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Bar person
Bartender
Bar staff serve drinks in venues like pubs, clubs, wine bars, hotels and leisure centres.
Average salary (a year)
£14000
Starter
£22000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; applying directly
College
You can take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job, which will help you find work in the industry. Courses include
Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry, Level 1 Award in Professional Food and Beverage Service Skills, Level 2 Certificate in Professional Food and Beverage Service
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could do an intermediate apprenticeship as a hospitality team member.
This will usually take 1 year to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct Application
You can apply directly if you've got some of the relevant skills, experience and knowledge needed for this job.
Employers will look for strong communication skills, good customer service, and the ability to work well in a team.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about careers in the drinks trade from the:Caterer.com, Wine and Spirit Education Trust
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Customer service skills
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    Active listening skills
    The ability to sell products and services
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    To enjoy working with other people
    A good memory
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Related Restrictions
be over 18 to sell alcohol and other restricted goods
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In this role you could
greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere, use a till to take orders and payments, handle cash, serve drinks at the bar or at the table, keep the bar clean and well stocked, give advice on drinks to suit customers' tastes, collect glasses and wash up
Working environment
You could work in a pub or bar, at a restaurant, in a hotel or at a social club.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Your working environment may be noisy, crowded and hot.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could progress to supervisor, deputy bar manager and bar manager.
You could also become a publican or bar manager for a hotel chain.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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