Head Bartender

This role offers a base salary of up to £26,500, plus a competitive share of Tronc. 100% of Tronc is distributed directly to staff, averaging an additional £9,633–£10,140 per year, bringing your total potential earnings to over £36,133 annually. This is full time role with contracted hours of 37.5 hours a week.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative and ambitious Head Bartender to lead from the front, drive the team and help deliver an exceptional drinks and guest experience at Nightshade.

We work in a fast-paced and energetic atmosphere, offering exceptional drinks, dedicated service and memorable experiences. We are proud of what we do, the values we hold and the experience we offer.

As Head Bartender , you will play a key role in creating the atmosphere and experience within Nightshade. You will be a visible and inspiring leader on the floor, helping to drive morale, develop the team and ensure that every guest receives slick, engaging and knowledgeable service from hello to goodbye.

You will have the opportunity to bring your own creativity to the role, with autonomy over bar specials, drinks menus and events , while working closely with the management team to drive sales and continually elevate our standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the bar team from the front, setting the tone for energy, professionalism, creativity and service.
• Drive team morale and create a positive, engaging environment where people are motivated to perform at their best.
• Deliver an exceptional guest experience, ensuring every interaction is warm, knowledgeable and genuinely engaging.
• Continuously elevate service standards and challenge the team to deliver an experience that exceeds guest expectations.
• Prepare and serve high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Interact with guests, take orders and make confident recommendations based on their needs and preferences.
• Mix, garnish and present cocktails and drinks to a consistently high standard.
• Take ownership of and develop bar specials, drinks menus and creative drinks initiatives , with the autonomy to bring new ideas to life.
• Support the planning and delivery of bar events and experiences that drive engagement and sales.
• Actively drive sales through product knowledge, upselling, recommendations and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Lead by example during service and support the Bar Manager in achieving commercial and operational targets.
• Support with opening, close-downs, cleanliness, organisation and stock levels.
• Help train, coach and develop new and existing team members.
• Ensure the bar is consistently organised, fully stocked and operating to the highest standards.
• Comply with all food, beverage, licensing, health and safety regulations.
• Take ownership of issues during service and use initiative to find solutions without always relying on management.

Requirements & Skills

• Proven experience as a Bartender or Head Bartender in a high-quality hospitality environment.
• A genuine passion for cocktails, drinks, hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, mixing, garnishing and service.
• A creative mindset and enthusiasm for developing new drinks, specials, menus and events.
• Confident leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• A natural ability to lead from the front and maintain energy and morale during busy services.
• Commercial awareness and a proven ability to drive sales.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A positive, enthusiastic and solutions-focused attitude.
• High personal standards and a commitment to continually improving service.
• Ability to keep the bar organised, stocked, clean and operating efficiently.
• Excellent team player who is comfortable taking responsibility and working autonomously.

Benefits at Nightshade

• 37.5 hour contract
• The rate shown includes a competitive share of Tronc: 100% of Tronc is distributed to the staff.
• 28 days holiday – including bank holidays
• 20% off food and drink in our restaurants for up to six people
• Opportunity for growth and progression
• Long service benefits
• 1 day of paid volunteering per year, with a charity of your choice
• Regular staff trips are arranged to our farm and to our suppliers
• Employee Assistance Programme provided by Hospitality Action
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Wagestream
• Company events and parties

In a nutshell

Nightshade is about exceptional drinks, slick and engaging service, creativity and memorable experiences .

As Head Bartender , you will have the opportunity to make a real impact —leading from the front, developing and motivating the team, driving sales, creating exciting drinks and events, and continually raising the bar for service and guest experience.

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