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Bar person

Alternative titles for this job include Bartender

Bar staff serve drinks in venues like pubs, clubs, wine bars, hotels and leisure centres.

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£22,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Bar person

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You can take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job, which will help you find work in the industry. Courses include:

  • Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry
  • Level 1 Award in Professional Food and Beverage Service Skills
  • Level 2 Certificate in Professional Food and Beverage Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate apprenticeship as a hospitality team member.

This will usually take 1 year to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly if you've got some of the relevant skills, experience and knowledge needed for this job.

Employers will look for strong communication skills, good customer service, and the ability to work well in a team.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the drinks trade from the:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to enjoy working with other people
  • a good memory
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 to sell alcohol and other restricted goods

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere
  • use a till to take orders and payments
  • handle cash
  • serve drinks at the bar or at the table
  • keep the bar clean and well stocked
  • give advice on drinks to suit customers' tastes
  • collect glasses and wash up

Working environment

You could work in a pub or bar, at a restaurant, in a hotel or at a social club.

Your working environment may be noisy, crowded and hot.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to supervisor, deputy bar manager and bar manager.

You could also become a publican or bar manager for a hotel chain.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Bar and Waiting Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £10,140 a year Annually
  • Location: , ,

Bar and Waiting Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £13,572 a year Annually
  • Location: , ,
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Food and Beverage Service

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2025
  • Location: Leeds

Food and Beverage Service (Intermediate)

  • Provider: WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Mansfield
Find courses near you

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