Head Bartender

Arcade; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Refer a friend bonus

Delicious meals when at work

50% off food in Arcade restaurants

Job summary

Arcade is opening a new venue in London and seeks a confident Head Bartender to join the opening team at Tottenham Court Road. You will lead the bar — setting the tone on shift, ensuring fast, high-quality drink delivery and guest experiences, while coaching and developing your team from service to service.

You will work closely with the Bar Manager to maintain top standards, manage stock, uphold safety, and drive operational excellence across the bar throughout opening hours.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Senior Bartender, Supervisor or Head Bartender in a high-volume, quality-led venue.
• Ability to train and develop team members on bar skills and service standards.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails and presentation standards.
• Experience with stock control, cost management and efficient operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead bar service with energy, precision and pace while meeting standards.
• Coach bartenders and barbacks on shift to drive performance and confidence.
• Oversee bar setup, organization and service flow for seamless operations.
• Maintain high standards of drink quality, presentation and hygiene at all times.
• Assist with stock control, ordering and waste minimisation.
• Deliver engaging guest experiences through product knowledge and recommendations.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members.
• Step in to run the bar in the absence of the Bar Manager.

Skills

Head Bartender

Team leadership

Cocktail knowledge

Staff development

Stock control

Job description

Join Our Bar Team – Bring The Energy, Craft The Drinks, Shape The Experience!

About Arcade

Arcade is one of the 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 looking for a confident, experienced and hands‑on Head Bartender to join the opening team at one of London’s most exciting new venues — Arcade Tottenham Court Road.

As a key leader within the bar team, you will work closely with the Bar Manager to deliver exceptional drink quality, fast‑paced service, and an unforgettable guest experience. You’ll lead from the front, setting the tone on shift while supporting the development of your team and ensuring the bar runs smoothly from open to close.

Working Closely With The Bar Manager, You Will

• Lead bar service with energy, precision and pace, ensuring every drink meets our standards
• Support and coach bartenders and barbacks on shift, driving performance and confidence
• Oversee bar setup, organisation and service flow to ensure seamless operations
• Maintain high standards of drink quality, presentation, and cleanliness at all times
• Assist with stock control, ordering, and minimising waste
• Deliver engaging guest experiences through product knowledge and recommendations
• Support onboarding and training, helping to build a knowledgeable and motivated team
• Step up to run the bar in the absence of the Bar Manager or Assistant Bar Manager
• Uphold all Food Safety, Health & Safety, and hygiene standards

We’d Love To Hear From You If You

• Have proven experience as a Senior Bartender, Supervisor or Head Bartender in a high‑volume, quality‑led venue
• Thrive in a fast‑paced environment and lead by example during busy services
• Have strong cocktail knowledge with excellent attention to detail and consistency
• Are confident training and developing team members on bar skills and service standards
• Understand stock control, cost management, and operational efficiency
• Bring a positive, energetic leadership style that motivates those around you
• Are passionate about hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
• Have excellent organisational skills and can stay calm under pressure
• Are proactive, hands‑on, and always ready to jump in where needed

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

Benefits Of Being Part Of The Team

Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:

• Refer a friend bonus
• Internal wage advance facility to instantly access the wages you’ve earned
• Delicious, seasonal meals when you’re at work
• A restaurant recognition budget for Birthday goodies and career milestones
• Dedicated staff chill out areas with kitchens and your own seating off the restaurant floor
• Balanced rotas. Your time outside of work is important to us
• 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!