Bar Manager

Role: Bar Manager – Botanica at Bedford Hotel

Hours: Full-time

Location: Bedford Hotel, Bloomsbury, London

About Us We’re looking for a warm and welcoming individual to join our dedicated Food & Beverage team at our hotel in Bloomsbury, central London. As a key member of our team, you'll play an essential role in ensuring our guests have a memorable stay in our F&B Outlets. Part of the Imperial London Hotels family, we are a seventh‑generation, family‑run business with a 187‑year legacy and a renewed vision for modern, authentic London hospitality.

About The Role As Bar Manager for Botanica, you’ll be the driving force behind one of Bloomsbury’s best-kept secrets. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who thrives on energy, precision and creativity in equal measure.

You’ll shape an on-trend, seasonal beverage programme that feels fresh, premium and distinctly London — from signature cocktails and premium spirits to no- and low-alcohol options, curated wines and beers, and engaging supplier activations throughout our summer BBQ season.

You’ll bring Botanica’s secret garden to life during the warmer months and create a cosy, welcoming experience as the seasons change. With a keen eye for detail, you’ll ensure every serve looks exceptional, every interaction feels personal, and every service runs with pace, confidence and style.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead a modern, polished service style
• Be visible during peak times and resolve guest issues
• Maintain impeccable drink presentation and pace
• Coach and develop a confident, guest‑focused team with a strong sense of service identity
• Coach on beverage craft, storytelling and upselling
• Own the drinks vision including cocktails, seasonal serves and premium spirits
• Manage stock, GP%, wastage and ordering
• Ensure POS accuracy, cash controls and bar setup
• Uphold licensing, food safety and allergen standards
• Collaborate across the hotel to deliver seamless service
• Monitor guest feedback across online platforms and react with timely, thoughtful solutions that reinforce our service standards
• Working alongside the Head Chef to deliver menu changes

Who You Are

• Experienced in premium, high‑volume bar environments
• Strong beverage knowledge
• Commercially sharp with cost control and menu engineering skills
• Skilled in coaching and team development
• Personal Licence Holder with food safety training

What’s In It For You

• 28 days holiday, rising to 33 with length of service (including bank holidays)
• Access to ILH Training Academy programmes, apprenticeships and supported study
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Complimentary uniform dry‑cleaning, plus discounted personal dry‑cleaning
• Interest‑free Season Ticket Loan
• Workplace Pension
• Team member flat rate and 50% friends and family hotel discount
• 50% discount across ILH F&B outlets
• Discounted drinks at Blooms Café
• Employee‑funded Health Cash Plan
• Local Bloomsbury discounts
• Early Pay access
• Shopping discounts with selected retailers
• Salary sacrifice schemes including nursery care, cycle to work, and technology
• Access to mental health first‑aiders, wellbeing support and the Employee Assistance Programme

Ready to Help Shape the Future of Botanica? If you’re passionate about delivering a standout bar experience and want to play a defining role in Botanica, we’d love to hear from you!