Head Bartender

Head Bartender

Full-Time 25000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the bar team, craft cocktails, and create unforgettable guest experiences.
  • Company: Join a luxury hotel known for its vibrant culture and exceptional service.
  • Benefits: Earn £40,000 OTE, enjoy 28+ days holiday, and free nutritious meals.
  • Other info: Enjoy discounts, social events, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and develop your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Bartender or similar role with strong cocktail knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.

Head Bartender Luxury Hotel

What’s in it for you from day one

• £40,000 OTE per annum, plus other exciting benefits and perks!

  • Holiday allowance starting at 28 days and increasing with length of service to 36 days.
  • Nutritious free meals on duty.
  • Award winning L&D programmes, with over 80 individual courses available, from foundation skills to leadership skills.
  • Excellent development opportunities with 80% of our managers being home‑grown.
  • Two paid volunteering days each year, so we can give back to our communities.
  • Access to the Employee Assistance Programme through our partners at Hospitality Action.
  • Monthly tea parties and annual social events, including boat parties and festive events for your little ones.
  • Complimentary quality uniform and dry‑cleaning services.

What’s in it for you later

  • Cycle to work scheme which can save you up to 47% on the bike and equipment.
  • Vibrant hotel recognition events and hotel‑based incentives, including Employee of the Month and Manager of the Quarter.
  • Enhanced maternity pay of 13 weeks, fully paid.
  • Enhanced paternity pay of 2 weeks, fully paid.
  • £800 baby payment to support you and your baby with the essentials.
  • Fantastic recommend a friend bonus scheme worth up to £600.
  • Cross‑departmental training available within your property, because we know you’re a curious individual.
  • 50% off on food and 25% off on beverages in selected Red Carnation Hotels F&B outlets.
  • Discounted accommodation rates at Red Carnation Hotels in the UK, Ireland, Guernsey, Geneva and South Africa!

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Bartender to join our family on a full‑time basis.

We are seeking a hospitality professional with strong cocktail and beverage knowledge, proven leadership experience and a genuine passion for creating memorable guest experiences.

This position reports to the Operations Manager.

Location

The Egerton House

Employment type

Full‑time

Working pattern

Shift work, 5 days on 2 days off

What you’ll be doing

  • Leading the daily operation of the bar and ensuring exceptional service standards are consistently delivered.
  • Preparing and serving a wide range of cocktails, wines, spirits and non‑alcoholic beverages while providing personalised recommendations to guests.
  • Supervising, motivating and developing the bar team.
  • Work in unison with other departments within the hotel, sharing guest preferences and issues with service with the FOH team.
  • To partner with the wider F&B operations team and support colleagues in ensuring all F&B service standards are adhered to.
  • Assisting with beverage menu development, creating seasonal specials and maintaining excellent product knowledge.
  • Managing stock control, inventory checks and ordering to ensure the bar is fully stocked and operating efficiently.
  • Handling guest feedback and resolving concerns professionally to maintain an outstanding guest experience.

What we’re looking for

  • Previous experience as a Head Bartender, Senior Bartender or Bar Supervisor, ideally within a luxury hotel or high‑end hospitality environment.
  • Strong knowledge of cocktails, wines, spirits and current beverage trends.
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and develop others.
  • Outstanding attention to detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
  • A positive, hands‑on approach and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable moments for guests.

Red Carnation Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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Head Bartender employer: The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

Red Carnation Hotels is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees through a structured Graduate Management Programme, offering hands-on experience in luxury hospitality across the UK, Ireland, and Switzerland. With a vibrant work culture that celebrates diversity, generous holiday allowances, and numerous perks such as free meals and team-building events, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while enjoying a supportive and engaging environment.

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

Contact Details:

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection 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 Red Carnation Hotel Collection. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

Don't be shy about reaching out to The Red Carnation Hotel Collection 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

Cocktail Knowledge
Beverage Knowledge
Leadership Skills
Guest Experience Management
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Stock Control

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 Red Carnation Hotel Collection 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 Red Carnation Hotel Collection

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!