Bar Mixologist
Darlington
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £30,000
Rockliffe
Set within a 375-acre estate on the banks of the River Tees, Rockliffe is a five-star resort that blends heritage, luxury and natural beauty. Located in the quiet village of Hurworth, in the heart of the Tees Valley and close to the borders of County Durham and North Yorkshire, it offers a peaceful countryside setting with exceptional facilities.
Surrounded by sweeping views and beautifully kept gardens, the resort features elegant bedrooms and a sense of quiet luxury, shaped by a warm northern spirit. Guests can enjoy an award-winning spa, play on the longest golf course in the UK and experience refined fine dining, all within a restored eighteenth century estate designed for both relaxation and indulgence.
Job Purpose
As a Mixologist at Ro, you will create exceptional drinks and deliver polished, personalised service to every guest.
You will be expected to demonstrate strong cocktail knowledge, technical ability and attention to detail while maintaining a calm, welcoming and professional presence. You will work closely with the wider bar and food and beverage teams to ensure every element of the guest experience reflects the standards of Ro and Rockliffe.
This is an opportunity to join a new concept from the beginning, contribute to its development and build your knowledge within an ambitious and creative beverage programme.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and serve signature cocktails, classic drinks, spirits, beer and non-alcoholic beverages to the required specification.
- Deliver knowledgeable, engaging and discreet service tailored to each guest.
- Maintain consistently high standards of presentation, accuracy and efficiency.
- Develop a detailed understanding of the Ro cocktail menu, ingredients, techniques and stories.
- Confidently recommend drinks based on individual guest preferences.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Japanese spirits, whisky, sake and wider drinking culture, with training provided where required.
- Complete all opening, closing and preparation duties accurately.
- Prepare garnishes, batches, infusions, syrups and other cocktail ingredients in accordance with recipes and safety procedures.
- Maintain a clean, organised and fully stocked bar throughout service.
- Follow all licensing, food safety, allergen, hygiene and responsible-service procedures.
- Handle guest requests, feedback and concerns professionally and discreetly.
- Support stock control, deliveries, rotation, waste management and inventory procedures.
- Communicate effectively with the kitchen, floor and wider hotel teams.
- Participate fully in daily briefings, tastings, training sessions and menu development.
- Protect the quality and consistency of every drink by following approved recipes and service standards.
- Help create a positive, respectful and collaborative working environment.
- Act as an ambassador for Ro and Rockliffe at all times.
About You:
You will be an experienced bartender / mixologist with a genuine interest in cocktails, hospitality and continual development.
You will bring technical competence, professional discipline and the confidence to engage naturally with guests, while understanding that excellent service is measured not only by what is served, but by how the guest is made to feel.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Previous bartending experience within a quality cocktail bar, luxury hotel, premium restaurant or comparable hospitality environment.
- Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, spirits and fundamental bar techniques.
- The ability to prepare drinks accurately and consistently during busy services.
- Excellent attention to detail and pride in presentation.
- A warm, professional and composed approach to guest service.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- An organised and responsible approach to preparation, cleanliness and stock.
- A willingness to learn new ingredients, methods and styles of service.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.
- A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, safety and responsible alcohol service.
Experience with Japanese spirits, sake, advanced cocktail techniques or luxury-service standards would be advantageous, but is not essential.
Why Join?
To be part of a fantastic team within a premium hospitality environment during an exciting period of transformation and growth.
Benefits:
- A Day in the Life of a Guest Stay (Overnight Stay within the First 6 Months)
- Pension Scheme (Aegon)
- Hospitality Rewards Scheme
- Life Assurance (Legal & General)
- Selected Discounts Across the Resort
- Enhanced Annual Leave for Long Service
- Annual Leave – 20 Days plus Bank Holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme (Hospitality Action)
- Staff Meals
- Uniform Laundry Service
“Our success is dependent on every single individual in our team”