JourneyCareersBarman / Barmaid
Global Career Guide (EN)From Hospitality & Catering β†’

Barman / Barmaid

AI

A barman or barmaid serves drinks, takes payments and looks after customers in a pub, bar or club. It is lively, sociable work that suits confident people who enjoy a busy atmosphere, can keep their cool with all sorts of customers and don't mind late nights.

The role

What a barman / barmaid actually does, day to day.

The job is pulling pints, mixing drinks, taking orders and money, clearing glasses and keeping the bar clean and stocked. Good service, a friendly manner and the ability to stay calm and fair when things get busy or customers have had a few are what set the best bar staff apart.

Hours are evening, weekend and late-night heavy, the work is on your feet and physical, and pay often starts around the minimum wage plus any tips. You have a legal responsibility around serving alcohol, including refusing service to anyone underage or too drunk.

You usually need no qualifications and learn on the job, though you must be of legal age to serve alcohol. It is a common first or student job, and experience can lead to supervisor, manager or cocktail-bartending roles.

A typical week

Day to day

1Pour pints and mix drinks to order
2Take orders and handle cash and card payments
3Check ID and refuse service where needed
4Clear, wash and restock glasses
5Keep the bar clean, tidy and stocked
6Chat with and look after customers
7Cash up and help close the bar