Bartender

Job Title: Bartender

Location: Hotel Indigo Leeds

Reports To: Food and Beverage Manager / General Manager

Job Purpose

As a Bartender at Hotel Indigo Leeds, you will be responsible for delivering an exceptional bar experience through friendly, professional and engaging service. You will prepare and serve a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, presentation and guest satisfaction.

We are looking for someone who brings energy, enthusiasm and personality to the role. Someone who enjoys engaging with people, has a passion for hospitality and is confident in helping to create a lively, welcoming and memorable atmosphere for our guests.

We want an individual who is proactive, full of ideas and keen to make a positive contribution to the bar. Whether suggesting new cocktails, supporting promotions, creating memorable guest interactions or finding new ways to improve the guest experience, you will be encouraged to bring your personality and creativity to the team.

You will play an important role in making our bar a destination that hotel guests, residents and visitors want to return to. We are looking for someone who doesn't simply serve drinks but genuinely enjoys making people's experiences special.

Key Responsibilities

Bar Service and Beverage Preparation

• Welcome guests to the bar in a friendly, confident, professional and engaging manner.
• Bring energy and enthusiasm to every shift, helping to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
• Take food and beverage orders accurately and efficiently.
• Prepare and serve cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, soft drinks, coffees and other beverages to the required standard.
• Maintain a good knowledge of the bar menu, drinks offerings and current promotions.
• Make recommendations to guests and provide knowledgeable information about drinks.
• Show creativity and initiative when suggesting new drinks, cocktails, promotions and ways to enhance the bar offering.
• Ensure drinks are presented attractively and consistently.
• Operate the till/POS system accurately and process cash and card payments.
• Maintain accurate billing and ensure all transactions are processed correctly.
• Check guests' identification where required and comply with licensing laws and company procedures.
• Monitor responsible alcohol service and refuse service where appropriate, in accordance with legislation and hotel policy.
• Guest Experience and Engagement
• Deliver outstanding customer service by being approachable, attentive and genuinely interested in our guests.
• Use your personality and communication skills to build rapport with guests and encourage repeat visits.
• Anticipate guest needs and look for opportunities to exceed expectations.
• Create memorable experiences through engaging conversation, thoughtful recommendations and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Be confident in interacting with a diverse range of guests and adapting your approach to suit different situations.
• Handle guest requests, queries and complaints professionally, resolving issues where possible and escalating them to a manager when necessary.
• Take pride in the bar's atmosphere, presentation and reputation.
• Look for opportunities to improve the guest experience and share ideas with the management team.

Creativity, Initiative and Team Contribution

• Bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the role, contributing to the ongoing development of the bar.
• Suggest ideas for new cocktails, seasonal drinks, promotions, themed evenings, events and other initiatives to attract guests and encourage repeat business.
• Take an active interest in the success of the bar and look for ways to improve its offering.
• Be proactive, take ownership of your responsibilities and use your initiative rather than waiting to be asked.
• Support hotel promotions and events, helping to generate excitement and create a positive atmosphere.
• Share knowledge, ideas and feedback with colleagues and management.
• Be a positive influence within the team, encouraging colleagues and contributing to a fun, supportive and professional working environment.

Bar Operations and Stock Control

• Maintain a clean, tidy and organised bar area at all times.
• Complete regular cleaning duties, including glassware, bar equipment, work surfaces and storage areas.
• Restock the bar and ensure sufficient supplies are available throughout each shift.
• Check stock levels and report shortages, breakages or wastage to the appropriate manager.
• Assist with stock deliveries, storage and stock rotation when required.
• Minimise wastage and follow hotel procedures relating to stock control.
• Assist with opening and closing the bar, including cashing up and securing the bar as required.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Follow all health, safety, food hygiene and COSHH procedures.
• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and appearance in line with hotel standards.
• Ensure all licensing requirements and responsible alcohol service procedures are followed.
• Attend training sessions and complete all required training within the allocated timescales.
• Follow all Hotel Indigo and company policies, procedures and standards.

Teamwork and General Duties

• Work closely with colleagues across Food & Beverage and other hotel departments to provide excellent guest service.
• Support the team during busy periods, events and functions, maintaining a positive attitude and high service standards.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and management to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Be flexible, adaptable and willing to assist wherever needed.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties requested by management.

Guest Service Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Deliver consistently high standards of customer service.
• Bring energy, enthusiasm and personality to every guest interaction.
• Build positive relationships with guests and create a welcoming environment.
• Be confident, engaging and comfortable communicating with people from all backgrounds.
• Anticipate guest needs and look for opportunities to go above and beyond.
• Remain calm, positive and professional during busy periods.
• Handle difficult or challenging situations appropriately.
• Take pride in creating a lively, enjoyable and memorable bar experience.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the success of the hotel and its Food & Beverage offering.
• Encourage repeat business by making guests feel valued and eager to return.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a bar, hospitality or customer-facing environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A positive, outgoing and professional attitude.
• Lots of energy, enthusiasm and personality, with a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Confidence in engaging with guests and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Creativity and a willingness to contribute ideas to improve the bar and guest experience.
• A proactive approach, with the ability to use initiative and take ownership of tasks.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and support colleagues.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy environment while maintaining service standards.
• Good attention to detail.
• Reliable, punctual and flexible.
• A good understanding of customer service.
• Willingness to learn and develop bar and beverage knowledge.

Desirable

• Previous hotel bar experience.
• Experience preparing cocktails and an interest in mixology.
• Knowledge of wines, spirits and beers.
• Experience using a POS/till system.
• Knowledge of licensing and responsible alcohol service requirements.
• Experience contributing ideas for promotions, events or new drinks.
• A passion for keeping up with hospitality trends and finding new ways to engage guests.

Personality and attitude are just as important as experience. We can support the right person in developing their technical skills, but we want someone who naturally brings enthusiasm, confidence, creativity and a positive attitude to the team.

Working Hours

The role will involve working a flexible rota, including:

• Evenings.
• Weekends.
• Bank holidays.
• Busy periods and special events.

Flexibility is essential to meet the operational needs of the hotel.

Statutory Responsibilities

The postholder must observe all Fire, Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations and attend any necessary training to remain up to date with legislation and ensure compliance with current legal requirements. They must also understand and fulfil their responsibilities in accordance with company Health & Safety procedures.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who brings the spark!

Someone who walks into a shift ready to get involved, enjoys making people smile, has ideas to share and takes pride in creating an experience that guests remember. You will be confident enough to show your personality, enthusiastic enough to go the extra mile and motivated to help our bar continue to grow and succeed.

If you are passionate about people, love the buzz of hospitality and want the opportunity to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

Pay: £12.71 per hour

Expected hours: 5.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person