Bar Support/ Barback Role - Immediate Start Available

Signature Group; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Excellent tips

Full training

Career progression

Staff meals

Team discounts

Job summary

Understory in Edinburgh's West End is opening a new five-star dive concept inspired by discovery, nostalgia and conversation. We’re building a hidden bar where hospitality and drinks are crafted with care, and every guest feels special.

We’re hiring a bar back to be the engine behind service, ensuring the team has what it needs, when it’s needed. This entry-level role offers hands-on learning toward a bartender path in a fast-paced, late-night venue.

Qualifications

• No experience required; the right attitude is valued.
• Able to work evenings and weekends.
• Willing to learn and grow into a bartender role.

Responsibilities

• Support opening and closing the bar.
• Assist with drinks preparation and batches.
• Stock management and rotation across the bar.
• Keep fridges, freezers and wells stocked.
• Polish glassware and keep back of house clean.
• Contribute to smooth service with attention to detail.

Skills

Fast-paced

Willingness to learn

Reliable

Attention to detail

Job description

Every Drink Has a Story. Every Great Service Starts Behind the Bar. Come Write Yours.

Join the Team Behind Edinburgh's Next Great Bar

Some bars are built to follow trends. Understory is being built to set them.

Following a significant investment and complete rebrand, Understory (formerly Heads & Tales) is an exciting new cocktail destination in Edinburgh's West End. We're creating a hidden Five-Star Dive Bar built around discovery, nostalgia and conversation, combining exceptional cocktails, genuine hospitality and memorable guest experiences.

As an evening venue, Understory comes to life after dark, creating an intimate atmosphere where every service feels special. We're inspired by the World's 50 Best Bars and share the same ambition: to create exceptional drinks, unforgettable experiences and hospitality that sets the standard.

We're looking for a bar back to help make that happen.

The Role:

No great bar runs without a great bar back. You'll be the engine behind every service, making sure the bar team has everything they need, exactly when they need it.

This is an entry-level role with a clear path to bartender. You'll learn how a great cocktail bar works from the ground up and get hands-on with the drinks preparation behind every cocktail we serve.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

• Supporting the team with opening and closing the bar.
• Preparing batches and ingredients before and after service.
• Getting involved in drinks preparation across the building.
• Managing stock, rotation and movement between stores and the bar.
• Keeping fridges, freezers and wells fully stocked throughout service.
• Polishing glassware and maintaining tables.
• Keeping the back of house clean, organised and running smoothly.
• Taking pride in the details that make every service run seamlessly.

Who We're Looking For:

No experience is needed, just the right attitude. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in doing the job properly. You're inspired by the world's best bars and excited to start your career in one. To be clear, this is a late night operation so availability for evenings and weekends is a must.

What we're looking for:

• Efficient and hard-working, with a genuine drive to learn.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to keep yourself on task without being chased.
• Reliable, with high personal standards.

What You'll Receive:

• Competitive rate of pay.
• Excellent tips.
• Full training and ongoing development.
• A clear progression path to bartender.
• Hands-on experience in drinks preparation and learning how our cocktails are made.
• Staff food and team discounts.
• Career progression within one of Edinburgh's leading independent hospitality businesses.
• The chance to help shape an exciting new concept from day one.