At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bar, create memorable drinks experiences, and train a passionate team.
- Company: Exciting new Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in Fitzrovia, opening late autumn 2026.
- Benefits: Experience dinners, retail discounts, enhanced holidays, and tailored career development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy monthly social events and meals on duty.
- Why this job: Be part of something special from the start and shape Dila's unique drinks identity.
- Qualifications: Previous experience as a Head Bartender or skilled Bartender with strong cocktail knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 29412 - 35948 £ per year.
Join Dila - Where REAL People Make a Difference. Be part of an exciting new restaurant opening on Charlotte Street in the heart of Fitzrovia. Launching in late autumn 2026, Dila is an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant seen through the lens of a Londoner - bringing together vibrant flavours, generous hospitality and exceptional produce. We are looking for an experienced, creative and engaging Head Bartender to join our opening team.
You'll play a key role in bringing Dila's drinks programme to life, leading from behind the bar and creating a drinks experience that is every bit as memorable as the food. This is an exciting opportunity to join Dila from the very beginning, help establish our bar standards and culture, develop an opening team and become part of something special in Fitzrovia.
About Dila: Spanning two floors, Dila will have approximately 50 covers on the ground floor and a further 70 on the first floor, including a private dining room, alongside a 40-cover terrace. The drinks programme follows the same philosophy, with cocktails built around Dila's own house-distilled gins alongside inventive serves designed to complement and enhance the food. A concise wine list will showcase producers from across the Eastern Mediterranean alongside selected Old World classics, with local draft beers and speciality coffee completing the offering.
About You and The Role: As Head Bartender at Dila, you will:
- Lead the bar during service, setting the pace and ensuring consistently high standards of drinks, presentation, hospitality and efficiency.
- Help bring Dila's drinks identity to life, developing an exceptional knowledge of our house-distilled gins, cocktails, wines, beers and non‑alcoholic offering.
- Create warm and engaging guest experiences, confidently recommending drinks based on individual preferences and the food being enjoyed.
- Support the training, coaching and development of the bar team, sharing your knowledge and inspiring confidence, consistency and creativity.
- Ensure cocktails and drinks are prepared consistently to specification while maintaining excellent mise en place, cleanliness and organisation behind the bar.
- Work closely with the restaurant, kitchen and management teams to ensure the drinks programme complements the food and delivers a seamless overall guest experience.
- Support stock management, ordering, inventory, waste control and responsible management of products, helping drive both quality and commercial performance.
- Bring previous experience as a Head Bartender or experienced Bartender within a high‑quality restaurant or bar environment, with strong cocktail knowledge, leadership skills and a genuine passion for drinks and hospitality.
Why Choose Dila? We believe great people deserve great benefits. Here's what you can expect as a Head Bartender at Dila:
- Experience Dinners
- Wagestream
- Retail Discounts - including Amazon, Nike, ASOS and Asda
- Enhanced Holidays & Holiday Buy-Back
- Enhanced Family Leave
- Discounts at The Newman and over 500 Preferred Hotels worldwide
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Season Ticket Loans
- Monthly Social Events & Gifts
- Refer a Friend Bonus
- Company Pension Contributions
- Meals on Duty and Uniform Provided
- Tailored Career Development Programmes
Some benefits are conditional on length of service, recognising your ongoing contribution to Dila's success. Dila is managed by KINSFOLK & CO, the Fitzrovia-born hospitality company that also manages The Newman, its luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Fitzrovia. We welcome applications from everyone and celebrate diversity at Dila. In line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Head Bartender - Dila in London employer: The Newman
At The Newman, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued and empowered to make a difference. Located in the dynamic Fitzrovia area, our luxury lifestyle hotel offers exceptional employee growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests. Join us and contribute to our exciting journey as we continue to establish ourselves as a leading independent hotel in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bartender - Dila 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 Newman. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Newman
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Newman 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 - Dila 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 Newman 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 Newman
✨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!
