Bar person

You would serve drinks to customers in pubs, clubs and hotels.

You’d take customers’ orders, serve drinks and food and take payment. It would be important to make people feel welcome, chat with them and make a good impression.

There are many different types of licensed premises such as pubs, hotels, nightclubs, social clubs, restaurants, sports clubs, leisure centres and holiday parks. Depending on the type of bar you’re working in, it might a very lively, noisy place.

You would:

• Take customers’ orders, often memorising the order rather than writing it down

• Serve a range of drinks and snacks including sandwiches and hot food

• Mix and pour drinks using the bar measures

• Carry trays of drinks over to tables

• Collect and wash glasses

• Keep the bar and tables clean and tidy

• Stock up with alcoholic and soft drinks, ice and snacks like nuts and crisps

• Use tills, collect money and give change

You might become an expert in making cocktails or learn to pour real ale and store craft beers. You could help to organise special events to attract customers such as quiz nights, karaoke or live music.

Sometimes you’d need to check a customer’s identification to ensure they are of the legal age to be there. You’d also need to be patient and firm with difficult customers who might be rowdy or drunk, and you might have to refuse to serve them.

Sometimes you might need to carry or move heavy crates, beer barrels and boxes.

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• The Hospitality Guild - About a career in a hospitality from this industry-wide group of employers, skills bodies and trainers