Job Introduction
Head Bartender - Lasdun - National Theatre London
- £38,000 per annum
- 5 out of 7 days per week
- Medicash – Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical and therapy treatments (includes up to 4 dependent children)
- Aviva Digicare – Free annual healthcare check
- Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
- Entertainment discounts – up to 55% off cinema tickets
- Health & Wellbeing discounts – Discounts for Nuffield Health (20%) and Pure Gym (10%)
- Travel discounts – Discounts with holiday companies such as TUI and Expedia
- Shopping discounts – Save up to 15% at high street and online stores
- Meals on duty
- Vodaphone discounts
- Pension scheme and Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- 23 days + BH’s and an additional day off for your birthday
- 2 days additional leave, following return from Maternity leave during the first year back
- Competitive and supportive family benefits
- Day off for baby's 1st birthday
- Holiday purchase scheme
- On-going training & development and career pathways
- Professional subscriptions paid
- Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products
Levy UK & Ireland, a vibrant and exciting division of Compass Group, specializes in creating legendary food, drink, and hospitality experiences at world-class venues. In the UK, Levy partners with renowned locations such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur, and ExCel London, focusing on sustainability, wellbeing, and diversity. Known for its culinary excellence, Levy champions sustainably sourced ingredients and exceptional service, aligning with its mission to "do the right thing" for people and the planet. As proud partners of the British Paralympic Association, we ensure all team members are paid at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage and collaborate with innovative brands to deliver best-in-class experiences.
NT Food & Drink is a unique and dynamic partnership driven by Levy and KERB, embedded within the National Theatre on the South Bank. Our ambition to create a world-class hospitality destination at the heart of the world's most iconic theatre is powered by our progressive people-first approach, centred on environmental and social sustainability. We celebrate inclusivity with purpose, putting the development and progression of our future leader’s centre stage. Our shared goal is to ensure all food and drink spaces support the NT's overall values, vision, and culture.
Purpose
The Head Bartender is responsible for the creative and operational success of the Bar program at Lasdun, a timeless British brasserie within the iconic National Theatre. Reporting to the AGM, this role involves curating a dynamic drinks and service culture that elevates the guest experience through exceptional product knowledge, expert delivery, and memorable customer interactions. Rooted in timeless elegance and inspired by the rich history of the venue, the bar program features traditional cocktails, an extensive wine list blending classic and natural styles, and reserved yet engaging service. The Head Bartender will also collaborate on experiential events, including live music, wine and whiskey dinners, and jazz evenings, ensuring the bar remains a cornerstone of Lasdun’s vibrant cultural offerings.
Responsibilities
- Financial Performance: Drive bar performance, meet budget targets, maximize guest spend, and maintain controls on costs, wastage, and reporting.
- Operational Excellence: Manage stock, equipment, and deliveries, ensuring accurate orders and seamless bar openings, closings, and handovers.
- Product Expertise: Collaborate on new drinks, uphold sustainability, and deliver exceptional product quality through expert knowledge and training.
- Service Standards: Ensure swift, detailed service during peak times, support marketing efforts, and maintain pristine service areas.
- Guest Experience: Create a warm atmosphere, focus on guest recognition, and deliver world-class hospitality to attract and retain visitors.
- Health & Safety: Uphold safety standards, rigorously manage allergen protocols, and maintain compliance through regular audits and documentation.
- Brand Alignment: Ensure meticulous adherence to brand standards and consistently deliver high-quality service experiences.
- Team Leadership: Provide engaging training and support, fostering a knowledgeable, energized team committed to excellence.
Requirements
- Experience & Expertise:
- Proven experience as a senior or head bartender in a busy restaurant or hotel environment.
- Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, and wines.
- Leadership & Team Development:
- Ability to lead, train, and develop a bar team to deliver at an impeccable standard
- Operational Skills:
- Proficient in maintaining stock records, ordering from suppliers, and fostering relationships with different brands.
- Capable of managing extensive bar areas, ensuring excellent service for guests on food and beverage offerings.
- Customer Interaction:
- Warm, confident personality with the ability to host the bar and engage with guests, including theatergoers.
- Professionalism & Communication:
- Displays maturity, presence, and professionalism.
- Demonstrates clear and effective communication skills.
- Innovation & Creativity:
- Driven by quality and capable of leading the creative development of the bar and its offerings.
- Productivity & Adaptability:
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment while maintaining focus during quieter periods.
- Passion for the Industry:
- Shows genuine interest in the broader hospitality industry and keeps up-to-date with trends in the London drinks scene and beyond.
Site Specific Benefits
- Access to ongoing training and development opportunities through GROW program
- Perks at Work – savings and discounts for everyday shopping and experiences
- Generous holiday allowance with the option of to purchase additional leave
- Private Pension scheme with a company match up to 6%
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Medicash Healthcare and Life Assurance
- Long Service Rewards and recognition
- 15% off all outlets with the National Theatre, with a 25% discount in the Bookshop.
- Kerb Card - 20% discount on drinks and 50% discount on food at Seven Dials Market.
- Complimentary tickets to shows at the National Theatre (subject to availability)
- O2 – last minute ticket offers for O2s show in our VIP box (subject to availability.)
- Onsite parking – parking is available at a discounted rate of £4 per day
At Levy UK & Ireland, we take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strengths, and we are committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.
Our team is a vibrant tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which enriches our creativity, innovation, and overall success. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities, promoting fairness, and ensuring that all voices are heard.
We firmly believe that a diverse team leads to innovation and creativity. We welcome candidates from all walks of life and backgrounds to join us in our mission to create a supportive and equitable work environment where everyone has the chance to excel and collaborate.
Join us in our journey towards a more diverse and inclusive world, where every person has the chance to thrive and contribute their unique talents. Together, we can achieve greatness.