Role Overview
Riverside Studios is a multi-arts centre located on the banks of the River Thames in Hammersmith, presenting contemporary theatre, film, visual arts, and television production. Alongside its artistic programme, Riverside Studios offers a vibrant hospitality experience for audiences, visitors, and event clients.
The Food & Beverage Assistant / Bartender is primarily responsible for delivering excellent bar service across Riverside Studios' food and beverage outlets. While the main focus of the role is bartending, the successful candidate will also support the wider front-of-house operation by serving food and drinks to tables, clearing and resetting tables, assisting with private events, and ensuring guests receive a welcoming and efficient service at all times.
This is a hands-on role requiring flexibility, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, particularly during busy theatre service periods before performances, during intervals, and after shows.
Key Responsibilities
Bar Operations & Guest Service
- Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to company standards.
- Deliver friendly, professional, and efficient customer service at all times.
- Maintain excellent product knowledge, including beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks.
- Accurately process orders using the EPOS system and handle cash and card payments.
- Ensure the bar remains fully stocked, clean, organised, and ready for service.
- Assist with opening and closing procedures, including cleaning and cashing up where required.
- Ensure all opening and closing checklists and associated duties are completed thoroughly and to the required standard, leaving work areas fully prepared for the next service period.
- Follow all licensing legislation and responsible alcohol service guidelines.
- Promote current offers and proactively & confidently upsell food and beverages to maximise revenue.
Restaurant & Floor Service
- Deliver food and drinks to guests promptly and accurately.
- Clear, clean, and reset tables to maintain high presentation standards.
- Assist guests with menus, dietary information, and general enquiries.
- Support table service when required during busy periods.
- Monitor guest satisfaction and communicate any issues promptly to supervisors.
- Maintain cleanliness throughout all front-of-house areas.
Theatre & Event Operations
- Support service during performances, cinema screenings, private hires, corporate events, and special functions.
- Work efficiently during high-volume pre-show, interval, and post-show service periods.
- Assist with event setup and breakdown, including furniture movement and service preparation.
- Ensure bars and service stations remain fully stocked throughout events.
- Work collaboratively with kitchen, events, and theatre teams to deliver seamless guest experiences.
Stock, Hygiene & Compliance
- Restock bars and service stations throughout the shift.
- Rotate stock correctly and report low stock levels to supervisors.
- Minimise wastage and handle products carefully to reduce breakages.
- Handle glassware, crockery, equipment, and stock with care to minimise breakages and unnecessary waste.
- Report any breakages or damaged equipment promptly in accordance with company procedures.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene at all times.
- Follow all Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH, and company procedures.
- Report maintenance issues, accidents, or hazards promptly.
Teamwork
- Support colleagues across all food and beverage outlets as required or any other department within the venue.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors and fellow team members.
- Attend team briefings and complete all mandatory training.
- Maintain a professional appearance and adhere to the company uniform policy.
- Demonstrate flexibility by working across different outlets and departments according to business needs.
KPIs
- Consistently high customer service standards and positive guest feedback.
- Service speed targets achieved during pre-show, interval, and post-show periods.
- Accurate order taking with minimal service errors.
- Average transaction value increased through confident upselling.
- Excellent standards of cleanliness and presentation maintained.
- Compliance with food safety, licensing, and health & safety procedures.
- Consistent, correct application of Challenge 25
- Attendance, punctuality, and reliability.
- Positive teamwork and contribution to departmental objectives.
Person Specification
Essential
- Previous experience in a bar, restaurant, café, or hospitality environment.
- Friendly, approachable, and customer-focused attitude.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work calmly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Good attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Flexible approach to working evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and theatre performance schedules.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
- Cocktail and coffee-making experience.
- Previous experience in events, theatres, or arts venues.
- Experience using EPOS systems.
Pay: Up to £14.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
