This interview question aims to assess your leadership skills and how you handle pressure. You need to describe a specific challenging situation, explain your role in guiding the team, and highlight the positive outcome you achieved.

Example: Sure. At my last pub, we faced a sudden staff shortage during a busy weekend. I quickly reorganised the team, stepping in where needed and keeping everyone motivated. By communicating clearly and supporting each other, we maintained smooth service and even received positive customer feedback despite the pressure. It showed me how important teamwork and calm leadership are when things don’t go as planned.

Interviewers ask this question to see if you can manage conflicts constructively and keep the team working well together. You need to say you listen carefully to everyone's perspective, mediate to find fair solutions, and promote open communication to maintain a positive environment.

Example: When conflicts arise, I make sure to hear everyone’s side without jumping to conclusions. By understanding the root of the issue, I work with the team to find a fair resolution that respects everyone involved. Keeping communication open and encouraging mutual respect helps maintain a positive atmosphere. For example, when two staff had a scheduling disagreement, a simple chat and compromise on shifts smoothed things out quickly.

This interview question helps the employer understand how you manage financial resources to keep the pub profitable. You need to explain how you budget effectively, monitor sales and expenses, manage inventory smartly to reduce waste, and adjust pricing to boost profits.

Example: When managing a pub, I keep a close eye on the numbers, regularly reviewing sales and expenses to stay on track. I make sure stock levels match demand to avoid waste, and I’m always looking at the menu to highlight popular, profitable drinks or snacks. For example, promoting craft ales during peak times has boosted sales while keeping costs manageable. It’s about balancing quality with smart spending.

What they want to understand is how you handle financial responsibility to keep the pub profitable and sustainable. You need to explain how you create and monitor monthly budgets, analyze sales data to spot trends, and implement strategies like boosting sales or cutting waste to meet financial goals.

Example: Managing the pub’s budget starts with setting clear spending limits and regularly reviewing sales and costs to spot trends. I keep a close eye on supplier prices and staff hours to avoid overspending. If numbers dip, I adjust resources or run promotions to boost sales. Last year, this approach helped us increase profits by 15% while maintaining a great customer experience.

What they want to know is how you handle leadership, conflict, and motivation in a fast-paced setting. You need to describe your specific team size, how you supported and organized staff, and any successes you had improving teamwork or service quality.

Example: In my previous role, I led a lively team at a busy pub, balancing customer service with staff coordination. I focused on clear communication and maintaining a positive atmosphere, which helped improve both morale and efficiency. For example, during peak times, I delegated tasks to keep things running smoothly and encouraged team members to share ideas, creating a sense of ownership and pride in our work.

Interviewers ask this question to see how you handle financial pressure and manage resources effectively. You need to describe a specific problem, explain the steps you took to resolve it, and highlight the positive outcome.

Example: In my previous role, we faced a sudden drop in footfall, which tightened our margins. I reviewed our stock orders and negotiated better deals with suppliers, reducing waste and costs. At the same time, I introduced weekly promotions to attract more customers during quieter evenings. These steps helped stabilise our income without compromising quality, turning a tough situation into a manageable one.

Questions like this help interviewers understand your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain a positive atmosphere in the pub. You need to briefly describe the conflict, explain how you calmly addressed it, and share the successful result to show your effective management.

Example: Once, two customers argued over a reserved table during a busy night. I calmly stepped in, listened to both sides, and offered an alternative spot with a complimentary drink to ease tensions. They appreciated the solution, and the evening continued smoothly. It taught me the importance of staying composed and finding quick, practical solutions that keep everyone comfortable and happy.

Questions like this assess your ability to manage conflict effectively in a busy pub environment. You need to explain how you listen carefully to understand concerns, use calm communication to reduce tension, and find practical solutions that work for everyone involved.

Example: When tensions rise, I focus on really hearing everyone’s side without interrupting, which helps people feel respected and understood. I keep my tone calm and clear, avoiding any language that might escalate the situation. Then, I work with those involved to find a reasonable way forward—whether that’s a compromise or a simple solution that puts everyone at ease. For example, diffusing a crowded night with clear, polite instructions often settles things quickly.

What they want to see is how you handle unexpected challenges and keep operations running smoothly. You need to explain the situation, the actions you took to resolve the disruption, and the positive outcome that followed.

