Lead an established neighbourhood favourite into its next chapter.
Two years in, Archie’s Herne Hill is an established restaurant, bar and events space with a loyal local following — and we’re looking for a General Manager to help take it to the next level.
Set in a distinctive two-storey railway arch opposite Brockwell Park, just 30 seconds from Herne Hill station, Archie’s is a vibrant all-day venue with a strong neighbourhood feel, an open-plan kitchen, great food, carefully curated music and a busy programme of events.
We’re now looking for an experienced, energetic General Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day operation and help us build on what we’ve created.
This is a role with real responsibility and real influence. Working directly with the owners and alongside the Head Chef, you’ll have a key role in shaping the guest experience, developing the team, improving systems and helping drive the business forward.
The opportunity
This is an established £1m+ turnover business, serving approximately 80–120 covers, seven days a week across brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks and events.
We’re not looking for someone to simply keep the doors open and manage the rota.
We want a GM who is commercially minded, people-focused and operationally strong — someone who spots opportunities, sets high standards and gets the best out of their team.
You’ll have the autonomy to make improvements, the support of the owners to implement them and the opportunity to play a significant part in the next stage of Archie’s growth.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Lead, coach and develop the FOH team of 15 approximately people.
- Create a positive, high-performing culture where people feel supported, valued and accountable.
- Recruit, train and retain great people.
- Set clear standards and ensure they are consistently delivered.
- Communicate effectively with the team, owners and customers.
- Lead by example and be a visible, hands-on presence on the floor.
- Achieving set KPI targets as established by the ownership and operations team.
Own the operation
- Take overall responsibility for the smooth day-to-day running of the restaurant and bar.
- Work closely with the Head Chef to ensure FOH and kitchen operate as one team.
- Deliver consistently excellent service and guest experiences.
- Review and improve operational processes, systems and standards.
- Manage rotas, staffing levels and labour effectively.
- Ensure licensing, health & safety, food safety and compliance standards are maintained.
- Manage events and private hire from planning through to delivery.
- Keep the venue looking, feeling and performing at its best.
Drive the business
- Work with the owners to deliver revenue and profitability targets.
- Understand the numbers and use them to make better decisions.
- Identify opportunities to increase sales, improve margins and develop the customer experience.
- Help evolve Archie’s all-day dining, bar and events proposition.
- Contribute ideas around events, promotions, menus and the wider development of the business.
- Take ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do.
The person
We’re looking for someone who is confident, warm, commercially aware and genuinely enjoys hospitality.
You’ll ideally have previous experience as a General Manager, Assistant General Manager or experienced Deputy Manager, preferably within an independent restaurant, bar or all-day hospitality business.
Bar experience would be particularly useful.
More importantly, you’ll be someone who:
- Loves creating a great guest experience.
- Knows how to lead and develop a team.
- Is comfortable managing a busy, high-energy venue.
- Has strong operational and organisational skills.
- Understands the commercial side of hospitality.
- Communicates clearly and confidently.
- Has high standards without taking themselves too seriously.
- Can build trust with both the team and the owners.
- Is proactive and enjoys finding ways to make things better.
- Stays calm when things get busy.
- Wants to grow with an independent business rather than simply move from one corporate role to another.
We’re looking for a leader, not just a manager.
Someone who can walk into the building, understand what’s working, identify what needs attention and bring the team with them.
The venue
Archie’s Herne Hill occupies a unique two-storey railway arch opposite Brockwell Park, with a pedestrianised frontage and an enviable neighbourhood location.
We’re just 30 seconds from Herne Hill station, with central London around 10 minutes away by train.
The venue combines:
All-day food. Great drinks. Events. Music. Community.
It’s busy, relaxed, colourful and a little bit different — and we want the person leading it to reflect that.
The working week
48-hour contract
Current trading hours:
Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am–5pm
Wednesday–Saturday: 9am–10:00pm
Sunday: 10am–5pm
The business operates across brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks and regular events, so flexibility around trading and event requirements is essential.
What we offer
- Share of service charge and tips
- Genuine opportunity for career progression as the company grows
- Direct access to and influence with the owners
- Staff outings and parties
- Regular team incentives and rewards
- Free staff meals on shifts longer than 6 hours
- Staff discount when dining at Archie’s
Why join Archie’s?
Because we’re established, but we’re not standing still.
Two years in, we know what Archie’s is — and now we want to make it even better.
You’ll be joining at a point where your experience can have a visible, meaningful impact: developing the team, tightening the operation, improving the guest experience and helping shape the future of the business.
You’ll work directly with the owners, alongside an ambitious Head Chef, and have genuine input into how Archie’s evolves.
If you’re an experienced hospitality leader who wants autonomy, influence, a strong team culture and the opportunity to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Archie’s Herne Hill — established, ambitious and ready for its next chapter.
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
