Head Bartender - Pre-Opening

About the role

Delano London, opening in late 2026, is looking for a Head Bartender to join its pre-opening team. Based primarily in Rose Bar, you will be a senior craft and service presence behind the bar, helping set the drinks culture, standards and energy of one of the hotel's key social spaces.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver consistently excellent cocktails, drinks and guest interactions throughout service.
• Support the Bar Manager and Assistant Bar Manager in setting recipes, specifications, mise en place and service standards for the opening.
• Guide bartenders and bar backs during service, keeping the bar organised and guest-focused.
• Build deep knowledge of the cocktail list, spirits, wines, beers and non-alcoholic offer and share it confidently.
• Make thoughtful recommendations to guests and help create the atmosphere of Rose Bar.
• Prepare every drink to specification, with attention to taste, presentation, glassware, garnish and temperature.
• Maintain opening, closing, cleaning and stock rotation standards, and keep mise en place service-ready.
• Support stock counts, requisitions, transfers and wastage controls, flagging variances or shortages promptly.
• Train the bar team on techniques, recipes, product knowledge and responsible alcohol service.
• Work with the floor team to keep ticket times smooth and support events, VIP moments, tastings and beverage activations.
• Stay compliant with licensing, food safety, health and safety and company procedures.

Required profile

• Strong senior bartender or head bartender experience in a premium cocktail bar, luxury hotel or high-quality lifestyle venue.
• Excellent cocktail technique and broad knowledge of spirits, wine, beer and contemporary non-alcoholic drinks.
• Organised, clean and disciplined in mise en place and stock management; able to stay composed during high-volume service.
• Flexible to work evenings, late nights, weekends and key hospitality moments.

What we offer

• The chance to launch Delano London and shape the Food & Beverage experience from day one.
• A fast-growing international group with opportunities for development as the hotel and brand grow.
• Colleague benefits, hotel stays and experiences across the wider group.