London pub jobs...?


By Leggy at 2013-08-17 11:40:53
London, UK
41 replies
7451 views
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2013-08-20 07:00:33

Some good advice on here already (especially avoiding top times as not only will managers not have time to natter to you but will also reflect that you have no idea how a pub runs). Only issue I would add is not to be troubled too much about lack of experience in pubs, a lot of pubs have a preference to take on moderately inexperienced workers so that they don't begin the job with 'bad habits' from preceding pubs they've worked in. The main thing that ALL pubs will look for is reliability plus honesty. Larger chains like Wetherspoons are forever hiring and the best part of their pubs do a good range of real ales and ciders so might be a good point to start. They also have multiple units all over London except I reckon you would have more fun and may learn more from a smaller local or self-reliant pub. Source-Managed pubs and bars in London and elsewhere for 7 years. Good luck
thanks for the advice, particularly from a vet like you! ...Do you still happen to run a pub? are you hiring?

What bad routine should I steer clear of when working in a pub I'd be thankful for information concerning how to do the job well, can be the most miniscule thing to the most universal it's all great.

Thanks

No problem, this is in no exact order-just listed as I though of it. I don't work in London any longer but now run 2 bars and a restaurant in Edinburgh. As I mentioned, honesty and reliability are key for nearly all pubs/bars etc. on the whole places won't tolerate unpunctuality etc more than as a one off, I'd suggest always trying to turn up 5-10 minutes sooner than your shift starts. Always be well-dressed (this depends a lot on the pub, if the uniform is smart then always make definite shirt is ironed etc). To begin with you'll almost certainly learn a lot from the other bar staff rather than the managers and they'll mostly be happy to help as long as you're keen and pleasent. If there's a head barman or somebody who's been there for a while then try and study what they're doing that makes them good, it will mostly be their manner with the customers and speed/accuracy of service. When behind the bar always take into account that everyone can see you (customers, staff and managers) so stay happy, self-confident and busy. If you see something that needs done whilst you're not serving then do it. Managers won't be favorable to find staff standing around/leaning on the bar/using their phones/reading a paper etc whilst there's things to do. If you aren't definite how to do something when you start then offer to help somebody who is doing it to learn from them-this applies markedly to beers, ales also cellar work. In terms of actually serving drinks it is fairly easy and you'll pick it up very quickly. Most pubs I know have a quite tight group of staff who all get on well with each other but all over I've worked is always friendly to new staff, not considering of experience, so you'll have no troubles with that. You'll enjoy it all a lot more if you work someplace that you would enjoy socialising/drinking. For instance if you're really into metal/rock music then best not to get a job someplace that only plays house/electro-something like this will drive you mad after a few weeks! If you find yourself working anywhere that has regular customers then get to be acquainted with them, introduce yourself, memorize their names and what they drink and always have a bit of small talk prepared for them (sport, news etc). If you find yourself working anywhere that gets a lot of tourists then make sure you know a good bit about the area eg. the story of the pub, neighboring attractions, transport etc. For interviews it's always a good sense to read up on the pub (and the company who own it if you can find that out) so that you have a healthier idea of what they'll be expecting from their staff. Also before you begin somewhere it is always of use to try and learn their menu/drinks list/ale range/wine list sooner than you start (or at least within the first few days) as this will offer you a lot more confidence when dealing with customers.

If you've got a good personality and take pleasure in working with and talking to people then you'll do well and no doubt get pleasure from it too, the rest is all easy to learn.

Quote/Reply
2013-08-20 11:52:33

Some good advice on here already (especially avoiding top times as not only will managers not have time to natter to you but will also reflect that you have no idea how a pub runs). Only issue I would add is not to be troubled too much about lack of experience in pubs, a lot of pubs have a preference to take on moderately inexperienced workers so that they don't begin the job with 'bad habits' from preceding pubs they've worked in. The main thing that ALL pubs will look for is reliability plus honesty. Larger chains like Wetherspoons are forever hiring and the best part of their pubs do a good range of real ales and ciders so might be a good point to start. They also have multiple units all over London except I reckon you would have more fun and may learn more from a smaller local or self-reliant pub. Source-Managed pubs and bars in London and elsewhere for 7 years. Good luck
thanks for the advice, particularly from a vet like you! ...Do you still happen to run a pub? are you hiring?

