Contact Us About Us
UK Career Advice

Bar Staff: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Bar Staff?

As a bar staff member in the UK, you'll be responsible for serving customers in bars and pubs, providing excellent customer service and ensuring the smooth operation of the establishment. This role typically involves taking drink orders, serving beverages, maintaining a clean workspace, and occasionally helping with catering or event planning at non-residential clubs.

How do I become a Bar Staff?

As a bar staff member in the UK, you'll be responsible for serving customers in bars and pubs, providing excellent customer service and ensuring the smooth operation of the establishment. This role typically involves taking drink orders, serving beverages, maintaining a clean workspace, and occasionally helping with catering or event planning at non-residential clubs.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Bar Staff?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Bar Staff

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Customer service and communication skills
  • Knowledge of alcoholic beverages and mixology
  • Ability to manage inventory and ordering supplies
  • Leadership and team management skills
  • Financial management and budgeting skills
  • Marketing and promotional skills
  • Health and safety knowledge and compliance
  • Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications & Education

  • No formal academic qualifications required
  • Relevant experience advantageous
  • Must be over 18 years of age
  • Must complete personal licence holders' qualification
  • Larger chains offer accelerated promotion for holders of degrees or equivalent qualifications
  • Off- and on-the-job training provided
  • NVQs/SVQs relevant to licensed premises management available at Levels 2 to 4

Career Path

Bar Staff
Bartender
Bar Manager
Restaurant Manager
Hospitality Manager
Hotel General Manager
Mixologist
Beverage Consultant
Brand Ambassador
Event Coordinator
Event Manager
Wedding Planner
Cocktail Waitress/Waiter
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Food and Beverage Manager
Pub Manager
Area Manager
Operations Director

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bar staff stressful?

Yes, working as bar staff in the UK can be stressful, especially during busy shifts.

Is working in a bar a good job?

Yes, working in a bar can be a good job as it can be rewarding and enjoyable, especially if you enjoy making drinks for people to enjoy.

What do you do as a bar staff?

As a bar staff in the UK, you mix and serve alcoholic drinks, serve snacks, ensure bar cleanliness and hygiene, accurately take payments, re-stock the bar, and satisfy requests and resolve complaints.

What is the career progression for bar staff?

With experience, bar staff in the UK can progress to become a supervisor, deputy bar manager, or bar manager. They can also become a publican or bar manager for a hotel chain.

Next: Interview Questions »