Head Bartender

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Delano London is seeking an exceptional Head Bartender to join the pre-opening team, based primarily in Rose Bar. You will lead behind the bar, set the drinks culture, standards and energy for this key social space and work with a dynamic, ambitious team.

You will craft exemplary cocktails, train bartenders, manage stock and ensure impeccable service while upholding licensing, safety and brand standards at all times.

Qualifications

• You have strong senior bartender or head bartender experience in a premium cocktail bar, luxury hotel or high-quality lifestyle venue.
• Excellent cocktail technique and broad knowledge of spirits, wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks.
• You care about consistency and detail but value personality, pace and connection.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example behind the bar, delivering exceptional cocktails and guest interactions throughout service.
• Support the Bar Manager in establishing recipes, specifications, mise en place and service standards for the opening.
• Coach and train the bar team on techniques, recipes, product knowledge and responsible alcohol service.
• Maintain mise en place, stock rotation and opening/closing procedures to ensure service readiness.
• Work with the floor team to ensure smooth ticket times and guest-focused service.
• Maintain compliance with licensing, health & safety and company procedures.
• Develop deep knowledge of the cocktail list, spirits, wines, beers and non-alcoholic options and communicate confidently to guests.
• Support events, VIP moments, menu tastings and beverage activations across Food & Beverage.

Skills

Senior bartender

Cocktail expertise

Stock management

Team training

Attention to detail

Job description

Opening in late 2026,Delano London brings the spirit and celebrated heritage of the iconic Delano Miami Beach to London, reimagined for a new generation. Set overlooking Kensington Gardens, the hotel will feature 67 rooms and suites, Lana Lusa, the legendary Rose Bar and Rose Lounge, alongside The Source wellness offering.

Delanois a place where personality, creativity and genuine connection come together. We value curiosity, individuality and a sense of fun, creating an environment where our people can be themselves while delivering thoughtful, intuitive and genuinely warm hospitality.

Delano Londonis part ofEnnismore, a global collective of entrepreneurial, founder-built brands rooted in creativity, culture and community, and a joint venture with Accor.

Joining Delano London means being part of something from the very beginning. It is an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an iconic brand, work alongside an ambitious and creative team and play a part in creating a hotel that feels distinctly Delano from day one.

Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional Head Bartender to join the pre-opening team of Delano London. Based primarily in Rose Bar, you’ll be a senior craft and service presence behind the bar, helping establish the drinks culture, standards and energy of one of Delano London's key social spaces.

What you’ll do...

• Lead by example behind the bar, delivering consistently excellent cocktails, drinks and guest interactions throughout service.
• Support the Bar Manager and Assistant Bar Manager in establishing recipes, specifications, mise en place and service standards for the opening.
• Guide bartenders and bar backs during service, allocating tasks, maintaining pace and ensuring the bar remains organised and guest-focused.
• Develop deep knowledge of the cocktail list, spirits, wines, beers and non-alcoholic offer and communicate that knowledge with confidence and personality.
• Engage guests naturally, make thoughtful recommendations and help create the atmosphere and social energy of Rose Bar.
• Ensure every drink is prepared to specification with strong attention to taste, presentation, glassware, garnish and temperature.
• Maintain excellent opening, closing, cleaning and stock rotation standards and ensure mise en place is always service-ready.
• Support stock counts, requisitions, transfers and wastage controls and flag variances or shortages promptly.
• Coach and train the bar team on techniques, recipes, product knowledge and responsible alcohol service.
• Work closely with the floor team to maintain smooth ticket times, communication and table service.
• Support events, VIP moments, menu tastings and beverage activations across Food & Beverage.
• Maintain full compliance with licensing, food safety, Health & Safety and company procedures.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for...

• You have strong senior bartender or head bartender experience in a premium cocktail bar, luxury hotel or high-quality lifestyle venue.
• You have excellent cocktail technique and broad knowledge of spirits, wine, beer and contemporary non-alcoholic drinks.
• You care about consistency and detail but understand that great bars are also about personality, pace and connection.
• You are confident training and guiding other bartenders and enjoy sharing knowledge.
• You are organised, clean and disciplined in your mise en place and stock management.
• You stay composed during high-volume service and communicate clearly with both bar and floor teams.
• You are flexible to work evenings, late nights, weekends and key hospitality moments.

What’s in it for you...

• The opportunity to launch Delano London and help shape the Food & Beverage experience from day one, with real influence over the culture and service style.
• Join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that's committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
• The chance to challenge the norm and help create venues that can become both neighbourhood favourites and destinations in their own right, in an environment that is creative and rewarding.
• Become part of a team that's passionate about creating great hospitality experiences, bringing together design, dining, nightlife and culture in a distinctly Delano way.
• Plenty of opportunity for development as the hotel and the wider brand continue to grow.

Additional Information

Be part of the team bringing an iconic brand into its next chapter. At Delano London, personality counts, ideas are welcomed and everyone plays a part in creating something memorable. We work hard, make it fun and look out for one another, with opportunities to learn, grow and build meaningful relationships across Delano, Ennismore and Accor.

Alongside a supportive and creative team culture, you’ll have access to a range of colleague benefits, hotel stays and experiences across the wider group, and the opportunity to work within a global community of distinctive lifestyle and hospitality brands.