Innovative Restaurant Concept jobs

McKeever Hotels is developing an exciting new cocktail bar concept in Armagh, and we’re looking for people who want to be part of it from the beginning.

This is an opportunity to join a new team, help shape the guest experience and be part of creating a bar known for warm hospitality, great service and high standards.

We’re looking for people who enjoy the energy of a busy bar, take pride in getting the details right and understand that great hospitality is about more than simply serving a drink.

As a Mixologist, you’ll be at the heart of the guest experience. You’ll prepare and serve quality drinks, build your product knowledge and create the kind of warm, knowledgeable service that makes people want to come back.

What You’ll Be Doing

Working as part of the wider bar team, you’ll help deliver a smooth, professional and welcoming service throughout each shift. You’ll take pride in the quality of every drink you serve, keep the bar organised and ready for service, and work closely with colleagues to make sure our guests have a consistently great experience.

You’ll be responsible for:

Cocktail & Beverage Preparation

• Prepare and serve a wide range of classic and signature cocktails to a consistently high standard.
• Develop innovative cocktail menus and seasonal drinks that align with The Meridian's brand and guest expectations.
• Ensure all drinks are prepared accurately, efficiently and in accordance with licensing laws.
• Maintain excellent knowledge of spirits, wines, beers, cocktails and current beverage trends.
• Provide recommendations to guests based on their preferences and tastes.

Customer Service

• Deliver exceptional guest service and create a welcoming atmosphere for all customers.
• Engage with guests in a professional and friendly manner, offering an interactive and memorable experience.
• Handle guest enquiries, feedback and complaints promptly and professionally.
• Upsell premium beverages and promotions where appropriate to maximise revenue opportunities.

Bar Operations

• Ensure the bar is fully stocked and organised for service.
• Monitor stock levels and notify management of ordering requirements.
• Assist with stock takes and inventory control procedures.
• Ensure accurate cash handling and operation of the point-of-sale system.
• Support the achievement of departmental sales targets and profitability objectives.

Compliance & Standards

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety throughout the bar area.
• Comply with all Health & Safety regulations and licensing legislation.
• Follow company policies and procedures at all times.
• Ensure responsible service of alcohol and challenge guests where age verification is required.

Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with restaurant, events and hotel teams to ensure seamless guest service.
• Support colleagues during busy periods and special events.
• Participate in training and development activities as required.
• Contribute ideas to improve guest satisfaction and operational performance.

This list is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect the main duties and responsibilities of the role. You may be required to undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and in line with the needs of the business.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who already understands the pace and standards of hospitality and can bring confidence, experience and a positive approach to the team. Cocktail experience is important, but so are reliability, guest service and the ability to work well with others when service gets busy.

• A minimum of one year’s cocktail experience in a busy bar, hotel, restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Good customer service and communication skills.
• Comfortable working at pace while keeping standards high.
• A positive, reliable approach and willingness to keep learning.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends.
• Applicants must be aged 18 or over due to the sale and service of alcohol.

What You’ll Get From Us

Joining McKeever Hotels means becoming part of a family owned hotel group where good people are valued and there are genuine opportunities to learn and progress.

• Company pension.
• Employee discounts across McKeever Hotels.
• Meals while on duty.
• On-site parking.
• Perkbox.
• Employee Assistance and wellbeing support.
• Training and development from the day you join.
• Role specific drinks, product and service training.
• Opportunities to progress within the hotel and across the wider McKeever Hotels group.

Training and Development

You won’t be expected to know every detail of our drinks offering on day one. We’ll provide role-specific training on our menu, products and service standards so you can build on the experience you already have and continue developing your skills.

If you enjoy hospitality, take pride in good service and want to be part of this new opening, we’d love to hear from you.

A Little About Us

McKeever Hotels is a family owned hotel group. While each of our hotels has its own personality, what matters across all of our hotels is the same. Warm hospitality, good standards and people who genuinely care about the guest experience. We want people to enjoy coming to work, have the opportunity to develop and feel part of the team.

Equal Opportunities

McKeever Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all backgrounds and make recruitment decisions fairly, based on the requirements of the role. A criminal conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment. Any relevant information disclosed will be considered fairly and proportionately, taking account of the requirements of the role and applicable law.

Pay: £12.73-£15.27 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Armagh BT60 2HE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Cocktail: 1 year (required)
• Mixologist: 1 year (required)
• Bartending: 1 year (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person