Bar Manager

St. James's Hotel & Club - Bar & Restaurant; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% off from room and F&B outlets for

Continuous training and development

TFL monthly travel card for zone 1-2

Staff meals provided on shift

Discretionary service charge

Laundry service for uniforms

Introduce a friend scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Holidays: 28 days per year +2 days

Job summary

St. James's Hotel and Club in Mayfair is seeking an experienced Bar Manager to lead the bar operations and contribute to the wider Food & Beverage team.

The role focuses on delivering a five-star guest experience, managing a premium drinks program and leading by example on the floor. Reporting to the Food & Beverage Operations Manager, you will develop the team, optimise stock and costs, and support restaurant service during busy periods.

Qualifications

• Experience as Bar Manager or senior bar supervisor in luxury hospitality environment.
• Strong guest service focus and team leadership capabilities.
• Knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine and premium beverage service.
• Understanding of stock control and labour management.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day bar operations ensuring a 5-star guest experience.
• Lead, motivate and develop the bar and F&B team, while hands-on during service.
• Oversee preparation and service of cocktails, wines, spirits, beers and other beverages with quality control.
• Collaborate with the F&B Operations Manager on performance, service standards and objectives.
• Support the restaurant operation during busy periods and with events.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding and ongoing development of the F&B team.

Skills

Bar management

Team leadership

Guest service

Communication

Job description

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Mayfair, St. James's Hotel and Club is a timeless sanctuary where British heritage meets contemporary luxury. Since its inception in 1857 as an elite gentleman’s club, it has served as a sophisticated "home away from home" for diplomats, authors, and stars of the silver screen. Stepping through its doors, you leave the bustle of London behind for an atmosphere of refined intimacy. The hotel is renowned for its modern English elevated cuisine by Executive Chef William Drabble, whose menus celebrate the finest seasonal British ingredients with meticulous technique. The collection of suites feels more like private residences than hotel rooms, many featuring rare private terraces overlooking the St. James’s skyline. What truly defines the "St. James’s story" is its blend of history and heart. Whether you are sipping a signature cocktail in the elegant bar or enjoying the celebrated Masterpiece Afternoon Tea, you are participating in a legacy of hospitality that has spanned over 160 years. It remains a hidden gem for those who seek the quintessential London experience: discreet, opulent, and utterly unforgettable.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Bar Manager to join our Food & Beverage team at St. James's Hotel and Club, where exceptional service, genuine hospitality and attention to detail are at the heart of everything we do.

As Bar Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day operation and performance of the bar, whilst also supporting the wider Food & Beverage operation, including restaurant service and events. Reporting directly to the Food & Beverage Operations Manager, you will play an important role in delivering consistently high standards across the department.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who enjoys being visible on the floor, leading by example and creating memorable experiences for our guests.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day operation of the bar, ensuring an exceptional 5-star guest experience at all times.
• Lead, motivate and develop the bar and F&B team, fostering a positive, professional and engaging working environment.
• Be highly visible and hands-on during service, setting the standard for outstanding hospitality.
• Oversee the preparation and service of cocktails, wines, spirits, beers and other beverages, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Develop and maintain an exciting, relevant and commercially successful drinks offering in line with the hotel's identity.
• Work closely with the Food & Beverage Operations Manager on departmental performance, service standards and operational objectives.
• Monitor beverage sales, stock levels, wastage and ordering, ensuring effective cost control.
• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, presentation, organisation and compliance throughout the bar.
• Ensure all licensing, Health & safety, food safety and company procedures are consistently followed.
• Support the restaurant operation during busy periods and take an active role in restaurant service when required.
• Work closely with the restaurant team to ensure a seamless and consistent guest experience across all F&B areas.
• Build strong relationships with guests, recognising regular customers and delivering personalised service.
• Deal confidently and professionally with guest feedback and service issues.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training and ongoing development of the F&B team.
• Support the Food & Beverage Operations Manager with events, private functions and special occasions.
• Contribute ideas and initiatives to continually improve the hotel's Food & Beverage offering.
• Deputise for the Food & Beverage Operations Manager when required and appropriate.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience as a Bar Manager, Assistant Bar Manager or senior bar supervisor, ideally within a luxury hotel, premium restaurant or high-end bar environment.
• Has a genuine passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Is confident leading and developing a team while remaining hands-on during service.
• Has excellent knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine and premium beverage service.
• Understands the commercial aspects of running a successful bar, including stock control and labour management.
• Is comfortable supporting restaurant service, events and working across the wider Food & Beverage operation.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build genuine relationships with both guests and colleagues.
• Has high standards and a strong eye for detail.
• Is organised, proactive and able to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.
• Is flexible with working hours, including evenings, weekends and busy periods.Takes pride in their work and is committed to creating memorable guest experiences.

What We Offer

• 50% off from room and F&B outlets for friends and family
• Continuous training and development for all staff of all levels
• TFL monthly travel card for zone 1 -2 paid after successful completion of probation
• Staff meals provided on shift
• Discretionary service charge
• Laundry service all formal uniform
• Introduce a friend scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Holidays: 28 days per year, inclusive of bank holidays, increasing by 1 additional day every 2 years of service, up to a maximum of 8 additional days. Pro-rata for part-time employees.

If you are passionate about luxury hospitality and enjoy being at the heart of a busy, guest-focused operation, we'd love to hear from you.