What is the best way to describe my venue in a Barback job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email. Or book a demo to see how hospitality businesses use Pilla to create and record job descriptions.

Barback Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a busy cocktail bar and restaurant serving 250+ covers nightly with emphasis on craft cocktails, premium spirits, and high-volume service requiring seamless bar support operations. Our Barback role is essential to smooth bar operations, providing crucial support to bartenders through stock management, preparation tasks, and cleaning duties that enable efficient service delivery during peak periods. The position offers excellent entry point into the bar industry with opportunities to learn cocktail techniques, product knowledge, and service skills while supporting experienced bartenders in a fast-paced, professional hospitality environment.
• Maintain adequate stock levels for all bar stations including spirits, wine, beer, mixers, and garnish supplies throughout service periods • Prepare fresh ingredients daily including cutting garnishes, juicing citrus, and preparing syrups and bar mise en place • Keep bar areas clean and organized including glassware washing, surface sanitizing, and equipment maintenance • Support bartenders during busy periods by restocking supplies, clearing used glassware, and maintaining station organization • Handle bottle changes for spirits and wine, ensuring proper rotation and inventory accuracy • Coordinate with kitchen and storage areas for ingredient delivery and inventory management • Maintain ice machines and ensure adequate ice supply for all bar stations throughout service • Empty trash bins, replace liners, and maintain general bar cleanliness and hygiene standards • Assist with opening duties including equipment setup, stock checks, and preparation area organization • Complete closing responsibilities including deep cleaning, inventory counting, and preparation for following service • Transport supplies between storage areas and bar stations efficiently and safely • Support special events and busy periods with additional preparation and service assistance
Essential Skills: Strong work ethic with ability to maintain pace during busy service periods; excellent attention to detail for stock management and cleanliness standards; physical stamina for lifting, carrying, and standing for extended periods; team collaboration skills for supporting bartenders and coordinating with other staff; basic organizational abilities for managing multiple tasks and priorities; willingness to learn and follow instructions precisely. Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience in restaurants, bars, or hospitality environments demonstrating reliability and work ethic; basic knowledge of alcoholic beverages and bar equipment; food safety and hygiene awareness; ability to work efficiently under pressure; positive attitude toward learning cocktail preparation and bar operations; flexibility for various shift patterns including evenings and weekends.
This is an excellent entry-level position for those interested in bar and hospitality careers, requiring no previous bar experience but strong work ethic and willingness to learn. We value enthusiasm, reliability, and positive attitude over extensive background, making this ideal for career starters or career changers interested in the industry. Comprehensive training covers bar operations, product knowledge, and service standards, with opportunities to shadow experienced bartenders and learn cocktail preparation techniques. Clear advancement pathway to bartender roles typically within 6-12 months for dedicated team members who demonstrate skill development and reliability.
We're looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, takes pride in supporting team success, and maintains positive energy even during busy periods. The ideal candidate demonstrates reliability and punctuality, shows initiative in anticipating needs, and approaches challenges with solution-focused thinking. You should be physically capable of demanding work, comfortable with repetitive tasks, and genuinely interested in learning about bar operations and cocktail craft. Strong communication skills, ability to follow directions precisely, and enthusiasm for contributing to exceptional guest experiences are essential for success in this supporting role.
Competitive hourly rate of £10.50-£12.00 based on experience, plus share of tips and service charge distribution (typically £20-40 per shift depending on service volume). Comprehensive benefits package includes: staff meals during all shifts; 24 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays; flexible scheduling accommodating work-life balance where operationally feasible; staff discounts on food and beverage purchases. Career development opportunities include comprehensive bartending training with progression to bartender roles within 6-12 months; ongoing education in cocktail techniques, product knowledge, and service skills; mentorship from experienced bartenders and bar management team. Additional benefits include access to industry events and networking opportunities; recognition programs for outstanding performance and reliability; supportive team environment with regular training sessions and skills development workshops; clear advancement pathways within our growing hospitality group.

Start by clearly defining the type of venue you operate, such as a bustling urban lounge, a classic cocktail bar, or a casual seaside pub. Highlight the unique aspects of your venue that make it special, like your commitment to zero waste, your support for local distilleries, or your team's collaborative spirit. This helps potential applicants understand the setting they'll be working in and align their expectations with your bar's ethos.

Common misunderstanding: A general description is enough for any venue.

A vague description can lead to mismatched expectations. It's important to be specific about what makes your venue unique to attract the right candidates who are a good fit for your specific environment.

Common misunderstanding: It’s unnecessary to mention the pace or ethos of the venue.

The pace and ethos are crucial for setting the right expectations. Whether your venue is high-energy or more relaxed affects the type of candidate who will thrive in your environment. Make sure to include this information to attract suitable applicants.

How do I communicate our service style clearly to applicants?

Describe your service style in detail, whether it's fast-paced with a focus on efficiency, or more relaxed with an emphasis on customer interaction. Use examples to illustrate: for instance, if you operate a high-energy cocktail bar, mention the need for quick service under pressure. This helps candidates gauge if they can meet the demands of the role and fit into your service flow.

Common misunderstanding: Any experienced Barback can adapt to any service style.

While experienced barbacks bring valuable skills, not all are suited for every type of service style. Clear communication about your specific needs helps prevent mismatches and ensures you find someone who can thrive in your environment.

Common misunderstanding: Detailed descriptions of service style are only for front-of-house staff.

Barbacks play a crucial role in supporting the service flow, so they need to understand and integrate with your service style to perform effectively. This clarity helps them align their work with the overall customer experience you aim to deliver.

What details should I include about our work environment?

Include information about the atmosphere and the team dynamics of your venue. Mention if your team values close collaboration, if you often handle peak periods together, or if there's a significant focus on individual responsibility. Highlight any special initiatives like staff involvement in tasting sessions or sustainability practices. This helps potential barbacks understand the kind of community and values they would be joining.

Common misunderstanding: The work environment is similar across all bars.

Each bar has a unique work environment influenced by its location, clientele, and team. Describing yours helps attract candidates who are more likely to enjoy and excel in your specific setting.

Common misunderstanding: You only need to describe physical aspects of the environment.

While physical aspects are important, the social and ethical environment, such as team culture and values, are equally crucial. These factors significantly impact job satisfaction and retention, so they should be clearly communicated in the job description.