Batchwood Club, St Albans

Bar Manager Independent, Growing Pub Company We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Bar Manager to join an independent pub company at an exciting stage of growth. Our focus is on delivering premium hospitality and a standout service, supported by significant investment, clear systems, and long-term ambition. Our current project is a six-figure refurbishment of a 17th-century heritage pub. The aim is to restore and celebrate the building’s original character while introducing a refined, well-run operation with a professional yet welcoming atmosphere. Our food offering is rooted in classic French and British cuisine with modern influences, delivered with consistency, quality, and care. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who takes pride in standards, enjoys building teams, and wants to be part of something built properly from the ground up. There is genuine opportunity for career progression as the business grows and acquires new sites. Overview The Bar Manager will oversee the daily operations of the bar and front-of-house service, ensuring a consistently high-quality guest experience. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a passion for hospitality, and a comprehensive understanding of food and beverage operations within a sophisticated, service-led environment. Duties • Manage daily bar operations, ensuring smooth, professional, and consistent service, • Lead, supervise, recruit, train, and develop the bar and front-of-house team, • Set and maintain service standards aligned with a quality-focused, refined operation, • Deliver excellent customer service and handle guest feedback professionally, • Oversee food and beverage service to ensure quality, presentation, and consistency, • Ensure full compliance with licensing laws, food safety regulations, and health & safety policies, • Manage stock control and ordering., • Organise rotas, training sessions, and team meetings to support a structured working environment, • Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and presentation throughout service areas, • Support menu development, including cocktails, drinks lists, and food pairings, • Assist with private dining, events, and functions as the business develops, • Proven experience as a Bar Manager or in a senior supervisory role within hospitality, • Background in bars, restaurants, hotels, or service-led environments, • Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead by example and set standards, • Solid understanding of food and beverage service, quality control, and guest experience, • Good working knowledge of licensing, food safety, and compliance, • Experience working closely with kitchen teams is highly desirable, • Barista, cocktail, wine, or spirits knowledge is advantageous, • Excellent organisational and communication skills, • Calm, professional approach under pressure, • Salary of £35,000–£40,000 per year (DOE), • Tronc payments, • Full-time, permanent position, • A key role in a major refurbishment and relaunch, • Clear career progression as the company expands and acquires new sites, • A professional, supportive environment focused on quality, integrity, and consistency