Head Bartender

Job Opportunity. Position: Head Bartender. Head BartenderJoin the opening team at Poon's at Somerset House, reviving a legendary Chinese restaurant brand in one of London's most iconic locations - Somerset House.About Poon'sPoon's at Somerset House celebrates authentic Chinese home cooking—the food cooked daily in Chinese homes but rarely experienced in the West. This is not your typical Chinese restaurant. We serve no sweet and sour, no dim sum trolleys, no restaurant classics. Instead, we focus on genuine, seasonal, simply-prepared dishes rooted in Amy Poon's family culinary heritage.The restaurant opened in November 2025 in the stunning New Wing of Somerset House, a beautiful 60-seat space, featuring a state-of-the-art kitchen and a full bar program serving cocktails and a carefully curated cool-climate wines.The Role: Head BartenderAs Head Bartender, you will lead and shape the entire drinks program at Poon's—one of London's most anticipated restaurant openings. You are part of the founding team that builds the bar culture, standards, and service style from the ground up. This is a creative opportunity to develop cocktails that play on unexpected Chinese flavours (pickled ginger, toasted rice, kumquat, chilli oil) and to curate a wine program that demonstrates the versatility of cool-climate wines with complex Chinese dishes.Key ResponsibilitiesDrinks Program Leadership: Oversee the full cocktail and wine program, working with drinks curator Clotilde Lataille and the opening team to establish standards, recipes, and service protocolsTeam Management: Build, train, and lead the bar team from scratch, establishing a culture of excellence, creativity, and hospitality that reflects Poon's valuesCocktail Development & Execution: Create signature cocktails that incorporate unexpected Chinese flavours and Poon's award-winning retail sauces (including the signature PECO Marteeny—vodka fatwashed with Poon's Extraordinary Chilli Oil)Wine Curation & Pairing: Develop wine pairings that work with the unique flavour profiles of authentic Chinese home cooking, championing family-owned vineyards, biodynamic practices, and emerging female winemakersBar Operations: Manage stock, ordering, margins, inventory, cost control, and supplier relationships. Ensure efficient bar operations and maintain high service standards during serviceGuest Education & Service: Be a storyteller—educate guests about the cocktails and wines, explaining how they pair with Poon's signature dishes and the philosophy behind each drinkService Delivery: Deliver exceptional bar service that meets Somerset House's high standards while maintaining the warmth and authenticity of Poon's family-owned culture. Handle both walk-in guests and private dining eventsOpening Team Mentality: Embrace the challenges and opportunities of launching a new restaurant. Build systems, establish standards, and shape the bar experience as it evolvesAbout YouCreative & Knowledgeable: Expertise in both spirits and cocktails, with a genuine interest in crafting drinks that tell a story. You understand how to balance creativity with technical precisionWine Expertise: Strong knowledge of wine, particularly cool-climate producers, with the ability to pair wines with complex, layered flavours. Understanding of biodynamic and natural wine practices is a plusCultural Curiosity: Genuine interest in Chinese culinary traditions and flavours. You can articulate how drinks complement authentic Chinese home cooking without condescensionBusiness Acumen: Understand P&L, margins, stock management, and team development. You can run a bar as both a creative space and a profitable operationLeadership: Comfortable building and training a bar team from scratch. You lead by example, empower your team, and maintain high standards without egoTeam Player: This is a family-owned business, not a corporate environment. We value collaborative team players who care about quality and are willing to do what it takes to succeedComfortable with Unknowns: Opening team experience is valuable. You're comfortable establishing systems and protocols from scratch, solving problems creatively, and adapting as the restaurant finds its rhythmHospitality Excellence: Somerset House guests expect sophisticated service. You deliver professionalism, warmth, and genuine care in every interactionWorking at Poon'sWhat Makes This Different:Not Corporate: Family-run business with no bureaucracy or red tape. You work directly with Amy Poon and her vision for reviving an iconic brandPrestigious Location: Somerset House is one of London's most beautiful and culturally significant addresses. Your CV will carry the weight of this locationCreative Freedom:You get to shape the bar culture, drinks philosophy, and service style alongside leadershipMeaningful Work: Educating London about authentic Chinese cuisine and culture. You're not just pouring drinks; you're part of a cultural missionOperating Hours & LocationDays: Open Tuesday to Saturday Services: Lunch and dinner serviceLocation: New Wing, Somerset House, Lancaster Place, London WC2R 1LATraining, Development & PerksYou'll receive comprehensive training on:Menu knowledge and the stories behind each dishChinese cooking techniques, ingredients, and flavour profilesWine and cocktail pairings with authentic Chinese foodAmy Poon's vision, family history, and the philosophy of Poon'sService style and guest experience expectationsBar operations, team management, and opening proceduresPerks:40% off food and drinksAbility to purchase directly from our suppliersCODE membership - Discounts with other restaurants Closed for staff meal during the day