Bar Work in Edinburgh
One of the most popular jobs in Edinburgh, Scotland is bar tending and other bar related jobs. This is partly because they are the most available jobs, as well as some of the most exciting. Edinburgh is a energetic city surrounded by history and yet maintaining its modern culture and art aura with night clubs, and parties of every genre. Tourists flock to Edinburgh to enjoy the world famous clubs, as well as party spectacles such as the MTV after party, and the world’s largest New Year’s Eve street bash. The August Edinburgh Festival is second to none as a craft and arts extravaganza making this the ‘in’ spot and a terrific place to work.
Bar work in Edinburgh has openings in all levels of expertise and offers atmospheres that are sure to appeal to any taste. From sophisticated night spots like the Opal Lounge where Prince Harry relaxes to the exhilarating City Nightclub the energy in this old world city is fresh and new. Wages for bar work in Edinburgh vary depending on the type of job. Bartenders can earn £5 to £6 an hour as well as enjoying the perks of proffered drinks from happy patrons.
The primary focus for a bartender is the customer’s happiness and the need to be able to recognize the different ales, and mix drinks is a necessity. Duties also may include keeping the bar area clean and in some cases helping to regulate the waiting staff. There is plenty of room for advancement as former bartenders often become supervisors and managers of the establishments making a great deal more money along with the added responsibility.
Assistant managers of nightclubs in Edinburgh make an average of £22,000 a year and higher. These positions are a stepping stone between bartending and managing of the clubs and usually require a degree of discipline and the ability to oversee others in their work as you will likely be responsible for the scheduling and running of the bar staff from waitress and waiters to bartenders. Keeping on top of the various shifts and their duties and reporting to the establishment’s manager.
Manager positions are the most sought after in the long term. While tending bar may be the most fun of the jobs and interacting with the locals as well as the huge influence of tourists, managing the bar offers the most in terms of income, and level of respect. Along with the high respectability comes great responsibility, however, and managers are often being called upon day and night to answer questions, solve problems, and employee disputes as well as their list of regular duties. The typical salary for a bar manager in Edinburgh is between £35,000 and £45,000 per year and can also include extra bonuses as high as 25% making this a very lucrative career for the success oriented nightlife lover.
No matter what level of work you desire, or what your experience you can surely find something suited to your life and lifestyle doing bar work in Edinburgh—and have a fantastic time doing it as well.