Head Bartender

Plaza Khao Gaeng; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discount

Staff events

Learning & development

Career progression

Referral bonus

Staff parties

Job summary

Kitchen Table is seeking a Head Bartender to join our intimate, high-end dining experience in London. You will lead a tiny, highly attentive drinks service for about 20 guests each evening, bringing creativity and precision to every cocktail and pairing with our tasting menus.

You will develop the beverage programme, curate a memorable guest experience, and work closely with the owners to guide stock, service standards and bar operations.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant or cocktail bar.
• Hands-on, proactive and passionate about hospitality.
• Ability to lead and train a small team.
• Strong knowledge of drinks programme development.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a highly personalised drinks experience for 20 guests each evening.
• Develop and evolve the beverage programme.
• Oversee cocktail development, stock management and service standards.
• Collaborate with owners to shape bar direction and vision.
• Manage opening and closing procedures.

Skills

Michelin-star experience

Cocktail bar experience

Job description

Experience - Previous experience in a Michelin star restaurant or cocktail bar

Kitchen Table are seeking a Head Bartender to join their team. The successful candidate will be friendly, personable and passionate about all things food and drink. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced bartender looking for a new role in an award winning, critically acclaimed group.

The Restaurant

Kitchen Table is a dining experience, where full interaction with the chefs showcases previously unseen kitchen theatre. Guests, seated at a horseshoe-shaped counter, see James Knappett and his team prepare, serve, and talk diners through that evening’s tasting menu. A wine list curated by award-winning sommelier (and James’ wife) Sandia Chang completes the experience.

James has worked at some of the world’s most highly regarded restaurants.Kitchen Table opened in 2012, was awarded one Michelin Star in 2014, and achieved a coveted second star in 2018" which it has held ever since. Kitchen Table was also awarded Michelin’s ‘Welcome and Service Award’ in 2018.

The Position

As Head Bartender, you will be leading on a very intimate drinks service of just 20 guest an evening. You will be a hands‑on, proactive and enthusiastic whenAs Head Bartender, you’ll take the lead in delivering a highly personalised drinks experience for just 20 guests each evening—an intimate setting that allows you to truly showcase your craft. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a brand‑new project, where your creativity and vision will help shape the bar from the ground up.

Hands‑on, driven, and full of personality, you’ll play a key role in evolving the beverage programme—developing innovative cocktails, curating a dynamic offering, and creating memorable moments that resonate with every guest. Your energy and passion will set the tone, inspiring both guests and the wider team.

Working closely with the owners, you’ll have real influence over the direction and success of the bar, taking ownership of everything from cocktail development and stock management to maintaining the highest standards of service, operations, and health & safety.

This role offers a fantastic work‑life balance, with a Tuesday to Saturday schedule, leaving Sundays and Mondays to recharge.

As Head Bartender you will be responsible for:

• Managing the Bar, lounge area and ensuring the running of a smooth service;
• Developing an all drinks program, including Digestif list, non‑alcoholic, aperitif's etc.;
• Welcoming and attending to guests with an exceptional level of care and service, ensuring that they leave with a positive and memorable experience;
• Inspiring, motivating and training waiting staff to deliver the highest levels of service;
• Carrying out all opening and closing procedures.

The successful Head Bartender will have:

• Previous experience as a Bartender in a Michelin Starred Restaurant;
• Warm and welcoming persona, along with a hands‑on approach to work and impeccable attention to detail;
• Proven ability to lead, train and inspire a team;
• Passion for hospitality and a great knowledge of food and beverage;
• Eagerness to learn and develop your career within an award‑winning restaurant group.

Benefits & Culture

Our team is 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.

We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and celebrate the skills and characteristics that make you unique. Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:

Treat Yourself

• Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants
• Retail & Takeaway Discounts

Progress Yourself

• Access to our fantastic L&D Calendar
• A personalised learning & development plan to develop your skills and knowledge
• Career progression with a fast‑growing, critically acclaimed restaurant group.

Be Yourself

• Employee referral scheme - paying up to £600 per referral
• Staff parties & long service awards

The Group

JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 7 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2024.

The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin‑starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, and Lyle’s, along with cult favourites Hoppers, BAO, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, Bibi, and Ambassadors Clubhouse. Pubs include The Cadogan Arms, The George and The Hound.

JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend‑focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people‑focused, collaborative hospitality group.