Head Bartender

The Columbo Group; London Borough of Lambeth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% off Columbo venues

Free event access

Columbo Academy training

Hero of the Month + paid weekend off

£50 drinks voucher incentives

Referral scheme

Global industry trips

Nest pension

Job summary

The Blues Kitchen London is seeking a Head Bartender to lead by example behind the bar, delivering fast, friendly service during busy nights. You’ll craft classic cocktails quickly and maintain high drink standards while supporting a busy team.

Join a vibrant venue known for live blues and soul, with competitive hourly pay (£12.75 per hour) plus troncos, and a lively, social-working environment at The Blues Kitchen London.

Qualifications

• Experience behind a busy cocktail bar.
• Ability to make classic cocktails quickly and consistently.
• Energetic, organized and guest-focused.
• Strong teamwork and communication.
• Genuine interest in cocktails and hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Leading by example behind the bar during busy services.
• Making classic cocktails quickly and consistently.
• Supporting bartenders and barbacks during high-volume shifts.
• Maintaining strong drink standards and bar organisation.
• Helping ensure the bar team delivers fast and friendly service.

Skills

Cocktail bar experience

Classic cocktails

Energetic and organized

Guest-focused

Teamwork and communication

Interest in cocktails

Job description

We’re looking for a Head Bartender to join the team at The Blues Kitchen London.

The Blues Kitchen is one of London’s most loved venues, known for its all-American comfort food, expertly crafted cocktails and an incredible programme of live blues, soul and funk performances. We’re looking for experienced bartenders who can lead by example behind the bar and help maintain high standards during busy services.

See us in action: @theblueskitchen | @the_columbo_group

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading by example behind the bar during busy services.
• Making classic cocktails quickly and consistently.
• Supporting bartenders and barbacks during high-volume shifts.
• Maintaining strong drink standards and bar organisation.
• Helping ensure the bar team delivers fast and friendly service.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong experience working behind a busy cocktail bar.
• Confidence making classic cocktails quickly and consistently.
• Someone energetic, organised and guest-focused.
• Strong teamwork and communication.
• A genuine interest in cocktails and hospitality.

What to Expect

• Competitive pay: £12.75 per hour plus tronc (total package usually between £12.75–£16.50 per hour). Hourly wages paid every two weeks on a Friday and tronc paid on the last Friday of the month.
• A high-energy working environment with lively services.
• A relaxed dress code. No uniforms. Just bring your best self.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• 50% off across all Columbo venues, plus free access to our events and festivals.
• Training and development through the Columbo Academy.
• Hero of the Month recognition, including a paid weekend off.
• £50 voucher for top drinks seller incentives.
• Generous Referral Scheme.
• Opportunities for global industry trips for top performers.
• Pension scheme via Nest.