Head Bartender

Hickorys Smokehouse; Chester; On-site; GBP 138,000 - 276,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tip Jar included

Free team food on shift

Birthday meal on us

Christmas Day off

Paid time off

Job summary

Hickory's Smokehouse invites a Head Bartender to lead bar shifts, mentor teams, and deliver guest‑led experiences while supporting the Bar HOD and daily operations with guidance. You will champion a guest‑first mindset and drive excellence across service and standards.

The role offers a package up to £16.25 per hour including Tip Jar, plus extensive training, progression opportunities, free team meals on shift, a birthday meal, and a strong emphasis on work‑life balance.

Qualifications

• Must have legal right to work in the UK and be at least 18 years old.
• Experience as Head Bartender or senior bar role preferred.
• Excellent guest service and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead bar shifts and inspire the team.
• Support the Bar HOD, acting as eyes and ears for daily operations.
• Ensure a smooth day‑to‑day run of bar shifts with guidance from Bar HOD.
• Deliver an outstanding team and guest experience with a guest‑led approach.
• Proactively seek feedback to improve knowledge, performance and skillset.

Skills

Guest leadership

Bar operations

Team mentorship

Guest experience

Job description

Join us as a Head Bartender and we can offer you a package of up to £16.25 per hour including Tip Jar!

Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory's Smokehouse - BBQ is happiness!

You will be a key player in supporting out bar shifts, inspiring our teams to follow your example as a guest led leader. You will support the Bar HOD, being their eyes and ears. Supporting the day to day runnings of the bar shifts with guidance from your Bar HOD. Delivering an amazing team and guest experience while embodying the 5 stars in everything you do. Proactively seeking opportunities and welcome feedback to develop and improve your knowledge, performance and skillset.

Why join Hickory's?

• A package of up to £16.25 per hour including Tip Jar - that is up to £3.00 per hour in tips!
• £250k bespoke-built kitchen with USA-imported smokers
• Award-winning training & clear progression opportunities
• Free team food on shift & a birthday meal on us - Huge BBQ menu with endless possibilities!
• Christmas Day off
• Paid time off for life's big moments (weddings, first day at school, moving into your first home & more)
• 25% team discount across Hickory's (Rising to 50% with loyal service)
• 24/7 wellbeing support & a culture that truly values work-life balance
• Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities
• A chance to give a bit back with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids
• Up to £1000 for you - through the refer a friend scheme

Please note: To be considered for this position you must have the legal right to work in the UK and be at least 18 years old.