Example: Sure. At my last pub, a key supplier unexpectedly delayed delivery before a busy weekend. I quickly contacted alternative local vendors to fill the gap and adjusted the menu slightly to highlight available items. This kept both customers happy and the bar running smoothly without disruption. It taught me the value of staying calm and having backup options ready.

Hiring managers ask this question to see how you lead and maintain morale among your team. You need to say that you motivate staff by recognizing good work, fostering open communication, and promptly resolving conflicts to keep a positive, high-performing environment.

Example: I focus on building a team where everyone feels valued and heard, which naturally boosts enthusiasm and effort. I encourage open communication and recognise achievements, no matter how small. When challenges arise, I address them quickly and fairly to keep morale high. For example, if there’s tension among staff, I arrange a chat to understand concerns and find a solution that works for everyone. This approach keeps the team motivated and engaged.

Hiring managers ask this to see how you prioritize customer experience and handle challenges in a busy environment. You should say you greet customers warmly, maintain a clean and comfortable space, and address any issues quickly and politely to keep everyone happy.

Example: Creating a welcoming atmosphere starts with genuine friendliness—greeting customers by name when possible and checking in without being intrusive. I focus on a clean, cozy space with good lighting and music that suits the crowd. If issues arise, like a wrong order or noise complaints, I address them calmly and quickly to keep things positive. It’s about making everyone feel comfortable, so they want to come back.

Hiring managers ask this question to see how you handle tense situations calmly and ensure a positive environment for both staff and customers. You need to say that you listen carefully to all sides without bias, mediate fairly, and follow up afterward to confirm everyone is satisfied and prevent future issues.

Example: When conflicts arise, I make sure everyone feels heard by truly listening to each side without jumping to conclusions. I stay neutral, focusing on the facts and finding a solution that works for everyone. After we’ve agreed on a way forward, I check in later to make sure things have settled and to help avoid similar issues down the line. It’s all about creating a fair and open atmosphere where the team feels respected.

Employers ask this question to see how you handle situations that exceed typical service expectations and how you create positive experiences for customers. You need to share a specific example where you noticed a customer’s unique needs, took initiative to address them thoughtfully, and worked with your team to deliver exceptional service.

Example: Once, a group’s booking was delayed, and the kitchen was running late. I quickly checked in with the team to speed things up and personally updated the customers, keeping them comfortable with drinks on the house. That little extra attention turned their frustration into appreciation, and they ended up leaving a great review. It’s those moments of listening and acting fast that really make the difference.

Hiring managers ask this to see how you address performance issues while maintaining team morale. You need to say you identify the root cause, provide clear feedback, support improvement with training, and set measurable goals to track progress.

Example: When someone’s not meeting expectations, I start by having a relaxed, honest chat to understand any issues they might be facing. I set clear, achievable goals and offer support or training if needed. For example, if a bartender was slow during busy times, I worked with them on prioritising tasks, which improved their pace and confidence. It’s about guiding, not punishing, to help them succeed.

What they want to know is how you actively gather customer opinions to improve the pub’s service and atmosphere. You need to say that you collect feedback through casual chats with customers, review it regularly to spot patterns, and make changes based on their suggestions to enhance their experience.

Example: I like to stay approachable, encouraging guests to share their thoughts casually during their visit or through comment cards and online reviews. I regularly review feedback to spot patterns and focus on areas needing attention. When changes are made, I make sure to let customers know we’ve listened—whether it’s improving the menu or tidying the space—showing we value their input and care about their experience.

Interviewers want to see how you maintain optimal inventory to avoid tying up cash or losing sales. You need to explain how you track stock daily using tools, adjust orders based on demand trends, and manage excess stock with solutions like promotions.

Example: To keep stock at the right level, I regularly monitor sales trends and adjust orders accordingly, so we’re not stuck with too much or running out. For example, if a certain beer gets popular on weekends, I make sure we have enough without over-ordering during quieter days. When surplus occurs, I work with suppliers for returns or promotions to keep things moving smoothly.

Questions like this assess your ability to maintain standards and lead a reliable team. You need to say that you clearly communicate policies through regular briefings, monitor compliance consistently during shifts, and address issues promptly while leading by example.

