Bar Assistant


Company:	House of Lords
Salary:	£27,706 to £27,706 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Westminster, SW1A 0PW
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	22 Sept 2026
Closing date:	6 Oct 2026

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Summary

Bar Assistant

House of Lords - Catering and Retail Services

BELONG HERE. TOGETHER, WE MAKE PARLIAMENT HAPPEN.

As a Bar Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting the UK's parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members carry out their responsibilities effectively - contributing to something bigger than any one role.

You'll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.

You'll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster - a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today.

You'll work collaboratively as part of a team to deliver a welcoming, professional, and high-quality service to Peers, their guests, and House staff at all times. Flexibility is important in this role, as working hours may vary to support the needs of the House and ensure excellent service during busy periods.

The role will primarily be based within the Peers' Dining Room Group, which includes five unique bars and restaurants serving Peers and their guests. To support the wider Catering and Retail Services team, there may also be opportunities to work across other outlets, providing variety and valuable experience within different service environments.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a unique and prestigious environment, gain experience across a variety of service settings, and develop valuable hospitality and customer service skills as part of a supportive and professional team.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you'll:

Prepare dining areas and tables to ensure they are beautifully presented and ready for service.

Set up your service station for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner services.

Assist with the preparation and presentation of sauces, condiments, and other service essentials.

Develop a good understanding of our menus, food offerings, and wine selection to confidently answer questions and make recommendations to Members and guests.

Provide a warm and professional welcome to Members and guests within your allocated area.

Take food and beverage orders accurately and ensuring a smooth and attentive service experience.

Serve food and drinks in line with departmental standards and best practice.

Present bills, processing payments accurately, and ensuring a seamless conclusion to the guest experience.

Use the EPOS system confidently and accurately, with training and support provided where required.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here.

You'll have:

Previous experience within a high-quality hospitality environment, ideally gained in a 4 or 5- star establishment, with the ability to provide attentive and professional service.

Strong organisational skills and the confidence to use their initiative when supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the service.

The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while remaining calm and focused in a busy and fast-paced environment.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact, discretion, and flexibility, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

Good accuracy and numeracy skills, together with the ability to work efficiently and professionally under pressure.

Strong communication skills, including a good command of both spoken and written English, enabling effective interaction with Members, guests, and colleagues.

It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn):

Whilst proven experience and ability are more important than technical qualifications, vocational qualifications such as NVQ level 2 Food and beverage service or equivalent would be an advantage.

Food hygiene certificate or be able to demonstrate knowledge and be willing to train.

Basic health and safety certificate or be able to demonstrate knowledge and be willing to train.

For full details, please see the job description.

What you'll get in return

Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing, growth and contribution.

You'll benefit from:

30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year).

Generous Civil Service pension scheme.

A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.

Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions.

The chance to witness democracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance.

The work we do is vital to the House of Lords - the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independent expertise on national issues.

Ready to apply?

If you're looking for an employer where you can belong, grow and thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Sunday 4

th October 2026.

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