10 August 2026
Filled
Bar Manager
Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10
The employer
Set in the heart of historic Lavenham, The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa is one of Suffolk’s most distinctive luxury hotels. Dating back to the 15th century, the hotel combines centuries of character with contemporary hospitality, offering individually designed bedrooms and suites, two restaurants, the historic Airmen’s Bar and the adjoining Weavers’ House Spa.
The Swan is part of The Hotel Folk, a family-run collection of six individual hotels across Suffolk, alongside a country club and luxury spa. The group places a strong emphasis on exceptional hospitality, its people and career development, with ongoing training and opportunities to progress across the wider business.
The job
This is a hands-on, high-volume role for a confident Bar Manager who thrives on being on the floor, leading the team and engaging with guests.
Key responsibilities will include and not limited to:
- Overall management responsibility for the bar operation.
- Deliver exceptional guest service and maintain consistently high standards.
- Be a visible, professional ambassador for The Swan, building strong relationships with guests.
- Help motivate and develop the F&B team, creating a positive culture focused on service excellence.
- Manage team training and development.
- Work closely with the General Manager to ensure a smooth operation.
- Monitor GP, stock control, beverage margins, average spend and revenue, identifying opportunities to improve commercial performance.
- Maximise upselling opportunities and ensure the team understands current F&B promotions and sales initiatives.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to take ownership of a busy bar operation, influence its future direction and develop their career within The Swan and the wider Hotel Folk group.
What you'll need
- At least 3 years’ recent experience in a similar role.
- Strong knowledge across F&B, including bar, restaurant, breakfast and events.
- Good commercial awareness, including GP, margins and average spend.
- A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- A hands-on leadership style with the ability to motivate, train and develop a team.
- A strong ownership mindset, consistency and attention to detail.
Where you'll be based
The Swan at Lavenham Hotel, Suffolk, Co10 9QA
What you'll receive
- £32,000 per annum
- Share of the hotel tips
- Free golf at Thorpeness Golf Club
- 50% off treatments & discounted rates on products at our Weavers' House Spa
- 50% off dining in all Hotel Folk restaurants
- B&B in any of our hotels from only £50prpn
- Employee Assistance Programme, Retail Discounts, Hospitality action
- 28 days annual leave p.a. (inc bank holidays)
- Company pension
- Training and developments opportunities
Find out more
To discuss this position in more detail, please send your CV to matthew@martin-salter.com or call 07812 995244.
All communication will be treated in complete confidence.