Head Bartender

Head Bartender

Full-Time 29700 - 36300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead coffee operations, engage with guests, and inspire your team to deliver exceptional service.
  • Company: Join The Groucho Club, a vibrant private members' club in the heart of Soho.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and fun staff events.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for personal growth in a dynamic team.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative environment where your passion for coffee and hospitality shines.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a senior barista, strong coffee knowledge, and excellent communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.

About The Groucho Club

Founded in 1985, The Groucho Club is one of London's most renowned private members' clubs, bringing together individuals from the creative industries including film, media, arts, publishing, and music.

Located in Soho, the Club provides bars, restaurants, event spaces, and bedrooms exclusively for members and their guests.

Discretion, individuality and a relaxed yet professional atmosphere sit at the heart of everything we do.

Head Barista

We are looking for an enthusiastic Head Barista with presence, passion, and natural leadership skills.

This role is perfect for someone who not only understands exceptional coffee and hospitality, but who can inspire a team and elevate every guest experience.

As Head Barista, you will lead day-to-day coffee operations while actively engaging with guests, setting the standard both behind the coffee bar and on the floor.

You will bring strong product knowledge, a meticulous eye for detail, and a hands-on approach that balances operational excellence with warm, genuine hospitality.

At the Groucho Club, every interaction matters.

From service flow to team culture, you play a key role in energising our team and shaping the experience that makes our club unique, vibrant, and unforgettable.

  • What You'll Be Doing
  • Leading daily coffee bar operations, ensuring every guest experience meets the Club's standards of exceptional hospitality, quality, and personalised service.
  • Setting the example behind the machine, delivering consistently high-quality coffee while maintaining speed, precision, and attention to detail.
  • Acting as a host on the floor, engaging warmly with members and ensuring each guest feels personally looked after.
  • Delivering fast, polished service while supporting the wider team and maintaining a smooth service flow during busy periods.
  • Maintaining consistency across all services by training and guiding the barista team, upholding standards even at peak times.
  • Managing dial-ins, grind calibration, and extraction to ensure coffee quality is consistently at its best.
  • Contributing creatively to seasonal menus and beverage development, including signature coffee drinks and specials.
  • Overseeing daily setup and close down of the coffee station, ensuring cleanliness, organisation, and full readiness for service.
  • Managing stock levels, placing orders, and maintaining strong control over waste and cost efficiency.
  • Assisting with training, mentoring, and onboarding of new team members to build a confident, motivated, and cohesive team.
  • Supporting service recovery and problem-solving in real time, handling issues calmly, discreetly, and effectively.
  • What Makes You a Great Fit
  • At least one year of experience in a senior barista or supervisory role in London.
  • Strong coffee knowledge, including espresso extraction, milk texturing, and workflow management.
  • Experience with specialty coffee and an interest in origin, roasting, and brewing methods is highly desirable.
  • A clear communicator who builds rapport easily with both guests and team members.
  • Calm under pressure, maintaining consistency and composure during busy services.
  • Polished, personable, and engaging, with pride in presentation and craft.
  • A natural understanding of exceptional service, always anticipating needs and exceeding expectations.
  • Passionate about coffee and hospitality, with a drive to deliver outstanding experiences.
  • Socially confident, comfortable interacting with a diverse membership, adapting your approach while staying authentic.
  • Highly organised and efficient, able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
  • Flexible and adaptable, bringing a positive, can-do mindset to every shift.
  • Why You'll Love It Here
  • Competitive salary.
  • 28 days holiday inc. bank holidays, pro-rata
  • Wagestream to support your financial wellbeing
  • Nutritious meals made by our team
  • Pension scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme with Hospitality Action

• Refer a Friend Scheme - up to £1000 to share with your friend!

  • And all the other things that get us excited such as staff parties, food and cocktail tasting and working alongside London's best members.
  • Equal Opportunities

The Groucho Club is an equal opportunity employer.

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

No agency support required, direct candidates only, please.

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Head Bartender employer: The Groucho Club - Bar

The Groucho Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London’s hospitality scene. With a focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for our team to enhance their skills while delivering outstanding service to our members and guests. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your passion for coffee and hospitality can truly shine.

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Contact Details:

The Groucho Club - Bar Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Bartender

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 Groucho Club - Bar. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to The Groucho Club - Bar

Don't be shy about reaching out to The Groucho Club - Bar 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

Coffee Knowledge
Espresso Extraction
Milk Texturing
Workflow Management
Exceptional Hospitality
Team Leadership
Communication Skills

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 Groucho Club - Bar 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 Groucho Club - Bar

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!