Head Bartender Restaurant · voco Southampton

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Bartender to lead our bar team and deliver exceptional guest experiences in a vibrant hospitality environment. As Head Bartender, you will bring creativity, personality and strong product knowledge to the role, ensuring every drink is prepared and served to the highest standard. With a genuine passion for cocktails, premium spirits and guest service, you will create memorable experiences whilst leading by example and supporting the wider Food & Beverage team.

The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day operation of the bar, ensuring excellent service standards, strong team performance and an engaging atmosphere for our guests. You will be confident in creating both classic and contemporary cocktails, recommending drinks to suit guest preferences and maintaining high presentation standards at all times. You will play a key role in training and motivating the team, driving service excellence and ensuring compliance with all licensing, health and safety and food hygiene regulations. Previous experience in a supervisory or senior bartending role within a hotel, restaurant or high-volume bar environment is essential. We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and flexibility is required to work a variety of shifts including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Shift patterns and contracted hours can be discussed at interview.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to a consistently high standard
• Create and recommend cocktails, wines and premium spirits to enhance the guest experience
• Lead, support and motivate the bar team during service
• Deliver exceptional customer service and build positive guest relationships
• Maintain cleanliness, organisation and presentation standards throughout the bar area
• Monitor stock levels, assist with ordering and ensure correct stock rotation
• Handle cash and card transactions accurately and professionally
• Support training and development within the Food & Beverage team
• Ensure compliance with licensing laws, health & safety and food hygiene standards
• Work collaboratively with other hotel departments to ensure smooth operations

About You:

• Previous experience in a Head Bartender, Senior Bartender or supervisory bar role
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, wines, beers and premium spirits
• Passionate about hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiences
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Able to work calmly and effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• High attention to detail and presentation standards
• Flexible and reliable with a positive, team-focused attitude

In addition to competitive rates of pay, we also offer:

• Exclusive discounts for you, your friends and family
• Team member rates at our UK hotels, with rooms from just £30 Bed & Breakfast
• Discounted stays for friends and family
• 50% discount when dining in our restaurants and bars
• Free meals whilst on duty
• Access to high‑street discounts on shops, experiences and more
• Up to 40% savings through our Cycle to Work Scheme
• Generous refer‑a‑friend bonuses starting from £250

Caring for your health and wellbeing

• A calendar of wellbeing activities and initiatives throughout the year
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free confidential support 24/7
• Healthcare Cash Plan options from just £5 per month

Supporting your hospitality career growth

• Fully funded apprenticeship programmes
• Internal development programmes designed to support progression
• Monthly and annual service awards recognising your achievements

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. Across the UK, we operate hotels under a range of leading global brands and continue to have ambitious development and growth plans for the future.