What bad routine should I steer clear of when working in a pub I'd be thankful for information concerning how to do the job well, can be the most miniscule thing to the most universal it's all great.

Thanks

No problem, this is in no exact order-just listed as I though of it. I don't work in London any longer but now run 2 bars and a restaurant in Edinburgh. As I mentioned, honesty and reliability are key for nearly all pubs/bars etc. on the whole places won't tolerate unpunctuality etc more than as a one off, I'd suggest always trying to turn up 5-10 minutes sooner than your shift starts. Always be well-dressed (this depends a lot on the pub, if the uniform is smart then always make definite shirt is ironed etc). To begin with you'll almost certainly learn a lot from the other bar staff rather than the managers and they'll mostly be happy to help as long as you're keen and pleasent. If there's a head barman or somebody who's been there for a while then try and study what they're doing that makes them good, it will mostly be their manner with the customers and speed/accuracy of service. When behind the bar always take into account that everyone can see you (customers, staff and managers) so stay happy, self-confident and busy. If you see something that needs done whilst you're not serving then do it. Managers won't be favorable to find staff standing around/leaning on the bar/using their phones/reading a paper etc whilst there's things to do. If you aren't definite how to do something when you start then offer to help somebody who is doing it to learn from them-this applies markedly to beers, ales also cellar work. In terms of actually serving drinks it is fairly easy and you'll pick it up very quickly. Most pubs I know have a quite tight group of staff who all get on well with each other but all over I've worked is always friendly to new staff, not considering of experience, so you'll have no troubles with that. You'll enjoy it all a lot more if you work someplace that you would enjoy socialising/drinking. For instance if you're really into metal/rock music then best not to get a job someplace that only plays house/electro-something like this will drive you mad after a few weeks! If you find yourself working anywhere that has regular customers then get to be acquainted with them, introduce yourself, memorize their names and what they drink and always have a bit of small talk prepared for them (sport, news etc). If you find yourself working anywhere that gets a lot of tourists then make sure you know a good bit about the area eg. the story of the pub, neighboring attractions, transport etc. For interviews it's always a good sense to read up on the pub (and the company who own it if you can find that out) so that you have a healthier idea of what they'll be expecting from their staff. Also before you begin somewhere it is always of use to try and learn their menu/drinks list/ale range/wine list sooner than you start (or at least within the first few days) as this will offer you a lot more confidence when dealing with customers.

If you've got a good personality and take pleasure in working with and talking to people then you'll do well and no doubt get pleasure from it too, the rest is all easy to learn.

Thanks a lot, thanks for taking the time, I appreciate it. Edinburgh's a fantastic city with some splendid pubs.

I like the latest craft beers but I also love nice ales similar to caledonian 80, one of my favourites actually, I like the maltyness of it a lot of ales fashionable now are the super hoppy ones but I like malty nutty flavour in beer.

I reflect one of the aspects I'll most like is regulars and remembering them and what's going on with them. As a person that loves pubs I specially try to time it so I get served by the bar staff I identify or like haha.

How did you get into the management portion of the business? Did you start as bar staff then moved up through trust and know-how or some other way? Do you still do any of the basic work like pulling pints or waiting (at the restaurant) or are you hands off nowadays? I'm merely curious and interested in the whole progression and business.

Great tip concerning trying to learn the menu, thanks

Quote/Reply
2013-08-20 14:57:33

If you're particularly on the look out for a job in a craft beer pub but you've never done bar work, why not pop into your local dives firstly to see if you can obtain a shift there first so at least you can go someplace better in a week or two and tell them you've got experience?
I was thinking of doing something like that, getting ANY pub job so I get at least - some - practice and then getting a better job. Getting a job that's in walking distance, to begin with is a fantastic idea actually, thanks!
1. Go to pub 2. Ask for job
And if you get knocked back you're in the proper place to drown your sorrows

