Head Bartender - Whiskey and Seaweed by Clare Smyth

Job Identification: 208313

Job Category: Food and Beverage

Job Schedule: Full time

Salary Competitive

Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch is seeking a Head Bartender - Whiskey and Seaweed by Clare Smyth to join the pre-opening team for this highly anticipated new luxury hotel opening later this year.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced luxury hospitality leader to join the founding team and help shape the guest experience at this landmark hotel.

Located at the end of The Mall opposite Buckingham Palace, Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch will feature 100 elegant rooms and suites and 17,500 sqft of private residences. The hotel will open with two signature restaurants - Coreus by Clare Smyth and Café Boulud by Daniel Boulud - bringing together two of the world's most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs. Guests will also enjoy a world-class spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and a collection of grand event spaces, including a ballroom for up to 320 guests.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is Hilton's flagship luxury brand, known for its timeless elegance, iconic properties, and sincerely elevated service that delivers bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the world's most sought-after destinations.

We are looking for hospitality professionals who are passionate about delivering an exceptional fives star guest experience, consistently upholding the worldclass service standards recognised by Forbes.

Responsibilities

As Head Bartender - Whiskey and Seaweed by Clare Smyth, you will orchestrate a refined, personalised bar experience, engaging guests with assured confidence, cultivated expertise, and impeccable discretion. You will craft and present exceptional wines, spirits, and bespoke cocktails, upholding the highest standards of quality, consistency, and brand distinction synonymous with an ultra-luxury environment.

• Delivering attentive, seamless service by accurately receiving and fulfilling guest orders with precision and poise
• Expertly preparing and presenting a curated selection of beverages, including classic and signature cocktails, premium spirits, fine wines, beers, and refined non alcoholic offerings
• Taking food orders and supporting the restaurant floor team to ensure a cohesive, fluid, and elevated service journey
• Maintaining expert knowledge of menus, seasonal offerings, and special promotions to confidently guide and inspire guest choices
• Ensuring the bar and surrounding service areas are immaculately maintained, meticulously organised, and consistently guest ready
• Managing guest transactions with discretion, accuracy, and efficiency
• Responding to guest enquiries and feedback with professionalism, warmth, and a solution oriented mindset

Qualifications

A Head Bartender - Whiskey and Seaweed by Clare Smyth representing a Hilton luxury brand sets the benchmark for service excellence, leadership presence, and uncompromising attention to detail. To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Previous experience in a high end cocktail bar, fine dining restaurant, or premium hospitality environment
• Proven expertise in crafting classic cocktails with precision, consistency, and finesse
• Flexibility to work rostered shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• Impeccable personal presentation paired with polished communication and guest engagement skills
• The agility to perform calmly and confidently in a fast paced, guest focused luxury setting
• A genuine passion for delivering personalised, memorable, and elevated guest experiences
• Previous experience within a luxury or ultra luxury, service led environment is highly desirable