Head Cocktail Waiter

The Pembroke Club London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class salary

Pension scheme – including employer

Staff meal on shift

Learning & Development opportunities

Annual staff awards

Job summary

The Pembroke Club London is seeking a Head Cocktail Waiter to elevate our beverage service for discerning members and guests in a luxury club setting. You will lead the floor, demonstrate impeccable service, and mentor junior staff while showcasing expert knowledge of cocktails, wines, Champagne and premium beverages.

As a senior member of the bar team, you will work closely with bartenders and kitchen staff, ensuring dietary requirements are observed and private events run smoothly, with a

Qualifications

• Experience in luxury hospitality or private members' clubs.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, Champagne and premium beverages.
• Leadership experience and ability to mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Deliver personalised, attentive service to members and guests.
• Lead by example and maintain high service standards on the floor.
• Recommend beverages and food pairings based on guest preferences.
• Coordinate with bar, kitchen and management for seamless service.
• Mentor and support junior team members during service.

Skills

Cocktail knowledge

Customer service

Leadership

Upselling

Communication

Discretion

Education

WSET Wine certification

WSET Spirits certification

Hospitality training

Job description

Steeped in history and situated in the heart of Belgravia, The Pembroke stands apart as a unique club for Londoners. From the spirit of our members to the splendour of our events, we are a home for eclectic and excellent living. A place to eat, drink, dance and meet, The Pembroke opens its doors to those who wish to fill their world with the finest experiences, from cocktails to culture, billiards to business.

Emies is our late night bar and club, open for drinks and dancing from early evening until 3 am. Located on the fourth floor with views across London, this will be a central feature of The Pembroke for both general opening and private events.

Role Overview

To further elevate and enhance our operations, we are seeking an accomplished Head Cocktail Waiter to contribute to the club’s success by delivering exceptional experiences for our members and guests.

The ideal candidate is polished, service-driven, and experienced within luxury hospitality, premium bars, cocktail-led venues, or private members' clubs. This is a guest-facing leadership role within the Bar team, responsible for delivering refined beverage service while supporting the wider operation in creating seamless, memorable, and highly personalised experiences.

The Head Cocktail Waiter will possess outstanding knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, Champagne, and premium beverages, combined with exceptional customer service and leadership skills. As the club also offers a food menu, the successful candidate must be confident in taking food orders, understanding menu items, managing dietary requirements and allergy procedures, and liaising effectively with both the bar and kitchen teams.

Acting as a senior member of the floor team, the Head Cocktail Waiter will lead by example during service, support the development of junior colleagues, and help ensure the highest standards of hospitality are consistently maintained.

WSET Wine and/or Spirits qualifications are highly desirable, and candidates with a genuine passion for beverages, hospitality, and member engagement will thrive in this role

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional, attentive, and personalised service to members and guests at all times
• Lead by example on the floor, demonstrating impeccable service standards, professionalism, and hospitality
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, spirits, wine, Champagne, and premium beverages, confidently making recommendations tailored to guest preferences
• Guide members through beverage menus, explaining ingredients, flavour profiles, production methods, and food pairing suggestions
• Accurately take and process beverage and food orders, ensuring all dietary requirements and allergy procedures are followed diligently
• Build strong relationships with members, recognising preferences and delivering a discreet, personalised service experience
• Support, guide, and mentor Cocktail Waiters and junior team members during service, helping to maintain the highest standards across the floor
• Ensure all team members are well-informed on beverage menus, food offerings, daily specials, and allergen information
• Work closely with bartenders, Bar Management, and kitchen teams to ensure seamless communication and timely service delivery
• Handle VIP guests, special requests, and bespoke service requirements with confidence and professionalism
• Ensure all beverages are served according to club standards, presentation guidelines, and responsible service practices
• Anticipate member needs and proactively identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience
• Drive beverage sales through knowledgeable recommendations and upselling opportunities
• Monitor service flow within assigned areas, assisting in maintaining smooth and efficient operations throughout service
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation, and mise en place throughout all service areas
• Support opening and closing procedures, ensuring the venue is fully prepared for service
• Assist in handling guest feedback and resolving service concerns professionally and efficiently before escalation where possible
• Maintain a thorough understanding of licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, food safety procedures, and company policies
• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality expected within a private members' club environment

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Cocktail Waiter, Senior Cocktail Waiter, Senior Cocktail Server, or similar role within a luxury bar, premium restaurant, five-star hotel, private members' club, or high-end hospitality environment
• Exceptional knowledge of cocktails, spirits, Champagne, wine, and premium beverage service
• Strong understanding of food service standards, menu knowledge, dietary requirements, and allergy procedures
• WSET Wine and/or WSET Spirits certification highly desirable
• Previous experience supporting, coaching, mentoring, or supervising junior team members
• Passion for hospitality, beverage culture, and delivering outstanding guest experiences
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with discerning clientele
• Strong sales and upselling skills, confidently recommending food and beverage offerings
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to service excellence
• Ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced luxury environment
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to coordinate service within a busy section
• Professional, polished, and confident presentation
• Positive, proactive, and team-oriented attitude
• High level of discretion and understanding of private members' club service standards
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and late-night shifts

What We Offer

• Best-in-class salary
• Family meal on shift
• Industry-leading Learning & Development opportunities
• Pension scheme – including employer contributions.
• Annual staff award ceremony and party
• More benefits to be set up as we open