Bar Manager

MANA; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cocktail establishment in Westminster is seeking a Bar Manager to lead the creation and delivery of an exceptional bar programme. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in high-end cocktail environments and a deep knowledge of Japanese spirits. Responsibilities include overseeing the bar operations, developing innovative cocktail lists, and managing inventory. This role offers a competitive salary, continued training, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class professionals, shaping an exciting new opening in London.

Benefits

Competitive salary and service charge package

Opportunity to lead the bar programme for a flagship opening

Continued training and professional development

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Bar Manager or Head Bartender in a fine dining or high-end cocktail environment.
• Deep understanding of classic and contemporary cocktail techniques.
• Excellent communication and storytelling ability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the bar programme, from concept development to service delivery.
• Curate a cocktail list that reflects Japanese philosophy and modern mixology.
• Manage inventory, cost control, and supplier relationships.

Skills

Leadership and team development

Knowledge of Japanese spirits and bar culture

Cocktail techniques and flavor profiles

Guest communication and storytelling

Job description

Bar Manager — MA/NA (Opening January 2026)

Location: 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair

About MA/NA

Opening in January 2026 on Upper Grosvenor Street, MA/NA is born from the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible power — a life‑force shaped by nature and the hands that honour it.

‘Mana’ is the spiritual energy that exists beneath the surface of all things. It is felt rather than seen — transforming emotion into experience, and a meal into memory.

Guided by this belief, MA/NA offers a seamless blend of restaurant and bar — refined Japanese dishes alongside an exceptional cocktail, wine and sake list. Here, cocktails flow effortlessly into dinner, and dinner naturally returns to drinks.

Every element — from design and service to sound and light — is intentional. Each detail celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.

The Role — Bar Manager

As Bar Manager at MA/NA, you will lead the creation and delivery of an exceptional bar programme that celebrates the balance between precision, creativity, and craft.

You will be responsible for developing and maintaining a world‑class cocktail offering — one that reflects harmony, discovery, and respect for technique. You’ll guide your team and guests through a journey of flavour, texture, and emotion, connecting them to the philosophy and energy that define MA/NA.

Working closely with the Head Sommelier and Executive Chef, you’ll ensure seamless synergy between cocktails, cuisine, and service — creating a bar experience that moves effortlessly between energy and calm.

This is a leadership role suited to a Bar Manager who embodies artistry, discipline, and emotional intelligence — someone who understands that the right drink, at the right moment, can become a lasting memory.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the bar programme, from concept development and menu creation to service delivery and team training
• Curate an innovative and balanced cocktail list that reflects both Japanese philosophy and modern mixology
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef, Head Sommelier, and beverage team to ensure harmony between cocktails, food, wine, and sake
• Lead, inspire, and mentor the bar team to deliver intuitive, refined, and emotionally engaging service
• Manage inventory, cost control, and supplier relationships with precision and integrity
• Maintain the highest standards of presentation, cleanliness, and organisation behind the bar
• Drive creativity through ongoing research, tastings, and collaboration within the industry
• Represent MA/NA at events, collaborations, and industry showcases

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Bar Manager or Head Bartender in a fine dining or high‑end cocktail environment
• Deep understanding of classic and contemporary cocktail techniques and flavour profiles
• Strong knowledge of Japanese spirits, ingredients, and bar culture
• Exceptional leadership and team development skills
• Refined palate, creative curiosity, and attention to detail
• Excellent guest communication and storytelling ability
• Organised, disciplined, and calm under pressure
• A desire to help shape one of London’s most exciting new openings

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and service charge package
• Opportunity to lead the bar programme for a flagship opening within the Thesleff Group
• Collaboration with world‑class chefs, sommeliers, and beverage professionals
• Continued training, tastings, and professional development
• Staff meals, wellness initiatives, and a supportive, creative working environment

Join the MA/NA Opening Team

If you are guided by balance, curiosity, and craft — and want to shape a bar experience where emotion meets precision — we’d love to hear from you.