Example: I make sure everyone knows what’s expected by discussing policies openly during team meetings and keeping information accessible. I regularly check in with the team, providing feedback where needed to keep things on track. More importantly, I set the tone by following the rules myself—when the team sees that, it builds trust and encourages them to take responsibility seriously. For example, I once caught a safety issue early by keeping a close eye on daily operations.

Questions like this assess your attention to detail and ability to maintain high standards. You need to explain how you regularly check stock dates, rotate inventory using the FIFO method, and work closely with suppliers to ensure freshness.

Example: To keep inventory fresh, I maintain strong relationships with reliable suppliers and schedule regular deliveries to avoid overstocking. I conduct daily checks on perishable goods, rotating stock to use older items first. For example, at my last pub, this approach reduced waste significantly while ensuring customers always received top-quality food and drinks. It’s about balancing freshness with smart ordering and close attention to detail.

What they want to know is how you ensure financial accuracy and maintain trust in your management. You need to say you quickly identify and investigate discrepancies by cross-checking records, correct any errors, and communicate transparently with the relevant team members to resolve the issue.

Example: If I spot something off in the financial records, I’d first track down where it came from—maybe a misplaced receipt or a data entry error. Then, I’d sort it out quickly to keep things running smoothly and make sure it doesn’t happen again. It’s important to keep the team in the loop too; transparency helps everyone stay accountable and on the same page.

This question helps employers see how you use communication to manage conflicts effectively and maintain a positive environment. You should say that you actively listen to understand everyone’s concerns, speak calmly to reduce tension, and encourage open dialogue to find fair solutions.

Example: Communication is key when resolving conflicts. I make sure to really hear everyone’s side without jumping in too soon, which helps calm things down. Staying clear and composed allows me to guide the conversation toward finding common ground. For example, in a busy pub, when two team members disagreed over shifts, listening carefully and encouraging a respectful chat helped us settle on a solution that worked for both.

Employers ask this to see how you manage conflict and maintain a positive atmosphere. You need to show empathy, stay calm, listen carefully, and find a fair solution that keeps the customer happy and the pub's reputation intact.

Example: When dealing with difficult customers, I stay calm and listen carefully to understand their concerns. I try to empathize and find a solution that works for both sides, whether it’s a replacement drink or a small gesture to make things right. I remember once a customer was upset about a delayed order; by staying patient and offering a complimentary snack, I managed to turn their mood around before they left.

Employers ask this to see if you can manage budgets and make decisions that improve profitability. You need to explain your experience tracking expenses, preparing reports, and using data to guide business choices.

Example: In previous roles, I regularly reviewed sales data and managed budgets to keep the pub profitable. I tracked daily takings, monitored costs, and adjusted stock orders accordingly to prevent waste. For example, by analyzing weekend trends, I was able to optimize staff schedules and increase efficiency. This hands-on approach to financial details helps me ensure the business stays on track and meets its targets.

Questions like this assess your ability to develop effective training strategies that ensure consistent, high-quality service. You need to explain how you design clear training programs, monitor staff performance through regular feedback, and promote a positive team culture that values excellent customer service.

Example: When training staff, I start with clear, hands-on sessions that cover both the basics and subtle customer service nuances, like reading guest moods. I keep a close eye on how they perform during shifts, offering honest, constructive feedback regularly. Creating an open, supportive atmosphere encourages the team to take pride in their work, making excellent service something we all strive for naturally, not just on paper.

Hiring managers ask this question to see if you can efficiently manage stock and avoid shortages or over-ordering. You need to mention using EPOS systems for tracking, regularly reconciling physical stock with system data, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate orders.

Example: I usually rely on a POS system integrated with inventory tracking to keep a close eye on stock levels. Regular stock takes help catch discrepancies early, and I maintain clear communication with suppliers to ensure timely orders. For example, using software like OrderMate has made it easier to monitor what’s coming in and adjust orders based on demand, which keeps everything running smoothly behind the bar.

What they want to know is how you maintain strong, reliable partnerships that ensure quality supplies and good terms. You need to say you build trust through clear communication and understand both parties' needs to negotiate fair, beneficial contracts.

Example: Building strong, honest relationships with suppliers is key. I keep communication open and transparent, which helps when discussing terms or resolving issues. For example, by regularly reviewing orders and sharing feedback, I’ve managed to negotiate better prices and flexible delivery schedules that suit both parties. It’s about finding a balance that supports the pub’s needs while respecting the supplier’s business.