Restaurant Bar jobs in London

Bar Manager - Independent Pub, Soho

The Queens Head has been pouring pints since 1738 and still serves as Soho's cosy and proudly independent local. We're a wet-led pub - no kitchen, just great beer, great atmosphere, and great people. We champion quality beer, support independent breweries, host live music every Sunday, and pride ourselves on being an inclusive, welcoming space for all.

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Pub Manager to help lead our team and keep the Queens Head running at its very best.

Reporting to: Head Office team

Responsible for: Bar Staff, Supervisors, and Door Staff

Job Summary

• Take full responsibility for your shifts, ensuring the pub is well-managed and operating at its best from open to close
• Manage, lead, and motivate the team to deliver exceptional results
• Set the tone for a fun, welcoming atmosphere that keeps both customers and staff happy
• Make sure every guest leaves having had a brilliant experience with great products and service to match
• Get to know your regulars, build real relationships, and play an active role in growing the business
• Keep on top of compliance - you know the rules and make sure the team does too
• Hold high cleanliness standards and make sure checklists are followed correctly
• Oversee stock and cellar management, including regular line cleans
• Manage customer flow effectively - making smart use of space, balancing walk-ins and bookings, and keeping an eye on capacity to maximise turnover without ever compromising on customer experience or compliance

Why Work With Us?

• You'll be based in the heart of Soho - one of London's most exciting neighbourhoods, on the doorstep of world-class theatres, restaurants, and bars
• We've got something a lot of Soho venues don't - a genuine community feel with a loyal, friendly crowd who keep coming back
• We're independently run with a hardworking, fun, and inclusive team in a proudly LGBTQIA+ friendly environment
• 40 hours a week with a fair and considerate rota, plus overtime opportunities
• Weekly pay
• 28 days paid holiday a year
• A weekly drinks tab - you earn £1 for every hour you work
• 20% discount for you, your friends, and family
• Paid external training courses and career development opportunities
• Staff days out, brewery tours, and supplier visits throughout the year
• Christmas and summer parties

Who Are You?

• Someone who leads by example, takes pride in being professional, and knows that a great team starts with a great attitude at the top
• A team player who keeps communication strong and brings positive energy to those around them
• Hospitable by nature, with the ability to make customers and staff feel welcome and at ease
• Passionate about hospitality and pubs, with a genuine interest in industry trends and product knowledge
• Cool, calm, and collected when things get busy. But doesn't switch off when it quietens down - you use the slower periods to keep standards high, the team engaged, and the pub in great shape for when it picks back up.
• Presentable and confident when talking to customers and representing the venue
• Aware of health and safety responsibilities and takes them seriously

Must Haves:

• You've managed a team before and know how to get the best out of people
• Reliable - great timekeeping and attendance matter to us
• Solid knowledge of draught dispense, beer, wine, and spirits
• Confident handling of conflict calmly and professionally
• Fluent in English, written and spoken
• Computer literacy is a must

Desirables:

• Experience with stock and cellar management
• Cask ale knowledge and experience in cleaning lines
• Used to putting together rotas and staff schedules
• Personal Licence holder
• Events and bookings management
• Professional social media management
• Happy to roll your sleeves up for basic maintenance when needed
• Worked alongside security before

Pay:

• Up to £17.50/h

Think you're the right fit? We'd love to hear from you.

Send your CV and a cover letter to jobs@queensheadpiccadilly.com and tell us a little about yourself and why the Queens Head feels like the right next step for you.

Pay: £15.00-£17.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Application question(s):

• What is the largest team you have managed?
• What is the average weekly revenue in your last management positions?
• Have you managed shifts where you were solely responsible for the venue?

Licence/Certification:

• Personal Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person