Head of Bars - UK

Tao group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in Greater London is seeking a Head of Bars to oversee bar operations and elevate the guest experience across its establishments. The ideal candidate will lead and mentor teams, drive brand activations, and implement innovative strategies to enhance commercial performance. A minimum of 5 years of management experience in the beverage industry is required. This role offers a range of benefits, including generous discounts, enhanced leave, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

50% off food and beverage

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Birthday treat

Refer a Friend scheme

Gifts for life’s key moments

Professional development opportunities

28 days’ holiday

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of management experience within the beverage industry.
• Record of delivering impactful activations and creative programmes.
• Deep knowledge of mixology and flavour innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead bar operations and mentor Bar Managers.
• Deliver engaging brand activations and collaborations.
• Drive commercial performance through insight-led strategy.

Skills

Management experience

Beverage industry knowledge

Influencing skills

Strong communication

Customer experience design

Creativity

Job description

Hakkasan Group, home to the internationally acclaimed restaurants Hakkasan and Yauatcha, is seeking an entrepreneurial and visionary Head of Bars – UK to lead and elevate the bar experience across Hakkasan Mayfair, Yauatcha Soho and Yauatcha City.

Reporting directly to the Director of Beverage – UK & International, this is a senior and highly visible role for a creative, commercially minded bar leader with exceptional management experience, deep industry connections, and the confidence to challenge convention.

You’ll not only oversee bar operations but also influence, energise and transform existing bar teams - encouraging Bar Managers to adopt a more progressive, agile and guest-focused approach. Through collaboration, coaching and fresh perspective, you’ll help foster a culture of continuous improvement, creativity and excellence across all venues.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and empower Bar and Beverage Managers across London, instilling a spirit of creativity, accountability and forward thinking.
• Confidently challenge existing approaches, guiding teams toward more dynamic and commercially focused ways of working.
• Deliver engaging brand activations, pop-ups, takeovers and collaborations with world-class mixologists and premium partners.
• Act as a key networker and brand ambassador, strengthening Hakkasan’s visibility across the London and international bar scene.
• Partner with the Director of Beverage – UK & International on strategic innovation, new product development and seasonal campaigns.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Operations to create bar-led guest experiences and storytelling moments that capture our brand spirit.
• Drive commercial performance through insight-led strategy, cost management and revenue growth.
• Lead bar recruitment, training and succession planning to build and retain best-in-class talent.

About You

• Minimum 5 years of management experience within the beverage industry, ideally in luxury or high-end hospitality.
• Entrepreneurial and commercially astute, with a record of delivering impactful activations and creative programmes.
• A natural influencer and change leader, able to shift entrenched mindsets and elevate standards across multiple venues.
• Connected and credible within the bar and mixology community, with strong relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional communicator who inspires collaboration and champions continuous improvement.
• Deep knowledge of mixology, flavour innovation and guest experience design.
• Strategic, hands‑on and passionate about redefining what a world‑class bar can be.

Benefits

• Dine & Delight: 50% off food and beverage across all our restaurants – including takeaway – to enjoy the Hakkasan and Yauatcha experience anytime.
• We’ve Got You Covered: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave, confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme, and life assurance.
• Birthday Bonanza: A birthday treat on your special day.
• Share the Experience: Refer talented friends and earn up to £750 through our Refer a Friend scheme.
• Moments That Matter: Gifts for Christmas, Chinese New Year, birthdays and long service to celebrate life’s key moments.
• Grow With Us: From WSET certifications to leadership development and international career opportunities, we invest in your growth.
• Giving Back: Join initiatives supporting charities, sustainability and our local communities.
• Time to Recharge: 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays).