At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bar operations, create cocktails, and deliver exceptional hospitality to our members.
- Company: The Groucho Club, a vibrant private members' club in Soho, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days holiday, financial wellbeing support, and fun staff events.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and elevate guest experiences in a unique, dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in bar management, cocktail knowledge, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 42000 £ 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.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Bars Manager with presence, passion, and natural leadership skills. This role is perfect for someone who not only understands exceptional drinks and hospitality, but who can also inspire a team and elevate every guest interaction.
As the Assistant Bars Manager, you will support the Bar Manager in overseeing day to day operations while actively hosting and engaging with members, and setting the standard on both sides of the bar. You will bring strong product knowledge, a meticulous eye for detail, and a hands‑on attitude 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 leading the experience that makes our club unique, vibrant, and unforgettable.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting the Bars Manager in overseeing daily bar operations, ensuring every member visit meets the Club’s standards of exceptional hospitality, industry leading quality, and personalised service.
- Confidently leading by example behind the bar, both through mixing classic and contemporary cocktails, and delivering impeccable hospitality for every member and guest.
- Acting as a host on the floor, bringing warm engagement to members and ensuring each guest feels personally looked after.
- Delivering fast, polished, and confident service while simultaneously supporting the wider team and maintaining smooth service flow.
- Ensuring consistency across services by training and guiding the bar team, maintaining standards even during the busiest services.
- Contributing creatively to menu development, collaborating on innovative cocktail ideas that will excite and engage our members.
- Overseeing bar setups and close downs, ensuring service stations are immaculate, well‑stocked, and fully prepared for service.
- Managing daily F&B requisitions accurately, maintaining commercial awareness of the business needs through monitoring stock levels, controlling waste, and keeping agreed par levels.
- Assisting with training, mentoring, and onboarding of new team members, helping to build a confident, motivated, and cohesive bar team.
- Supporting service recovery and problem‑solving in real time, ensuring issues are handled discreetly, calmly, and effectively.
What Makes You a Great Fit
- At least one year of experience in a bar supervisor or bar management role in London.
- Confident classic cocktail knowledge, preferably with additional experience developing signature cocktails.
- A clear communicator, you easily build rapport with both members and your team.
- Calm under pressure, whether it’s a full bar or an unexpected challenge, you remain composed, solutions‑focused, and professional.
- Polished, personable, and naturally engaging, you take pride in your presentation.
- Instinctive understanding of exceptional service, anticipating needs and going above and beyond to exceed expectations.
- Motivated by consistently delivering outstanding experiences to everyone around you.
- Socially assured, comfortable interacting across a diverse and dynamic membership, adapting your style while remaining authentic.
- Quick on your feet, multitasking with focus and energy in a fast‑paced environment.
- Flexible and adaptable, you embrace change and bring a positive, can‑do mindset to every shift.
Why You’ll Love It Here
- Competitive salary: £40,000–£42,000, inclusive of tronc
- 30 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 £500 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.
Bar Assistant Manager in London employer: The Groucho Club
The Groucho Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and individuality in the heart of Soho. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like Wagestream for financial wellbeing and engaging staff events, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their roles. As an Assistant Bars Manager, you will not only lead a passionate team but also have the opportunity to craft memorable experiences for our diverse membership, making every day at The Groucho Club both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar Assistant Manager 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 Groucho Club. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Groucho Club
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Groucho Club 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 Bar Assistant Manager 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 Groucho Club 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
✨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!
