Bar Manager

Bespoke Hotels; West of England; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Service charge on top of salary

Training & career progression

Uniform

Gym membership

Job summary

Hotel Gotham Bristol, opening a premier luxury hotel in Bristol, is seeking a Bar Manager to lead the beverage operation from day one. You will oversee the cocktail lounge, beverage service across the restaurant, and events, building an exceptional team and service culture that mirrors the Gotham brand.

Join a founding cast in a five-star setting, driving menu development, staff training, and standards to deliver unforgettable guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience as bar manager in luxury hospitality environments.
• Strong leadership and staff development skills.
• Solid knowledge of wine, cocktails and beverage menus; food pairings understanding.
• Knowledge of licensing laws and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain exceptional product and service knowledge through menu development and staff training.
• Create and deliver drinks menus for bar and restaurant areas with wine and cocktails expertise.
• Ensure high standards of cleanliness and brand service across all areas.
• Complete standard checklists and enforce policies for the beverage team.
• Maintain licensing compliance and promote responsible sales within the team.
• Lead, recruit, and develop the bar team; uphold five-star service standards.
• Manage documentation and guest interactions to ensure satisfaction and smooth operations.
• Upsell and engage guests to enhance their overall experience.

Skills

Bar management

Menu development

Staff training

Team leadership

Wine knowledge

Cocktails

Food pairings

Licensing laws knowledge

Food safety basics

Guest service excellence

Job description

Be Part of Bristol's First Luxury Five Star Lifestyle Hotel

Hotel Gotham first turned heads in Manchester, earning the title of \"Europe's sexiest hotel\". Following a show-stopping opening in Newcastle, the curtain now rises on the next act of the Gotham story - and this time, Bristol takes centre stage.

The iconic Grade II listed Guildhall is being thoughtfully transformed into Bristol's first luxury five star lifestyle hotel. Rich in history and architectural grandeur, expect breathtaking Gothic windows, magnificent stained glass and original period features around every corner. It's a setting worthy of Gotham.

Hotel Gotham is more than just a hotel – it’s a way of life. A vibe. A 5-star, theatrical, vibrant, stylish, dramatic experience – for guests and colleagues.

As our Bar Manager, you'll play a pivotal role as a member of the senior management team during the pre-opening phase of our breathtaking hotel.This is a unique opportunity to build and lead an exceptional beverage operation from the very beginning, creating a destination bar experience that perfectly complements the distinctive Gotham brand.

Responsible for our stylish cocktail lounge, beverage service throughout our signature restaurant and supporting the delivery of events, you'll recruit and develop a passionate bar team while establishing the service standards, beverage specs and operational procedures that define our five-star offering. From curating innovative cocktail menus and exceptional wine experiences to delivering flawless service and unforgettable guest moments, you'll ensure every drink reflects the quality, creativity and theatre expected of Hotel Gotham.

We're looking for passionate hospitality professionals ready to take centre stage and help bring the Gotham experience to life from day one. If you have exceptional communication skills, outstanding attention to detail and thrive as part of a high-performing team, we'd love to hear from you.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• The assure an exceptional level of product, service and menu knowledge for the hotel venue through menu development, staff training and team culture


• Create, prepare and deliver all types of drinks menus for all bar and restaurant areas, possessing comprehensive knowledge of wine, cocktails, and beverage menus, along with an understanding of suitable food pairings.


• To ensure the team are consistently achieving high standards of cleanliness and brand service are achieved in all areas


• Ensure the completion and efficiency of all standard checklists and that they are utilised


• To set and maintain all standard policies and procedures for the beverage team


• To be fully competent with the licencing laws and regulations for alcohol sale, and promote this within the beverage team


• To encompass and deliver the correct service in all areas of the venue, ensuring the five-star service and expectation is always maintained, taking responsibility for the quality of all elements – prpmoting this across the bar department


• To ensure all documentation, i.e. checks/bills are completed as necessary and carried out as per the Hotel and Company Standards


• To strive and anticipate the customer needs whenever possible and always reaching to these to enhance customer satisfaction


• To recruit, train and develop the bar team


• To proactively review and identify ways to improve customer satisfaction, procedures and policies within the venue in their own department and throughout the venue offerings


• To be aware of the Licensing Laws in England, Scotland and Wales (where applicable)


• Able and coherent in who to direct guests to if unable to answer queries


• To comprehend all procedures and regulations regarding food safety and allergens, always ensuring strict compliance with the standards and expectations


• Fully consistent with the presentation, delivery and service of all drinks within the venue.


• Engage with guests to promote, upsell but most importantly enhance their journey and experience

Why Join Hotel Gotham Bristol?

• Be part of the opening team at Bristol's first luxury five-star lifestyle hotel.


• Work in one of the city's most iconic historic buildings.


• Join a passionate, supportive and ambitious founding cast.


• Opportunities for training, career development and progression.


• Staff discounts


• Inclusion in service charge additional to salary


• Calendar of Team Social Events


• Unique monthly code for discounted stays at a number of Bespoke Hotels


• Discounted Gym Membership


• Years Service Recognition


• Uniform


• Employee of the Month