Bar Manager - Cicoria Bar and Restaurant by Angela Hartnett at the Royal Opera House

Compass Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

An iconic hospitality venue in Covent Garden seeks a Bar Manager to oversee operations at Cicoria, ensuring exceptional service and guest experience. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in high-quality hospitality, strong leadership skills, and a passion for Italian culture. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Staff meals provided daily

Employee dining discounts

Personal development and training opportunities

Wellbeing strategy and employee support

Access to exclusive events and professional development

Qualifications

• An experienced bar leader with a strong background in high-quality, guest-focused hospitality environments.
• Passionate about drinks, hospitality, and Italian culture with in-depth knowledge of cocktails, wines, and spirits.
• Committed to inclusivity and creating a supportive, empowering environment for your team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation of the bar, ensuring smooth, high-quality service across all dayparts.
• Oversee a beverage programme rooted in Italian tradition and seasonal creativity.
• Recruit, train, and inspire a skilled bar team.

Skills

High-quality guest-focused hospitality

Knowledge of cocktails, wines, and spirits

Leadership and team management

Commercial acumen

Strong communication and engagement

Job description

Bar Manager - Cicoria Bar and Restaurant by Angela Hartnett at the Royal Opera House
Location: Covent Garden, London
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: £38-43K

About the Opportunity:

We’re Company of Cooks, and together with Angela Hartnett, we've created something special on the fifth floor of the Royal Opera House. Cicoria is our bar and restaurant celebrating seasonal, Italian-inspired dishes, elegant drinks, and heartfelt hospitality all served with a view of Covent Garden like no other.

We’re looking for a talented and driven Bar Manager to lead the bar team at Cicoria. You'll play a key role in curating exceptional guest experiences from pre-performance aperitivi to post-show cocktails bringing Italian warmth and professionalism to every shift.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the daily operation of the bar, ensuring smooth, high-quality service across all dayparts.
• Oversee a beverage programme rooted in Italian tradition and seasonal creativity from classic cocktails to low/no-alcohol options.
• Recruit, train, and inspire a skilled bar team, fostering a culture of consistency, pride, and warm hospitality.
• Collaborate closely with the restaurant and kitchen teams to ensure a cohesive guest journey.
• Be a visible and welcoming presence on the floor, engaging with guests and supporting your team during busy service periods.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and responsible alcohol service standards.
• Manage stock levels, supplier relationships, and wastage to meet financial and sustainability goals.
• Lead seasonal updates, bar activations, and promotions that enhance the guest experience and support commercial performance.

Who You Are:

• An experienced bar leader with a strong background in high-quality, guest-focused hospitality environments.
• Passionate about drinks, hospitality, and Italian culture with in-depth knowledge of cocktails, wines, and spirits.
• Calm and consistent in service, with a leadership style rooted in integrity, clarity, and care.
• Naturally engaging with guests and confident in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• Commercially minded, with experience managing labour, stock, and cost controls.
• Committed to inclusivity and creating a supportive, empowering environment for your team.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to work with Angela Hartnett and be part of a flagship venue in one of London's most iconic cultural institutions.
• A collaborative and respectful workplace where your voice matters.
• Competitive salary and full-time employment with a comprehensive benefits package.
• Staff meals provided daily, plus generous employee dining discounts across our venues.
• Access to exclusive events, tastings, and ongoing professional development.
• A central London location just a short walk from Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Waterloo stations.

What's in it for you?

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Volunteering days
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers

Join Us:

If you believe great bar service is about more than just drinks it's about creating moments, memories, and real connection we'd love to hear from you. Join the team at Cicoria and help us deliver unforgettable hospitality at the heart of the Royal Opera House.