Head Bartender

About Arcade

Arcade is a high-energy hospitality group in the UK known for ambitious food and drink concepts, creative culinary ideas, and standout guest experiences. The business develops, runs, and expands original brands that showcase global flavours alongside strong drink-led hospitality.

About the Role

Arcade is hiring a skilled, confident, and practical Head Bartender for the launch team at Arcade Covent Garden in London. This position sits at the heart of the bar operation and works closely with the Bar Manager to deliver excellent drinks, efficient service, and memorable experiences for guests.

You will set the pace on shift, lead by example, support your teammates, and help keep service running smoothly from opening through closing.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive bar service with speed, accuracy, and high energy while keeping every drink aligned with company standards.
• Guide, support, and coach bartenders and barbacks during service to build confidence and strong performance.
• Manage bar preparation, organisation, and service movement so operations stay seamless.
• Keep drink presentation, quality, and cleanliness consistently at a high level.
• Help monitor stock, place orders, and reduce waste wherever possible.
• Create a strong guest experience by using product knowledge to make recommendations and engage customers.
• Support induction and training so the team becomes knowledgeable, capable, and motivated.
• Take charge of the bar when the Bar Manager is unavailable.
• Follow all food safety, hygiene, and health and safety requirements.

What They’re Looking For

Arcade wants someone with proven leadership experience in a busy, quality-focused bar environment, ideally as a Supervisor or Head Bartender. The right person will be comfortable working at pace, maintaining consistency, and stepping in wherever needed.

Skills and Experience

• Background in a high-volume, quality-led bar or hospitality venue.
• Strong cocktail knowledge and a sharp eye for consistency and detail.
• Experience coaching and developing team members on service and bar techniques.
• Understanding of stock control, cost awareness, and efficient operations.
• Calm, organised, and able to stay effective under pressure.
• Positive leadership style that encourages and motivates others.
• Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest interactions.
• Hands-on approach with the confidence to step into any task required.

Benefits

• Referral bonus for bringing in a friend.
• Access to an internal wage advance facility so earned wages can be accessed sooner.
• Free seasonal meals while on shift.
• Recognition budget for birthdays, milestones, and career achievements.
• Dedicated staff relaxation spaces with kitchen facilities and seating away from the dining area.
• Balanced rota planning that respects time outside work.
• 50% discount on food at the company’s restaurants for the employee and their loved ones.
• 50% discount on food in JKS restaurants within Arcade for the employee and their loved ones.
• Access to counselling, remote GP and physiotherapy services, legal advice, and more through Hospitality Action 24/7, all year round.
• Summer and Christmas team celebrations.

Diversity and Inclusion

The company is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

Working at Arcade

The team is central to the business, bringing genuine hospitality to guests every day. Arcade values industry-leading talent and aims to give staff the support, training, and experience they need to grow with confidence.

More than a restaurant group, Arcade is a collection of bold and varied food and drink brands built on creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for hospitality. The business focuses on developing people, opening opportunities across the company, and creating an environment that is fast-moving, rewarding, and distinctive within the hospitality sector.