how you tell stories about the drinks you serve. This not only demonstrates your sales ability but also your understanding of guest engagement, which is key in a high-end environment like The Dorchester.
