London - Assistant Bar Manager

The Columbo Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% off venues across Columbo

Event access to Columbo festivals

Columbo Academy training

Hero of the Month – paid weekend off

Referral scheme

Industry trips for top performers

Nest pension scheme

Job summary

The Blues Kitchen, part of The Columbo Group, is seeking an Assistant Bar Manager to lead the bar team in a busy London venue. You will drive guest experiences, manage stock, and coach bartenders to deliver high standards across service and cocktails.

Ideal candidates will be confident on the floor, commercially minded and able to motivate a team in a fast-paced setting. This is a hands-on role with real impact on the venue's success.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Bar Manager or Senior Bar Supervisor in a busy hospitality venue.
• Strong leadership to motivate teams and create a positive culture.
• Excellent cocktail and drinks knowledge.
• Great organisational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the bar and support the wider management team.
• Drive standards across service, drinks quality and guest experience.
• Recruit, train and develop bartenders, supervisors and bar staff.
• Take ownership of stock control, ordering, GP and wastage management.
• Lead busy services with energy and consistency.
• Create a positive culture where people feel supported and accountable.
• Help manage labour, rotas and operational efficiency.
• Handle guest feedback and resolve issues with confidence and care.
• Work closely with senior management to drive performance and achieve venue targets.

Skills

Leadership

Guest experience

Cocktail knowledge

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Staff development

Labour management

Problem solving

Job description

We\u2019re looking for a Assistant Bar Manager to lead the team at The Blues Kitchen.

The Blues Kitchen brings together proper food, world-class live music and an incredible drinks menu, all under one roof. But what really sets us apart is how it feels. The energy in the room. The standards behind the scenes. The people who make it happen. This is a venue built on heartfelt hospitality, strong culture and attention to detail. Nothing is random. Everything matters. From the first cocktail served to the last guest leaving the bar.

As Assistant Bar Manager, you\u2019ll lead one of the most important departments in the venue. You\u2019ll be responsible for creating a brilliant guest experience, building a strong team and making sure the bar delivers consistently at a high level.

This is a role for someone who thrives in busy environments, knows how to lead from the floor and takes pride in getting the details right. Someone commercial, organized and confident who wants to make a real impact.

What You\u2019ll Do

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the bar and support the wider management team


• Drive standards across service, drinks quality and guest experience


• Recruit, train and develop bartenders, supervisors and bar support teams


• Take ownership of stock control, ordering, GP and wastage management


• Lead busy services and ensure the team delivers with energy and consistency


• Create a positive culture where people feel supported, motivated and accountable


• Help manage labour, rotas and operational efficiency


• Handle guest feedback and resolve issues with confidence and care


• Work closely with senior management to drive performance and achieve venue targets

What We\u2019re Looking For

• Experience as a Assistant Bar Manager or Senior Bar Supervisor in a busy hospitality venue


• A confident leader who can motivate teams and create a positive culture


• Strong cocktail and drinks knowledge


• Great organisational skills and attention to detail


• Commercial awareness and an understanding of stock, labour and profitability


• Calm under pressure and confident making decisions


• Someone who genuinely cares about hospitality and guest experience


• Ambitious, switched on and ready to keep developing

What to Expect

• Competitive salary plus tronc with a strong overall package. Paid monthly.


• A high energy working environment with a strong team around you.


• Real autonomy and ownership of your department.

Why You\u2019ll 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.


• Generous Referral Scheme.


• Opportunities for global industry trips for top performers.


• Pension scheme via Nest.