Mix, Serve, Succeed: A Bartender’s Career Guide to Success

Behind every great bar is a story that starts with the bartender.

They don’t simply pour pints; they craft delicious, dazzling drinks that create unforgettable customer experiences while incorporating their personality and charm.

But how can you become a bartender, specifically in the UK? Is a shaker and smile enough?

This guide will teach you how to launch your bartending career in the country, from the essential training to licensing laws and the art of mixology. Let’s get started.

Meeting the Age Requirement

meeting-the-age-requirement-for-bartender-career In the UK, you must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol. It’s a simple but strict rule you should follow.

However, you can still work in a bar even if you’re underage. Your tasks will include:

Stocking shelves
Preparing supplies
Cleaning tables
Assisting bartenders

These tasks will help you build experience when you’re ready to be behind the bar.

Understanding Licensing

Every bar in the UK needs two things to serve alcohol:

Premises Licence: The bar’s golden ticket to sell drinks legally. No licence, no drinks.
Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS): Responsible for alcohol sales and ensuring the bar follows regulations. You’ll need a Personal Licence to be a DPS.

Although bartenders are not required to own a licence, knowing these rules is essential to following the law.

Training and Certification

training-and-certification-for-bartender While you do not need formal training to start bartending, many establishments look for specific skills and qualifications for their master of drinks, including the following.

1. Personal Licence

Although it isn’t necessary, obtaining a Personal Licence can help impress potential employers. Here’s how to get one:

Take the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) course. It teaches the legal basics of serving alcohol responsibly.
Pass the test. A quick multiple-choice exam covering the entire course. You need at least 70% to pass.
Background checks. A quick check to ensure you are all set.

2. Bartending Courses

Sharpen your skills with various DrinksWorld bartending courses that cover all you need to know about the art of mixology, such as:

The Essentials of Bartending Class: Great for beginners learning the ropes.
Advanced Bartending Course: In-depth training to help you become a pro.
Cocktail Creations Course: Designed to help you master classic and creative drinks.
Tiki Cocktails Course: Discover how to add tropical vices to your skill set.
Craft Flair Course: Learn tricks and flair to dazzle customers.

These courses teach you new skills, making you more confident and ready for the job.

Skills and Experience

Bartending involves more work than pouring drinks. Bartenders create moments, stay attentive on a bustling night, and know customers’ preferences.

You’ll need the right set of professional and soft skills to shine as a bartender. Here’s what will make you stand out.

Customer Service Skills. A smile, a joke, or a friendly chat goes a long way—they make you the bar’s MVP.
Organizational Skills. Busy night? A great bartender keeps their cool and multitasks to keep drinks flowing.
Knowledge of Drinks. Know your cocktails, beers, and spirits. Customers love it when you can differentiate a lager from a stout.
Experience. Whether starting as a barback, volunteering at events, or practising at home, employers know when you know the ropes of bartending.

These skills make you the bartender that customers remember with just one drink.

Drinks Up: Become a Bartender Today

The UK’s bartending scene is exciting, fun, and full of opportunities. Learning the basics, sharpening your skills, and getting experience can help you join this bustling world. Whether mixing cocktails or pulling pints of beer, you can create a memorable customer experience.

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Shirley Owen: Shirley Owen is a blogger and writer who enjoys writing blogs on education, technology and general news. An avid reader, she follows all the latest news & developments to report on them through her articles.