Quote/Reply
2013-08-20 15:38:33

Some good advice on here already (especially avoiding top times as not only will managers not have time to natter to you but will also reflect that you have no idea how a pub runs). Only issue I would add is not to be troubled too much about lack of experience in pubs, a lot of pubs have a preference to take on moderately inexperienced workers so that they don't begin the job with 'bad habits' from preceding pubs they've worked in. The main thing that ALL pubs will look for is reliability plus honesty. Larger chains like Wetherspoons are forever hiring and the best part of their pubs do a good range of real ales and ciders so might be a good point to start. They also have multiple units all over London except I reckon you would have more fun and may learn more from a smaller local or self-reliant pub. Source-Managed pubs and bars in London and elsewhere for 7 years. Good luck
thanks for the advice, particularly from a vet like you! ...Do you still happen to run a pub? are you hiring?

What bad routine should I steer clear of when working in a pub I'd be thankful for information concerning how to do the job well, can be the most miniscule thing to the most universal it's all great.

Thanks

No problem, this is in no exact order-just listed as I though of it. I don't work in London any longer but now run 2 bars and a restaurant in Edinburgh. As I mentioned, honesty and reliability are key for nearly all pubs/bars etc. on the whole places won't tolerate unpunctuality etc more than as a one off, I'd suggest always trying to turn up 5-10 minutes sooner than your shift starts. Always be well-dressed (this depends a lot on the pub, if the uniform is smart then always make definite shirt is ironed etc). To begin with you'll almost certainly learn a lot from the other bar staff rather than the managers and they'll mostly be happy to help as long as you're keen and pleasent. If there's a head barman or somebody who's been there for a while then try and study what they're doing that makes them good, it will mostly be their manner with the customers and speed/accuracy of service. When behind the bar always take into account that everyone can see you (customers, staff and managers) so stay happy, self-confident and busy. If you see something that needs done whilst you're not serving then do it. Managers won't be favorable to find staff standing around/leaning on the bar/using their phones/reading a paper etc whilst there's things to do. If you aren't definite how to do something when you start then offer to help somebody who is doing it to learn from them-this applies markedly to beers, ales also cellar work. In terms of actually serving drinks it is fairly easy and you'll pick it up very quickly. Most pubs I know have a quite tight group of staff who all get on well with each other but all over I've worked is always friendly to new staff, not considering of experience, so you'll have no troubles with that. You'll enjoy it all a lot more if you work someplace that you would enjoy socialising/drinking. For instance if you're really into metal/rock music then best not to get a job someplace that only plays house/electro-something like this will drive you mad after a few weeks! If you find yourself working anywhere that has regular customers then get to be acquainted with them, introduce yourself, memorize their names and what they drink and always have a bit of small talk prepared for them (sport, news etc). If you find yourself working anywhere that gets a lot of tourists then make sure you know a good bit about the area eg. the story of the pub, neighboring attractions, transport etc. For interviews it's always a good sense to read up on the pub (and the company who own it if you can find that out) so that you have a healthier idea of what they'll be expecting from their staff. Also before you begin somewhere it is always of use to try and learn their menu/drinks list/ale range/wine list sooner than you start (or at least within the first few days) as this will offer you a lot more confidence when dealing with customers.

If you've got a good personality and take pleasure in working with and talking to people then you'll do well and no doubt get pleasure from it too, the rest is all easy to learn.

Thanks a lot, thanks for taking the time, I appreciate it. Edinburgh's a fantastic city with some splendid pubs.

I like the latest craft beers but I also love nice ales similar to caledonian 80, one of my favourites actually, I like the maltyness of it a lot of ales fashionable now are the super hoppy ones but I like malty nutty flavour in beer.

I reflect one of the aspects I'll most like is regulars and remembering them and what's going on with them. As a person that loves pubs I specially try to time it so I get served by the bar staff I identify or like haha.

How did you get into the management portion of the business? Did you start as bar staff then moved up through trust and know-how or some other way? Do you still do any of the basic work like pulling pints or waiting (at the restaurant) or are you hands off nowadays? I'm merely curious and interested in the whole progression and business.

