Head Bartender

£33,000 per annum plus tronc and fantastic benefits

40 hours over 5 days, including regular weekends and evenings

A driving license is recommended due to the location of this role

Advert closes: 11th August 2025

Take a look at our sample menu

Read the full job description

Our Head Bartender

We are on the lookout for a creative and ambitious Head Bartender to lead our dynamic bar team at Hadspen House Hotel. This is an excellent opportunity for someone ready to step into a management role, bringing fresh ideas and energy to an already innovative drinks programme.

You’ll take ownership of the day-to-day running of the bar, ensuring our smooth service and high standard. While the Botanical Rooms Restaurant Manager retains responsibility for the strategic direction, you’ll be the key presence on the bar floor – setting the tone, leading the team, and ensuring each guest has a memorable experience. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on the front line, enjoys developing others, and is ready to grow into a more senior position.

At the heart of your work will be the curation of a seasonal cocktail menu that celebrates the estate’s bounty. You’ll craft drinks using ingredients grown in our gardens, foraged across our grounds, and made in partnership with our cyder makers and distillers. Sustainability, creativity, and provenance are central to everything we do behind the bar – and you’ll be the one driving it.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Hadspen Bar team, delivering outstanding guest service and an engaging bar experience
Design and maintain a seasonal cocktail menu showcasing estate-grown and foraged ingredients
Train, inspire, and support your team – helping them grow their skills and confidence
Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, stock management, and compliance
Support with events, tastings, and cross-department collaboration

What we can offer

A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
Discover exclusive perks with our Discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family
A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including Fun Squad events, which include activities such as Go-Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team

What we're looking for

Previous bar experience in a premium setting, with supervisory experience
Genuine passion for cocktail innovation, local ingredients, and sustainability
Hands-on, confident presence behind the bar with excellent product knowledge
Organised and detail-driven with experience in stock control
Curious and creative, with a flair for storytelling and guest engagement
Eager to learn and grow

Where you'll be working - Hadspen House Bar

Located within the elegant Hadspen House hotel, the bar operates in close synergy with The Botanical Rooms – our refined 60-cover restaurant celebrated for its high-end dining experience. More than just an accompaniment to the restaurant, the bar stands as a destination in its own right, renowned for its inventive, estate-inspired cocktails and thoughtfully curated beverage list. The team works hand-in-hand with our gardeners, cyder makers, distillers, and chefs to craft drinks that reflect the landscape and heritage of the estate. With a strong focus on service excellence, sustainability, and innovation, the bar team plays a vital role in creating a truly immersive and memorable guest experience.

Who are we - The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions – accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams – from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming – collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDURG