About Us
Nestled in 22 acres of picturesque West Sussex countryside near Horsham, Brookfield Barn is an exclusive-use, oak-beamed wedding and events venue featuring scenic lakeside views, stylish lounge areas, and 11 luxury overnight bedrooms. We take pride in delivering unforgettable celebrations, outstanding service, and top-tier hospitality—from bespoke signature cocktail receptions on the terrace to vibrant evening bar service.
Role Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, hands-on Assistant Bar Manager to help oversee our busy bar operations during wedding ceremonies, receptions, and multi-day events. Working alongside the Bar Manager, you will lead shift execution, maintain smooth front-of-house beverage service, manage stock, and mentor a passionate front-of-house team to deliver flawless hospitality to our couples and their guests.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership: Lead bar operations on event days, ensuring fast, friendly, and efficient service during post-ceremony receptions, meal service, and evening celebrations.
Team Supervision: Assist in training, supervising, and motivating seasonal and casual bar staff; ensuring standards remain consistently high across all shifts.
Stock & Inventory: Monitor stock levels, manage cellars, perform inventory checks, assist with ordering, and maintain strong relationships with beverage suppliers.
Service Standards & Prep: Assist with prep setup for high-volume welcome drinks, custom signature cocktails, wine pairings, and table service.
Compliance & Safety: Ensure strict adherence to licensing laws, Personal License holder guidelines, Health & Safety, allergen awareness, and hygiene standards.
Guest Experience: Act as a main point of contact for drink service during events, maintaining a warm, professional atmosphere for up to 200 wedding guests.
Closeout & Reconciliation: Manage end-of-night bar closeouts, register reconciliations, and facility lock-ups as required.
Requirements & Skills
Experience: Minimum 1–2 years in a supervisory or senior bartender role within a high-volume hospitality environment, ideally in a wedding, luxury hotel, or event venue setting.
Leadership: Strong leadership capabilities with a hands-on, lead-by-example attitude.
Beverage Expertise: Good knowledge of wines, draught beers, spirits, and cocktail mixology.
Organisation: Calm under pressure with strong multi-tasking skills during peak operational periods.
Licensing: Personal License holder (APLH) is highly preferred (or willingness to obtain).
Flexibility & Travel: Flexible to work anti-social hours, including weekends, late evenings, and bank holidays. Due to our rural location in Lower Beeding, access to private transport/a valid driving licence is essential.
What We Offer
Competitive salary dependent on experience
Share of staff gratuities/tips
On-site parking & EV charging
Career development opportunities within an established luxury wedding venue
Generous staff meals during long shifts
A supportive, beautiful work environment in the West Sussex countryside
