Head Bartender

Head Bartender

Full-Time 13.5 - 13.5 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
The Horses

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the bar team, ensuring smooth service and creating memorable guest experiences.
  • Company: Exciting new venue, The Horses, opening in Farringdon with a focus on quality and teamwork.
  • Benefits: Earn up to £19.00 per hour, enjoy 50% off food and drink, and access wellness support.
  • Other info: Career growth opportunities, ongoing training, and delicious staff meals on shift.
  • Why this job: Join from day one and shape a vibrant hospitality experience in a welcoming environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in busy bars, strong leadership skills, and a passion for exceptional service.

The predicted salary is between 13.5 - 13.5 £ per hour.

We are seeking a talented and passionate Head Bartender to join our new opening, The Horses! Opening in August 2026, The Horses will bring a fresh hospitality offering to Farringdon. Set within a building that has long been part of the local community, the venue will combine a pub atmosphere with exceptional dining, quality drinks, and attentive service across multiple floors. We are building a team that prides itself on delivering authentic hospitality, who are collaborative and create a genuinely warm, welcoming environment for every guest. This is an opportunity to join a new opening and help shape the venue from day one, becoming part of a business that values quality, teamwork, and a shared passion for great service.

Salary: £13.50 per hour + service charge (earn up to £19.00 per hour)

Benefits:

  • 50% off food and drink in our pubs for a table of up to 4 people.
  • Every penny of service charge goes to the people who work in our restaurants, including our kitchen team.
  • Access your tips weekly in your digital tip jar.
  • Access to Benefits platform with hundreds of discounts on shopping, gym memberships, holidays, bars, restaurants and more.
  • 24/7 Health and Wellbeing support, access support lines anytime for your mental, physical and financial health.
  • Celebrate your 1-year work anniversary with an overnight stay in the Cotswolds, on us!
  • Access to Stream, a financial wellbeing platform, helping you manage, save and access up to 50% of your earnings in advance of payday.
  • Earn more with our employee referral scheme.
  • Delicious staff meals on shift.
  • Career progression opportunities, ongoing training to develop yourself personally and professionally.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the bar team, overseeing daily bar operations, ensuring smooth service at pace while maintaining high standards.
  • Inspire and support our bartenders, ensuring they deliver excellent customer service and maintain a positive work environment.
  • Create a welcoming atmosphere and memorable experiences for our guests.
  • Monitor stock levels, keep track of stock usage and place orders when required.
  • Mentor and train bar staff to improve their skills and provide them with opportunities to grow within the company.
  • Work closely with the management team to implement new ideas that enhance the guest experience and drive business growth.

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience working in a busy fast-paced bar environment.
  • Advantageous if you have previous experience in fine dining or high-end restaurants.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, manage and develop a diverse team.
  • Positive and friendly attitude, with a willingness to work collaboratively with the team.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make decisions under pressure.
  • A passion for delivering exceptional customer service and creating a positive experience for guests.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Click apply and we’ll take it from there!

Head Bartender employer: The Horses

At The Horses, we are committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive work environment where our team can thrive. As a new opening in Farringdon, we offer unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, alongside competitive benefits such as generous discounts, health and wellbeing support, and a focus on teamwork and collaboration. Join us in shaping an exceptional hospitality experience from the ground up, where your passion for service will be celebrated and rewarded.

The Horses

Contact Details:

The Horses 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 Horses. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to The Horses

Don't be shy about reaching out to The Horses 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

Leadership Skills
Customer Service
Team Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Stock Management
Mentoring and Training

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 Horses 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 Horses

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!