Bartender Jobs in London for Foreigners

Job Title: Bartender
Company Name: Aqua Shard – Modern British Restaurant & Bar
Location: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY, United Kingdom
Email: careers@aquashard.co.uk
Phone Number: +44 20 3011 1256
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Visa Sponsorship: Available for qualified international candidates
Salary: £26,000 – £32,000 per year + Tips + Benefits
Experience Required: 1-2 years bartending experience preferred

About Aqua Shard

Perched on the 31st floor of the iconic Shard building, Aqua Shard offers guests an exceptional dining and drinking experience with panoramic views of London. We serve innovative British cuisine and handcrafted cocktails that are both stylish and bold.

We pride ourselves not just on our menu, but also on the world-class hospitality our team delivers. Now, we are inviting enthusiastic and talented individuals to apply for the Bartender role. Whether you’re a London local or an international talent seeking visa sponsorship, this could be the perfect opportunity to elevate your career in one of the most prestigious venues in the city.

Job Summary

As a Bartender at Aqua Shard, your role is to create an unforgettable experience for every guest by crafting innovative and classic cocktails, recommending drinks, and offering exceptional service. You will be expected to work with a high level of attention to detail, efficiency, and flair.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about mixology, eager to learn, and excited to be part of a fast-paced, luxury environment.

Key Responsibilities

Cocktail Preparation & Service

Prepare and serve a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Craft bespoke cocktails upon guest requests with style and speed
Recommend drink pairings to complement food menus
Maintain accuracy in measuring ingredients and adhering to recipes
Provide warm, friendly, and attentive service to every guest

Bar Operations

Set up and close down the bar according to checklists and procedures
Maintain stock levels and conduct inventory checks
Keep the bar area clean, organized, and compliant with hygiene standards
Handle payments accurately and responsibly
Report equipment issues to the Bar Manager promptly

Guest Experience

Build rapport with guests and learn their preferences
Handle customer complaints professionally and efficiently
Stay up to date with menu items and seasonal specials
Create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere at the bar

Required Skills & Qualifications

1–2 years of experience working as a bartender in a high-end bar, hotel, or restaurant
Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails
Excellent verbal communication skills in English
Confidence in handling busy service hours with speed and grace
Outstanding customer service and interpersonal abilities
Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Experience with POS systems and bar stock management
A genuine passion for hospitality and beverage trends
Bartending certifications are a plus (e.g., WSET, Mixology Course)

Visa Sponsorship for Foreign Applicants

At Aqua Shard, we value global talent. We are proud to offer UK Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship for bartenders who meet the immigration and skill requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship:

Must meet the English language proficiency required by the UK Home Office
Have at least 12 months of verifiable bartending experience
Provide clean background checks and references
Ready to commit to a minimum 2-year contract
Must be willing to relocate and work full-time in London

Our team will support you through the visa process by providing:
✅ Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
✅ Visa processing assistance
✅ Onboarding and relocation support
✅ Option to stay in staff accommodation (subject to availability)

Salary & Benefits

Benefit	Details
Salary Range	£26,000 – £32,000 per year
Tips	Excellent service tips and tronc scheme
Contract	Full-time, permanent
Paid Holidays	28 days (including public holidays)
Staff Meals	Free meals during shifts
Uniform	Provided and laundered
Health & Wellness	Access to private medical insurance
Discounts	Staff discounts at Aqua Restaurant Group venues
Career Progression	Training, certifications & promotion pathways
International Sponsorship	Skilled Worker Visa for eligible candidates