Great tip concerning trying to learn the menu, thanks

I started out in Glasgow as bar staff for a Scottish based pub congregate in a new pub they were opening, then through word of mouth heard about a supervisor/charge hand place at a nearby pub, applied, got it and was promoted from there over 2-3 years. Managed a small pub in glasgow for a few years then moved to London with a different company to take on a larger place. Stayed there for 4 years and then moved to Edinburgh as a cluster supervisor earlier this year.

I don't pour many pints now but still endeavor and make time to talk to the frequent customers and the employees as they are the folks who compose the business. I wouldn't hesitate to do any job within the unit if they needed the help. I spend a lot of my time now managing the food service, menu and brand development.

Caledonian brewery are fantastic - they don't do anything too ground breaking or risky however what they do, they do extremely well. You should test out their Deuchar's IPA

Quote/Reply
2013-08-20 20:02:33

Some good advice on here already (especially avoiding top times as not only will managers not have time to natter to you but will also reflect that you have no idea how a pub runs). Only issue I would add is not to be troubled too much about lack of experience in pubs, a lot of pubs have a preference to take on moderately inexperienced workers so that they don't begin the job with 'bad habits' from preceding pubs they've worked in. The main thing that ALL pubs will look for is reliability plus honesty. Larger chains like Wetherspoons are forever hiring and the best part of their pubs do a good range of real ales and ciders so might be a good point to start. They also have multiple units all over London except I reckon you would have more fun and may learn more from a smaller local or self-reliant pub. Source-Managed pubs and bars in London and elsewhere for 7 years. Good luck
thanks for the advice, particularly from a vet like you! ...Do you still happen to run a pub? are you hiring?

What bad routine should I steer clear of when working in a pub I'd be thankful for information concerning how to do the job well, can be the most miniscule thing to the most universal it's all great.

Thanks

No problem, this is in no exact order-just listed as I though of it. I don't work in London any longer but now run 2 bars and a restaurant in Edinburgh. As I mentioned, honesty and reliability are key for nearly all pubs/bars etc. on the whole places won't tolerate unpunctuality etc more than as a one off, I'd suggest always trying to turn up 5-10 minutes sooner than your shift starts. Always be well-dressed (this depends a lot on the pub, if the uniform is smart then always make definite shirt is ironed etc). To begin with you'll almost certainly learn a lot from the other bar staff rather than the managers and they'll mostly be happy to help as long as you're keen and pleasent. If there's a head barman or somebody who's been there for a while then try and study what they're doing that makes them good, it will mostly be their manner with the customers and speed/accuracy of service. When behind the bar always take into account that everyone can see you (customers, staff and managers) so stay happy, self-confident and busy. If you see something that needs done whilst you're not serving then do it. Managers won't be favorable to find staff standing around/leaning on the bar/using their phones/reading a paper etc whilst there's things to do. If you aren't definite how to do something when you start then offer to help somebody who is doing it to learn from them-this applies markedly to beers, ales also cellar work. In terms of actually serving drinks it is fairly easy and you'll pick it up very quickly. Most pubs I know have a quite tight group of staff who all get on well with each other but all over I've worked is always friendly to new staff, not considering of experience, so you'll have no troubles with that. You'll enjoy it all a lot more if you work someplace that you would enjoy socialising/drinking. For instance if you're really into metal/rock music then best not to get a job someplace that only plays house/electro-something like this will drive you mad after a few weeks! If you find yourself working anywhere that has regular customers then get to be acquainted with them, introduce yourself, memorize their names and what they drink and always have a bit of small talk prepared for them (sport, news etc). If you find yourself working anywhere that gets a lot of tourists then make sure you know a good bit about the area eg. the story of the pub, neighboring attractions, transport etc. For interviews it's always a good sense to read up on the pub (and the company who own it if you can find that out) so that you have a healthier idea of what they'll be expecting from their staff. Also before you begin somewhere it is always of use to try and learn their menu/drinks list/ale range/wine list sooner than you start (or at least within the first few days) as this will offer you a lot more confidence when dealing with customers.

If you've got a good personality and take pleasure in working with and talking to people then you'll do well and no doubt get pleasure from it too, the rest is all easy to learn.

Thanks a lot, thanks for taking the time, I appreciate it. Edinburgh's a fantastic city with some splendid pubs.

