Assistant Bar Manager
- horsham, england, United Kingdom
- Permanent·On-site
- Full time
- £26 - £32 Per Hour
Job Description
About Us
Nestled in 22 acres of picturesque West Sussex countryside near Horsham, Brookfield Barn is an exclusive-use, oak-beamed wedding and events venue featuring scenic lakeside views, stylish lounge areas, and 11 luxury overnight bedrooms. We take pride in delivering unforgettable celebrations, outstanding service, and top-tier hospitality—from bespoke signature cocktail receptions on the terrace to vibrant evening bar service.
About Us
Nestled in 22 acres of picturesque West Sussex countryside near Horsham, Brookfield Barn is an exclusive-use, oak-beamed wedding and events venue featuring scenic lakeside views, stylish lounge areas, and 11 luxury overnight bedrooms. We take pride in delivering unforgettable celebrations, outstanding service, and top-tier hospitality—from bespoke signature cocktail receptions on the terrace to vibrant evening bar service.
Role Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, hands‑on Assistant Bar Manager to help oversee our busy bar operations during wedding ceremonies, receptions, and multi‑day events. Working alongside the Bar Manager, you will lead shift execution, maintain smooth front‑of‑house beverage service, manage stock, and mentor a passionate front‑of‑house team to deliver flawless hospitality to our couples and their guests.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Lead bar operations on event days, ensuring fast, friendly, and efficient service during post‑ceremony receptions, meal service, and evening celebrations.
- Team Supervision: Assist in training, supervising, and motivating seasonal and casual bar staff; ensuring standards remain consistently high across all shifts.
- Stock & Inventory: Monitor stock levels, manage cellars, perform inventory checks, assist with ordering, and maintain strong relationships with beverage suppliers.
- Service Standards & Prep: Assist with prep setup for high‑volume welcome drinks, custom signature cocktails, wine pairings, and table service.
- Compliance & Safety: Ensure strict adherence to licensing laws, Personal License holder guidelines, Health & Safety, allergen awareness, and hygiene standards.
- Guest Experience: Act as a main point of contact for drink service during events, maintaining a warm, professional atmosphere for up to 200 wedding guests.
- Closeout & Reconciliation: Manage end‑of‑night bar closeouts, register reconciliations, and facility lock‑ups as required.
Requirements & Skills
- Experience: Minimum 1-2 years in a supervisory or senior bartender role within a high-volume hospitality environment, ideally in a wedding, luxury hotel, or event venue setting.
- Leadership: Strong leadership capabilities with a hands‑on, lead‑by‑example attitude.
- Beverage Expertise: Good knowledge of wines, draught beers, spirits, and cocktail mixology.
- Organisation: Calm under pressure with strong multi‑tasking skills during peak operational periods.
- Licensing: Personal License holder (APLH) is highly preferred (or willingness to obtain).
- Flexibility & Travel: Flexible to work anti-social hours, including weekends, late evenings, and bank holidays. Due to our rural location in Lower Beeding, access to private transport/a valid driving licence is essential.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- Share of staff gratuities/tips
- On-site parking & EV charging
- Career development opportunities within an established luxury wedding venue
- Generous staff meals during long shifts
- A supportive, beautiful work environment in the West Sussex countryside