Lead Bartender

Do you have bar experience and enjoy working in live events?

Want to work for a company recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work?

Join us at British Airways ARC, one of London's newest live event venues, and help deliver unforgettable guest experiences at world class shows.

As a Lead Bartender, you'll deliver an elevated cocktail experience for VIP guests in a refined, high energy setting. You'll be the authority on cocktail quality, presentation, and guest engagement-setting the standard with every serve.

This is a hands on role for an accomplished cocktail bartender who thrives in fast paced, high profile environments. You'll lead by example during service, acting as the benchmark for cocktail excellence within the VIP bar. Confidence using POS systems and working to venue standards is essential.

What You'll Do

Cocktail & Drinks Service

• Craft show stopping cocktails, spirits, wines, and premium serves to flawless recipe and presentation standards.
• Deliver smooth, high energy service during peak VIP moments.
• Guide guests with confident, stylish recommendations that elevate their experience.

VIP Guest Experience

• Create a luxurious, vibrant atmosphere worthy of the VIP space.
• Anticipate guest needs and deliver refined, personalised service with flair.
• Handle feedback with grace, discretion, and professionalism.

Bar Operations

• Set the pace and standard for cocktail excellence within the VIP bar.
• Ensure the bar is immaculately prepared with premium stock, garnishes, glassware, and equipment.
• Showcase expert knowledge of spirits, cocktails, and contemporary techniques.
• Care for premium glassware and equipment with attention and pride.

Standards & Compliance

• Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety.
• Operate in line with licensing laws and responsible alcohol service policies, including Think 25.
• Manage premium stock thoughtfully to minimise waste.
• Support stock control, reporting, and POS procedures to venue standards.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a cocktail bartender in a premium, VIP, or high end environment.
• Previous experience working in VIP lounges, luxury venues, or live events.
• Strong technical knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, including bespoke or signature serves.
• Solid understanding of premium spirits, Champagne, and wine service.
• Confident and accurate use of POS till systems.
• Calm, adaptable, and guest focused when working at pace.

Ready to Raise the Bar?

Passionate about cocktails, love working with VIP guests, and want to be part of unforgettable live events? Then this is the role for you.

Apply now and bring your expertise to a bar where quality, detail, and guest experience come first.

Working hours

This is a shift based role working evenings and weekends, normally from 5pm to 11pm, though some shifts can finish later and there are occasionally shifts during the day. You give your availability for the shifts you can work one month in advance. Once the monthly rota is confirmed you are expected to work those shifts. We ask that you are able to work regularly due to the nature of the role.

Where

You'll be based at the venue in Olympia, West London. You will need to be available to work evenings and weekends.

Key Dates

Interviews: late July/early August 2026

Start date: August 2026

Our commitment to inclusion

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe in equality of opportunity for all and our approach to recruitment and selection is fair, open and based purely on merit. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. If you require reasonable adjustments in any recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

We know that diverse teams make the strongest teams. That's why we actively encourage people from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply.

If this role excites you but you're wondering whether you meet every single requirement - don't hold back. If you've got most of what we're looking for and you're passionate about what we do, we'd love to hear from you. You might be exactly who we need, in this role or another.