I like the latest craft beers but I also love nice ales similar to caledonian 80, one of my favourites actually, I like the maltyness of it a lot of ales fashionable now are the super hoppy ones but I like malty nutty flavour in beer.

I reflect one of the aspects I'll most like is regulars and remembering them and what's going on with them. As a person that loves pubs I specially try to time it so I get served by the bar staff I identify or like haha.

How did you get into the management portion of the business? Did you start as bar staff then moved up through trust and know-how or some other way? Do you still do any of the basic work like pulling pints or waiting (at the restaurant) or are you hands off nowadays? I'm merely curious and interested in the whole progression and business.

Great tip concerning trying to learn the menu, thanks

I started out in Glasgow as bar staff for a Scottish based pub congregate in a new pub they were opening, then through word of mouth heard about a supervisor/charge hand place at a nearby pub, applied, got it and was promoted from there over 2-3 years. Managed a small pub in glasgow for a few years then moved to London with a different company to take on a larger place. Stayed there for 4 years and then moved to Edinburgh as a cluster supervisor earlier this year.

I don't pour many pints now but still endeavor and make time to talk to the frequent customers and the employees as they are the folks who compose the business. I wouldn't hesitate to do any job within the unit if they needed the help. I spend a lot of my time now managing the food service, menu and brand development.

Caledonian brewery are fantastic - they don't do anything too ground breaking or risky however what they do, they do extremely well. You should test out their Deuchar's IPA

what's a charge hand?

Yeah I like caedonian in general, I've had deuchars, it's a fantastic beer, exceedingly fresh but good body. I tried one called the flying dutchman, I think it was called, by caledonian and it was overpowering sweet, was like syrup, yuck! but some folks like such beers good on them.

What do you think of Brewdog?

Quote/Reply
2013-08-20 23:16:33

I've recently started work in a Nicholson pub. Check their website/the Mitchell an butler website, as they are always looking for staff.
in my inquiries I found a few nicholson pubs, they look like a good chain. Did they give you guidance when you started? If so what did it entail? As somebody else mentioned for pub chains, did you do a provisional shift to get you the job or were you just hired based on your charming personality and good looks ?

The chains use websites for hiring which goes opposed to most of the advice in this thread on going to see the manager face to face.

Actually a imagine for Weatherspoons you should use the website to apply actually and then your submission is vetted by HR then sent to the pub supervisor if you pass HR. ...I'm merely putting this info here for anyone in my place who might look at this thread in the future and find the morsel useful.

I did a probationary shift and the training was learning as I went.

It's a fantastic chain to work for, as it's a franchise which feels like it isn't.

They also don't take applications by means of going into the pubs, so there's that

Quote/Reply
2013-08-20 23:30:33

About the lack of experience, simply lie.

I worked in a pub in Australia for three years.

I'm an honest guy I know a number of lies and embroidery are normal in job searching not only do I not enjoy that but I think a lie wouldn't even help in this situation. It will present pretty rapidly when I have no little clue how to do easy stuff like pull a good pint or use a glass washing machine.

I think the idea jxmitchell had of receiving a test-run job in a local dive or local pub close to me to get - some - experience is a cool idea. ...though if I leave so soon to move on I suppose I won't be able to acquire a reference.. I guess it's by and large about the hands on experience though.

>I'm an honest guy I know some lies and exaggeration are normal in job searching not only do I not like that but I think a lie wouldn't even help in this situation.

That's good but the economic system forces us to exchange our labour for scrip.

I have no little idea how to do simple stuff like pull a good pint

In Cambodian pubs things work in a different way so I don't know how the pint-pulling stuff works but I have experience in giving great customer service and cash handling.

(When I actually worked in a pub in London, I don't recollect pulling the lever on the beer dispensing tap required a high level of skill. With Guinness you had to do two pours with a little interrupt inbetween and no matter how you did it, somebody would nitpick you weren't doing it right. If you need some training, go into a few pubs and order a pint and inspect what the person does or even ask them if there is anything you'd need to know.)

