Bat and Ball - Covent Garden - Competitive Socialising
ARE YOU SPORTS MAD? DO YOU THRIVE IN A HIGH-ENERGY VENUE?
We’re looking for an ambitious, experienced and seriously passionate Assistant Manager to join the team at Bat & Ball Covent Garden.
This is not your typical bar management role. Bat & Ball is a high-energy competitive socialising venue where sport, great hospitality, entertainment and unforgettable experiences come together.
We need a manager who can thrive in a fast-paced, high-capacity environment, lead from the front and help us deliver exceptional experiences for our guests — whether they’re here for the big game, competitive socialising, drinks with friends or a night of sport-fuelled fun.
THE ROLE
As Manager, you’ll be a key part of the leadership team, working closely with the General Manager to drive the venue forward.
You’ll take ownership of day-to-day operations, lead and develop a large team, maintain exceptional service standards and make sure every shift runs like clockwork — even when the venue is absolutely flying.
You’ll be commercially minded, operationally strong and, most importantly, a natural leader who loves being around people and sport.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
3+ years’ management experience within a high-capacity competitive socialising venue, sports bar, late-night venue or similarly fast-paced hospitality environment.
Proven experience managing large teams and high-volume operations.
A genuine passion for sport — you should be the person who knows what’s happening across the sporting calendar and gets excited about the big fixtures.
Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate, coach and develop a diverse team.
Excellent commercial awareness, with experience driving sales, controlling costs and delivering against KPIs.
The confidence to take charge during busy services and make decisions under pressure.
A hands-on approach — you’re not afraid to get stuck in wherever you’re needed.
A passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
Energy, personality and the ability to bring people with you.
WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Supporting the General Manager in the overall running of the venue.
Leading from the front during busy services and major sporting events.
Managing, coaching and developing the management and wider venue team.
Driving sales, profitability and commercial performance.
Maintaining outstanding standards across service, operations, health & safety and guest experience.
Helping create an atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
Planning and executing major sporting events and peak trading periods.
Managing rotas, labour and operational costs effectively.
Building a strong team culture where people are motivated to perform.
Acting as the senior leader on shift when required.
WHY BAT & BALL?
Because we don't just put sport on a screen — we make it an experience.
If you love the buzz of a packed venue, thrive when the big games are on, know how to lead a team and want to be part of a venue where competitive socialising meets serious hospitality, this could be your next move.
Welcome to London's biggest independent pub company !
Urban Pubs & Bars was founded in 2014 and has since expanded to an estate of over 67 pubs, bars and restaurants across London.
In 2018, Urban Pubs & Bars was ranked number 28 in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 list, recognising Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing sales. We were then nominated for 2 Publican Awards in 2020, winning the award for ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ on the night. In 2021, Urban was awarded 'Best Food-led Pub Company 2021' at the R200 awards, Urban once again won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ in 2023 and most recently won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ and Best food offering in 2026 and In 2025 & 2026 we were recognised by Sunday Times in the Top 100 Companies to work for.