Addison Bar Manager - London

Description: Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live-event space - it's an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards are testament to our clients' satisfaction. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities, and protect the environment.

Olympia Events is undergoing a period of change. In 2017, the venue was bought by a consortium led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance international. Work is currently underway to transform the wider estate into a cultural hub of which Olympia Events will be the central part. Once complete, the estate will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, a host of new bars & restaurants, world-class office space and over two acres of public realm. More information can be found at https://olympia.co.uk/

Job Purpose: The Addison is a world-class live music venue and hospitality destination at Olympia London, with a premium restaurant and bar at the heart of the guest experience. Every performance calls for an exceptional drinks experience, and the bar is at the heart of the guest journey before, during and after every show.

The Bar Manager will lead the development and delivery of an industry-leading beverage programme that becomes a defining part of The Addison experience. We are seeking an exceptional hospitality professional with outstanding expertise in cocktails, spirits and fine wines, together with the creativity and commercial acumen to build a drinks offering that sets new standards within the market.

This is a role for a true beverage leader, someone who understands that exceptional drinks are central to every memorable hospitality experience. You will be responsible for creating innovative and commercially successful beverage programmes, identifying emerging trends, championing product excellence and inspiring a high-performing team to deliver outstanding service. Through your passion, knowledge and vision, you will position The Addison as a recognised destination for world-class drinks, exceptional hospitality and unforgettable guest experiences.

You will be passionate about emerging beverage trends, with the creativity and commercial awareness to anticipate and shape them, rather than simply follow them. Above all, you will understand that every memorable dining and event experience begins and ends with an exceptional drink, and you will be driven to ensure our beverage offering becomes a defining feature of the venue's reputation and success.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Service Delivery

• Lead the day-to-day operation of all bar and beverage service areas, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery across restaurant and event activity.

• Maintain consistently high standards of drink quality, presentation, service and cleanliness within a premium environment.

• Act as a visible, hands-on leader during service, supporting the team and ensuring seamless execution.

• Develop and maintain bar operating procedures, service standards and quality controls.

• Ensure compliance with licensing legislation, food safety regulations and company policies.

• Support the delivery of pre and post-show hospitality, ensuring service standards remain consistent during periods of fluctuating demand.

Beverage Programme & Product Development

• Lead the development and execution of innovative cocktail, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverage offerings aligned to The Addison's brand and guest expectations.

• Work closely with suppliers to source premium products and identify new opportunities for beverage innovation.

• Ensure beverage menus remain commercially effective, relevant and reflective of market trends.

• Maintain exceptional standards of product knowledge throughout the team through regular training and development initiatives.

• Monitor beverage quality and consistency across all service periods.

Guest Experience

• Deliver an exceptional guest experience aligned to The Addison's premium and curated positioning.

• Build strong relationships with members, guests and clients, responding proactively to feedback and resolving issues effectively.

• Ensure the team consistently demonstrates warm, engaging and knowledgeable service.

• Create a vibrant and welcoming bar atmosphere that enhances the overall guest journey.

• Treat every artist and performer as a valued guest, ensuring they receive the same warmth and care extended to members and guests.

Events & Private Hire

• Support the delivery of curated events and private hire experiences, ensuring seamless integration with core bar and restaurant operations. Work closely with events, kitchen and operational teams to ensure all beverage requirements are delivered effectively. Monitor service standards, guest satisfaction and operational efficiency throughout each event lifecycle. Support the creation of bespoke beverage packages and experiences for private events and corporate functions.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing bar team. Manage staffing levels to meet business demands while maintaining service quality and labour efficiency. Foster a positive, inclusive and guest-focused culture. Support recruitment, onboarding, training and performance management initiatives. Develop future talent through structured coaching and succession planning.

Commercial Performance

• Drive beverage revenue growth through effective service management, menu engineering and upselling initiatives.

• Manage stock control processes, inventory accuracy and ordering procedures.

• Minimise wastage, monitor gross profit performance and identify opportunities for improved profitability.

• Control labour and operational costs through efficient scheduling and resource planning.

• Assist the General Manager in achieving key financial, operational and guest satisfaction targets.

Person Specification:

Experience

• Proven experience as a Bar Manager or senior bar leader within a premium hospitality environment.

• Strong understanding of cocktail culture, wines, beers, spirits and wider beverage trends.

• Demonstrated experience leading teams within a fast-paced, service-led operation.

• Experience managing stock, purchasing, cost controls and beverage profitability.

• Experience supporting events, private hire or multi-service hospitality operations is desirable.

• Experience using POS systems and hospitality management tools is desirable.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent organisational, administrative and multitasking skills. Strong communication skills with the ability to build trusting relationships. Strong commercial awareness and understanding of beverage cost management. Calm under pressure with strong prioritisation skills. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. High level of initiative and ability to learn new systems quickly. Collaborative team player with excellent personal presentation.

Attributes & Behaviours

Hospitality-driven with a genuine commitment to exceptional service.

• Passionate about beverages, product quality and guest experience.

• Positive, proactive and solution-focused.

• Curious, ambitious and motivated to develop both personally and professionally.

• Flexible to work hours that reflect the trading pattern of a restaurant and events-led operation.

Sustainability Responsibilities:

• Engage fully with The Grand Plan, completing all required training and promoting sustainable practices.

• Seek opportunities to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of operations.

• Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. As a consequence, Olympia Events may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.

• Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and excepts all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.

This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may vary according to the changing needs of the business.