I think the idea jxmitchell had of getting a test-run job in a local dive or local pub

OK, but they might want some know-how and you can blag everything about working in a pub.

alright, thanks for the advice.
I would counsel you to do like you say and be truthful about what you know and have done. Getting on a soapbox and ranting about market forces isn't gonna do you any favours

Quote/Reply
2013-08-21 00:11:33

I've recently started work in a Nicholson pub. Check their website/the Mitchell an butler website, as they are always looking for staff.
in my inquiries I found a few nicholson pubs, they look like a good chain. Did they give you guidance when you started? If so what did it entail? As somebody else mentioned for pub chains, did you do a provisional shift to get you the job or were you just hired based on your charming personality and good looks ?

The chains use websites for hiring which goes opposed to most of the advice in this thread on going to see the manager face to face.

Actually a imagine for Weatherspoons you should use the website to apply actually and then your submission is vetted by HR then sent to the pub supervisor if you pass HR. ...I'm merely putting this info here for anyone in my place who might look at this thread in the future and find the morsel useful.

I did a probationary shift and the training was learning as I went.

It's a fantastic chain to work for, as it's a franchise which feels like it isn't.

They also don't take applications by means of going into the pubs, so there's that

Nicholsons additionally don't take face to face applications, just web? good to know

Quote/Reply
2013-08-21 00:54:33

24 years old with no job in the past might be a problem. Highlight to folks that you picked up other skills on your travels and steer away from saying you haven't been salaried for anything.

As for jobs, I worked for years at Wetherspoons all through uni. Had no preceding familiarity in bar-tending and had never poured a pint. It's something thats pretty straightforward to pick up as you go along, so I wouldn't be troubled about it. Spoons tend to look for the personality rather than experience so go big through that and get along with every person and you'll get a job. Also a SMILE WILL GO A LONG WAY :confident:

There's tons of Wetherspoons in London, so there'll be no deficiency of jobs, they do it all online, thus thats your best option, going in will merely get you told to go online.

Working there was some of my best years, my co workers and the general working atmosphere was awesome, you'll have lots of fun plus locals are always fun to talk to. Good luck man!

EDIT: I want to add that Wetherspoons is also brilliant for learning regarding beers/ales/wine/spirits. I don't even drink ale but they adjustment all the guest ales each few days so you truly get to know a good range in addition to what's fashionable and tastes like what, etc. I appreciate more about ales and beers than most ale and beer drinkers.

Quote/Reply
2013-08-21 01:02:33

24 years old with no job in the past might be a problem. Highlight to folks that you picked up other skills on your travels and steer away from saying you haven't been salaried for anything.

As for jobs, I worked for years at Wetherspoons all through uni. Had no preceding familiarity in bar-tending and had never poured a pint. It's something thats pretty straightforward to pick up as you go along, so I wouldn't be troubled about it. Spoons tend to look for the personality rather than experience so go big through that and get along with every person and you'll get a job. Also a SMILE WILL GO A LONG WAY :confident:

There's tons of Wetherspoons in London, so there'll be no deficiency of jobs, they do it all online, thus thats your best option, going in will merely get you told to go online.

Working there was some of my best years, my co workers and the general working atmosphere was awesome, you'll have lots of fun plus locals are always fun to talk to. Good luck man!

EDIT: I want to add that Wetherspoons is also brilliant for learning regarding beers/ales/wine/spirits. I don't even drink ale but they adjustment all the guest ales each few days so you truly get to know a good range in addition to what's fashionable and tastes like what, etc. I appreciate more about ales and beers than most ale and beer drinkers.

Since I'm truthful and I go off ona tangent a bit naturally I find it hard not to be straight with people, ...and blurt out that I don't hold experience. It's a fine line between being truthful and not it seems :s

Yeah I've been recommended to work in Spoons, it seems that their training is good. I've met a lot of bar staff that I've talked to medium lengths concerning ale with who don't really drink it, pretty cool.

There's a few I'll try before trying spoons plus then I'll try get spoons jobs online.

It's so straightforward but remembering to smile is fantastic advice, thanks a lot! I've been pretty much a recluse the last months so my mostly first-rate social skills have wasted a tiny bit but just being in that atmosphere will bring it all back, I don't get edgy evenin situations like this

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