Welcome to Newcastle’s Newest Neighbourhood!

Freight Island is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and disruptive food markets in the world. It’s a game changer and more importantly, it has soul.

Established in Manchester, Freight Island is bringing an exciting mix of culture, food, drinks and music to Newcastle. An island above the city, and blurring the lines between a food hall and a festival, Freight’s unique set up reflects the time, the demographic and the city. An urban oasis where guests can enjoy delicious food, great drinks and live entertainment.

It’s a place people can come for a coffee, stay for lunch, meet for drinks or make a whole day and night of it. We specialise in curating an evolving calendar of residencies and menus that span emerging local talent and nationally recognised names, keeping the experiences fresh and engaging. We care about the details. How things look. How they feel. How people move through the space, and what stays with them after they leave. 

Head Bartender (0 hour)

We are looking for an experienced Head Bartender to lead the team at Freight Island! As a leader on the bar, you will play an essential part in our guest’s journey, ensuring the team delivers drinks to a perfect spec while maintaining a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. You will work closely with management to oversee the day-to-day running of the bars and ensure our high standards are met consistently.

You MUST have weekend availability and significant cocktail experience to be considered.

Key responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Leading the team to deliver drinks to a perfect spec and look, ensuring a high quality of service across the entire bar.

• Overseeing the setup and maintenance of all bar stations to an excellent standard.

• Taking and making correct drinks orders, upselling standard serves to premium and showcasing the best of our product ranges.

• Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of the bar offerings and ensuring the entire team has memorised all specs.

• Liaising with the bar support team to ensure there is plenty of stock, ice, and garnish prepared at all times.

• Managing stock levels, including recording any wastage or broken stock correctly.

• Training and mentoring staff on sponsor brands and upselling techniques to maximise the Freight Island experience.

• Ensuring daily and weekly cleaning schedules are completed to the highest standard.

• Enforcing Challenge 25, Licensing Rules, and all H&S or security specifics.

• Creating a fun, upbeat and welcoming atmosphere while engaging with guests to create a great buzz.

• Supporting the floor staff with clearing during quieter periods to maintain venue standards.

• Extensive Bartending experience (minimum 3+ years, with at least 2 years in cocktails).

• Previous leadership experience in a high-volume, fast-paced venue or food hall environment.

• A can-do attitude and a calm head when it gets busy, with the ability to lead by example under pressure.

• An infectious smile and outgoing personality to lead the team in creating a phenomenal customer experience.

• Phenomenal communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with management and bar support.

• Willingness to work outside (under cover) as required by the venue layout.

• Fluent English (spoken and comprehension).

Welcome to Newcastle’s Newest Neighbourhood!

Freight Island is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and disruptive food markets in the world. It’s a game changer and more importantly, it has soul.

Established in Manchester, Freight Island is bringing an exciting mix of culture, food, drinks and music to Newcastle. An island above the city, and blurring the lines between a food hall and a festival, Freight’s unique set up reflects the time, the demographic and the city. An urban oasis where guests can enjoy delicious food, great drinks and live entertainment.

It’s a place people can come for a coffee, stay for lunch, meet for drinks or make a whole day and night of it. We specialise in curating an evolving calendar of residencies and menus that span emerging local talent and nationally recognised names, keeping the experiences fresh and engaging. We care about the details. How things look. How they feel. How people move through the space, and what stays with them after they leave. 

Head Bartender (0 hour)

We are looking for an experienced Head Bartender to lead the team at Freight Island! As a leader on the bar, you will play an essential part in our guest’s journey, ensuring the team delivers drinks to a perfect spec while maintaining a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. You will work closely with management to oversee the day-to-day running of the bars and ensure our high standards are met consistently.

You MUST have weekend availability and significant cocktail experience to be considered.

Key responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Leading the team to deliver drinks to a perfect spec and look, ensuring a high quality of service across the entire bar.

• Overseeing the setup and maintenance of all bar stations to an excellent standard.

• Taking and making correct drinks orders, upselling standard serves to premium and showcasing the best of our product ranges.

• Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of the bar offerings and ensuring the entire team has memorised all specs.

• Liaising with the bar support team to ensure there is plenty of stock, ice, and garnish prepared at all times.

• Managing stock levels, including recording any wastage or broken stock correctly.

• Training and mentoring staff on sponsor brands and upselling techniques to maximise the Freight Island experience.

• Ensuring daily and weekly cleaning schedules are completed to the highest standard.

• Enforcing Challenge 25, Licensing Rules, and all H&S or security specifics.

• Creating a fun, upbeat and welcoming atmosphere while engaging with guests to create a great buzz.

• Supporting the floor staff with clearing during quieter periods to maintain venue standards.

• Extensive Bartending experience (minimum 3+ years, with at least 2 years in cocktails).

• Previous leadership experience in a high-volume, fast-paced venue or food hall environment.

• A can-do attitude and a calm head when it gets busy, with the ability to lead by example under pressure.

• An infectious smile and outgoing personality to lead the team in creating a phenomenal customer experience.

• Phenomenal communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with management and bar support.

• Willingness to work outside (under cover) as required by the venue layout.

• Fluent English (spoken and comprehension).