Cellar & Bar Manager

About Us

The Mermaid is a busy, independent, traditional pub in the heart of St Albans, known for our excellent range of cask ales, award winning cider selection, welcoming atmosphere and loyal community of regulars.

With a constantly changing range of cask ales, an extensive traditional cider selection, weekly live music and multiple beer and cider festivals throughout the year, there's rarely a dull moment at The Mermaid!

About the Role

We're looking for a reliable, enthusiastic and hands-on cellar & bar manager to join our management team.

This is a varied role combining the day-to-day supervision of a busy pub with responsibility for our cellar operations, stock management and beer quality.

Working closely with the General Manager, you'll play a key role in ensuring the pub runs smoothly, the team is supported and every pint is served to the highest standard.

We're looking for someone who enjoys getting stuck in, takes pride in their work and is keen to develop their skills within pub management.

Key Responsibilities

Cellar Management & Beer Quality:

• Oversee the day-to-day running, organisation and cleanliness of the cellar.
• Receive, check and safely handle beer, cider and other stock deliveries.
• Manage cask ale preparation, conditioning, tapping, venting and rotation.
• Maintain excellent cellar hygiene and beer quality standards.
• Carry out regular stock counts, monitor stock levels and assist with ordering.
• Maintain beer dispense systems, including line cleaning and routine cellar equipment checks.
• Monitor stock rotation, wastage and product quality.
• Work closely with the General Manager to maintain an excellent and varied drinks offering.

Bar Management & Team Leadership

• Supervise daily bar operations, ensuring excellent standards of customer service.
• Lead, motivate and support the bar team during shifts.
• Act as a keyholder, including opening and closing the premises.
• Assist with staff training, development and maintaining operational standards.
• Handle cash management, till reconciliation and end-of-day procedures.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and health and safety.
• Support the planning and smooth running of events, beer festivals and busy trading periods.
• Take responsibility for day-to-day operational decisions when managing a shift.

About You

Essential:

• Previous experience working in a busy pub or hospitality environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Confidence supervising shifts and supporting a team.
• A proactive, reliable and practical approach to work.
• A good understanding of customer service and pub operations.
• Willingness to undertake regular cellar duties, including safe handling of stock and deliveries, with appropriate training and equipment.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Desirable:

• Previous supervisory or management experience within a traditional pub.
• Experience with cask ale handling, cellar management and beer dispense systems.
• Knowledge of stock control, ordering and cellar maintenance.
• A genuine passion for real ale, cider and the traditional pub industry.

Previous cellar management experience is advantageous but not essential. We're happy to provide training for a candidate who has the right attitude, relevant hospitality experience and a genuine willingness to learn.

What We Offer

• £28,000 annual salary
• Quarterly profit bonus following probation period
• Full-time, permanent employment
• A varied and rewarding management role with real responsibility
• Training and development in cellar management, beer quality and pub operations
• A friendly, supportive working environment within a successful pub

Pay: £28,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person