A historic country inn in the heart of Penshurst, The Leicester Arms is a proper pub with rooms: roaring fires, a busy dining room, a dog-friendly bar, and a calendar of village and seasonal events. We pour well-kept cask and keg, champion English wine, serve a thoughtful cocktail list, and look after hotel guests for morning coffees through to nightcaps.
We’re looking for a Bartender who brings warmth, pace, and precision, someone who can pour a perfect pint, mix balanced classics, and make every guest (locals and overnighters alike) feel right at home.
Your responsibilitiesGuest experience
* Welcome every guest promptly; read the room; anticipate needs for both bar and dining guests.
* Recommend confidently across cask/keg, wines by the glass (incl. English), cocktails, and low/no.
* Tailor drinks to the moment—pre-dinner aperitif, Sunday roast pairings, nightcaps for residents.
* Resolve issues with empathy and pace; escalate when needed.
Bar service
* Set up and close down to standard: ice, garnishes, syrups, glassware, tills, allergen folder.
* Deliver fast, accurate service with clean presentation and correct measures.
* Communicate with floor and pass so tables aren’t left waiting for drinks.
Cellar & beer quality
* Support deliveries, rotation, line cleaning, temperature checks, and quality logs.
* Present cask in prime condition (clarity, carbonation, head retention) and keg to brand spec.
* Flag and pull any sub-standard line immediately.
Cocktails, wine & coffee
* Build house and classic cocktails to spec
Speak clearly about our wines by the glass approachable, not fussy.
* Prepare consistent coffees and teas for residents and day trade.
Cleanliness, compliance & safety
* Keep the bar, back-bar, fridges, glass-wash and floors immaculate.
* Complete daily/weekly cleaning schedules and sign-offs.
* Uphold Challenge 25 and responsible alcohol service every time.
* Follow allergen procedures (know your garnishes, syrups and prep ingredients).
* Report accidents, hazards, breakages immediately.
Stock & cash
* Record wastage and breakages honestly; maintain par levels; rotate and label all prep.
* Operate EPOS accurately; follow comp/void/refund authorisation.
* Assist with weekly stock counts and highlight low/86 risks early.
Teamwork
* Work tightly with FOH, kitchen
* Support private hires in the Sidney Room and seasonal garden service when required.
* Help train new starters on our service style and drink standards.
----------------------------------- What you bring
Essential
* Solid bar experience in a quality pub/bar or hotel environment.
* Confident with cask/keg, classic cocktails, and wine by the glass.
* Calm under pressure, clear communicator, guest-first mindset.
* EPOS competence and accurate cash handling.
* Availability for evenings/weekends and key seasonal dates.
Desirable
* Cellar experience (incl. line cleaning).
* Barista basics.
* Interest in English wine and local producers.
* Any formal training (WSET/beer/cocktail) or appetite to gain it.
----------------------------------- What good looks like
* Speed of service and drink quality consistently to spec at peak.
* Positive guest feedback (by name where possible) and strong resident satisfaction.
* Clean audits, complete checklists, zero critical compliance issues.
* Controlled waste/breakages and accurate stock counts.
* Challenge 25 evidenced and incident logs maintained.
----------------------------------- What you get
* Staff food on shift and team discount across the Little & Large Pub Company.
* Structured training (cellar, cocktails, English wine, coffee) and real progression routes.
* Tastings with suppliers and input on seasonal lists.