Bar Manager (New Opening - Covent Garden)

Arcade; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A new hospitality venue in Covent Garden is seeking a Bar Manager to join the opening team. In this role, you will build and lead the bar team, overseeing daily operations and ensuring exceptional guest experiences from the ground up. The ideal candidate should have proven leadership experience and a passion for mixology. This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting new launch in one of London’s most vibrant areas. Enjoy generous benefits including discounts and wellness support.

Benefits

Refer a friend bonus

50% off food for you and loved ones

Access to counselling and GP services

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience managing busy, high-quality bar operations.
• Excited about being part of a major new London opening.
• Organised and thrive in high-energy environments.

Responsibilities

• Play a key role in launching the new venue and setting standards.
• Manage day-to-day bar operations and maintain guest experiences.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and training of the new team.

Skills

Leadership

Mixology knowledge

Guest service

Team building

Attention to detail

Job description

Bar Manager (New Opening - Covent Garden)

Arcade

Salary: From £45,000 + Tronc

Bar Manager - Join the Opening Team and Build Something Extraordinary from the Ground Up!

About Arcade

Arcade is opening a new site in central London right in Covent Garden! For our grand opening, a Bar Manager position awaits to open this beautiful space.

Arcade is one of UK’s most ambitious and exciting hospitality projects! A dynamic playground where world‑class chefs, bold culinary ideas, and vibrant guest experiences come together under one roof. As a brand incubator, we launch, operate, and scale original concepts that celebrate global cuisines and exceptional drink culture.

About the Role

We’re gearing up for something big. Arcade is opening a brand‑new venue in the heart of Covent Garden — and we’re looking for an exceptional Bar Manager to be part of our opening team.

This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a team from day one, shape the drinks offering in an exciting new space, and make your mark on one of London's most anticipated hospitality launches. If you thrive on high standards, fast pace, and forward‑thinking service, this one’s for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Play a key role in launching our new venue, setting standards and building the bar from the ground up.
• Manage day‑to‑day bar operations, maintain exceptional guest experiences, and ensure seamless service.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of a new team, while developing talent and driving morale.
• Stay on top of mixology trends and lead an evolving, competitive beverage program.
• Take ownership of inventory, budgets, cost control and revenue performance reporting.
• Maintain legal, licensing and health & safety standards — no exceptions.

What We're Looking For

• Live and breathe great drinks, from classic cocktails to creative, trend‑led serves!
• Strive for perfection in every pour ensuring every drink that leaves the bar meets the highest standards of quality and consistency.
• Have proven leadership experience managing busy, high‑quality bar operations.
• Thrive in a guest‑first environment, where every interaction is an opportunity to create a memorable moment.
• Are confident leading a team and building culture from the ground up.
• Bring commercial acumen and sharp attention to detail.
• Are organised, solution‑focused, and thrive in high‑energy environments.
• Are excited about being part of our major new London opening!

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Working at Arcade

Our teams are the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry‑leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow.

At Arcade, we’re more than just a restaurant group... We’re a collective of bold, diverse food and drink brands driven by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for hospitality. We believe in growing together, empowering our people, and creating opportunities to thrive across all areas of the business. Whether onsite, behind the scenes or head office, working at Arcade means being part of something exciting, fast‑moving, and truly unique in the hospitality industry.

Benefits

• Refer a friend bonus
• Internal wage advance facility to instantly access the wages you’ve earned
• A restaurant recognition budget for birthday goodies and career milestones
• 50% off food in our restaurants for you and your loved ones
• 50% off food in JKS restaurants within Arcade for you and your loved ones
• Access to counselling, remote GP/physio services, legal advice and more through Hospitality Action 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
• Summer and Christmas team parties where we all down tools and have some fun!