Bartender

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Bartender is a craft-first, guest-facing role at the heart of Sabi Sounds Salcedo. You are responsible for delivering an exceptional bar experience — from thoughtfully made cocktails to precisely poured highballs — in a space that values atmosphere, sound, and culture above all else.

This is not a conventional bar position. Sabi Sounds is a listening café and cultural venue, and the person behind the bar must understand and embody that identity. Your craft contributes directly to the mood of the room. You are expected to work with intention, warmth, and quiet pride.

ROLE NATURE & FLEXIBILITY

–    Shift-based role covering evening bar operations and, where needed, daytime service hours.

–    Expected to adapt to the energy of each session — intimate listening nights call for a different pace than weekend trade.

–    The role will evolve as Sabi expands to additional locations and the events programme grows.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Bar Service & Cocktail Craft

–    Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, highballs, and curated house drinks in line with the Sabi bar menu.

–    Execute drinks with consistency, precision, and attention to presentation — every glass leaving the bar should be Sabi-worthy.

–    Maintain deep knowledge of the drinks menu including ingredients, techniques, and flavour profiles.

–    Guide guests through the bar menu with confidence and genuine enthusiasm — not a sales pitch, but an honest recommendation.

–    Monitor bar inventory and flag low stock promptly to the Beverage Director or Bar Manager on Duty.

–    Follow all responsible service of alcohol guidelines at all times.

Guest Experience & Venue Atmosphere

–    Greet and acknowledge guests naturally — Sabi guests value sincerity over service theatre.

–    Read the room and adjust your energy accordingly: quieter and more measured during listening sessions, warmer and more engaged during social evenings.

–    Handle guest concerns with composure and escalate to the Beverage Director or Venue Producer when needed.

–    Contribute to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every guest without exception.

Product Knowledge & Standards

–    Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all menu items — drinks, food pairings, allergens, and seasonal offerings.

–    Participate in all required training sessions, tastings, and pre-shift briefings.

–    Accurately operate the POS system, process payments, and handle cash with full accountability.

Bar Maintenance & Cleanliness

–    Maintain a clean, organised, and properly stocked bar station at all times — before, during, and after service.

–    Complete all opening and closing bar checklists without prompting.

–    Follow food safety and hygiene standards as required by local regulations.

–    Support general venue setup and breakdown for events and activations as needed.

Team Collaboration

–    Work closely with the FOH team, kitchen, and venue leadership to ensure smooth, coordinated service.

–    Communicate clearly and respectfully with all colleagues, regardless of role or seniority.

–    Participate actively in pre-shift briefings and post-shift feedback sessions.

–    Support the onboarding of new bar team members and share knowledge willingly.

–    Flag operational issues, equipment faults, or safety concerns to the Beverage Director immediately.

GOOD TO HAVE

Coffee and specialty beverage skills are a genuine advantage in this role. Sabi Sounds operates as a listening café through the day before transitioning to a bar at night, and a bartender who can step behind the coffee machine — pull a clean espresso, texture milk properly, prepare a matcha or hojicha — adds meaningful flexibility to the team. It is not a requirement, but it is noticed and valued.