Senior Bartender

Senior Bartender / Keyholder

£13.50 per hour plus tips and service charge

The Lyon, George Street, Edinburgh

The concept takes everything people love about a proper pub and dials it up: heritage paired with a contemporary hospitality and entertainment experience. Rooted in tradition with good food, good drinks and good company at its core, the space evolves through the day, beginning as a warm, food-led public house before building into a lively, immersive entertainment destination by night.

Drawing on the building's history of theatre and energy, live entertainment sits at the heart of the venue. The food offering is classic pub dishes done properly, anchored by a signature pie concept from our in-house pastry chef, while the drinks remain firmly beer-hall inspired, with over 18 draught beer products alongside an extensive cocktail and wine selection. It is a wet and dry led operation with a strong emphasis on atmosphere, drinks and late-night trade, and a genuine food identity to match.

For the team, that means a fast-paced, high-energy environment where standards, hospitality and showmanship matter — a place guests settle into, but that keeps surprising them as the night unfolds.

We're looking for an experienced Senior Bartender to join our opening team. This is more than a bartending role. You'll be trusted to take responsibility for the venue during late shifts, lead by example behind the bar, support the wider front of house team and take ownership of closing the business to a consistently high standard.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys responsibility, thrives in a fast-paced environment and is looking to take the next step in their hospitality career.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve cocktails, spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks to a consistently high standard.

• Deliver fast, friendly and professional service while setting the standard for the rest of the team.

• Take responsibility for running late evening service when managers are not present.

• Act as a keyholder, carrying out secure opening and closing procedures.

• Complete end of night cashing up, bar close down and venue security checks.

• Ensure licensing laws and Challenge 25 procedures are always followed.

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation behind the bar.

• Monitor stock levels and communicate shortages or issues to management.

• Support, coach and guide less experienced team members throughout service.

• Work closely with the management team to ensure smooth day to day operations.

• Support the floor team whenever required to deliver a great guest experience.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in a busy, high-volume bar is essential.

• Confident preparing cocktails and working with premium drinks.

• Previous experience opening or closing a venue is highly desirable.

• Someone who is reliable, trustworthy and comfortable taking responsibility.

• Strong leadership skills and the confidence to direct a team during busy services.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Calm under pressure with strong attention to detail.

• Personal Licence qualification would be an advantage but is not essential.

• A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate plus generous tips and service charge.

• Ongoing training and development.

• Opportunities to progress into management within a growing business.

• Team socials and staff events.

• The opportunity to be part of one of Edinburgh's most exciting new openings.

If you're an experienced bartender ready to take on more responsibility and play a key role in leading our late-night operation, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay: From £13.50 per hour

Work Location: In person