Cove is the latest extension of the newly opened Castle & Cove venue, bringing together exceptional speciality coffee, bespoke cocktails, and genuine hospitality in a unique all-day destination. From expertly brewed coffee in the morning to handcrafted cocktails in the evening, every aspect of the guest experience is driven by quality, creativity, and attention to detail.
As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced and passionate Venue Manager to lead Cove and uphold the high standards our guests have come to expect from the Castle & Cove name.
The Role
As Venue Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of Cove, leading a talented team to deliver exceptional service, maintain operational excellence, and create memorable guest experiences.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone with a strong hospitality management background, extensive knowledge of speciality coffee, and a passion for developing people and building a successful venue.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operation of Cove, ensuring smooth, efficient, and profitable service.
- Create an exceptional guest experience by maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.
- Lead, inspire, recruit, train, and develop a motivated front-of-house team.
- Champion speciality coffee standards, ensuring consistency in quality, preparation, and service while coaching and developing the team.
- Oversee the venue's bespoke cocktail offering, ensuring excellent service and product knowledge.
- Manage staffing levels, rotas, labour costs, and team performance.
- Monitor stock, ordering, supplier relationships, and inventory control.
- Deliver strong financial performance through effective cost control, sales growth, and KPI management.
- Ensure compliance with all licensing, food safety, health & safety, and company policies.
- Work closely with senior management to develop new ideas, seasonal offerings, events, and business opportunities.
- Foster a positive workplace culture built on professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
About You
You'll be someone who thrives in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment and leads by example.
Essential requirements:
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a hospitality management role.
- Strong background in speciality coffee, with an excellent understanding of coffee preparation, equipment, workflow, and quality control.
- Proven experience managing high-performing hospitality teams.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- A hands-on management style with a willingness to work alongside the team during busy services.
- Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting, labour management, stock control, and profitability.
- A passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences.
- Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
Desirable:
- Bar or cocktail management experience.
- Coffee qualifications (SCA or equivalent).
- Personal Licence holder.
- Food Hygiene and First Aid certifications.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-related bonus opportunities.
- Career progression within the growing Castle & Cove business.
- Ongoing speciality coffee and hospitality training.
- Staff discounts across Castle & Cove venues.
- A supportive, ambitious, and creative working environment.
- The opportunity to play a key leadership role in one of the region's most exciting independent hospitality brands.
Pay: £28,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
Experience:
- Management: 2 years (required)
- Barista: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
