Bar

The Job

I started my career back in 1996 as a W/W at Southampton and quickly developed a passion for the bar. It’s like being on stage - guests come from miles around to seek the all knowing showmanship of the Friday’s Bartender, and I’m happy to deliver as many WOWs as possible along the way. I have the drink for every occasion and love to see all my guests leave with a big smile on their faces. It’s great being the centre of attention!

My job can be really challenging, but I love it! A busy Saturday night is all about prioritising and organising yourself, making several rounds of cocktails for different groups of guests at the same time - whilst maintaining the high standards of service Friday’s is renowned for. There’s nothing like the adrenaline burst you get when you’re really busy but keeping all your guests satisfied. It’s lots of fun!!!

The Team

Being at work is like being out with your friends - everyone wants to have a good time, and more importantly want to give all their guests a great time as well. Everyone looks out for one another, and if one of us gets too busy there’s always someone there to support you and help you out. Seriously, there’s nowhere else that I’ve experienced such teamwork and spirit as I do here. Even the leadership team are ever ready to roll their sleeves up and muck in. The fun doesn’t stop at work either; we’re always organising social events. We’re one big happy family.

The Perks

Serving celebrities such as Isla Fisher, Sara Cox and the Home & Away cast are up there with my best memories at Friday’s. Also competing in the Bartender Challenges is great - every year you get to compete head to head with every bartender in the company to see who’s the best in the world.

The training provided is world class. When I started on bar, I went through a six week training programme to learn around 150 cocktails from memory, how to free pour liquor, bar service standards and etiquette, how to flair bottles and tins - the list goes on.  For my Master Bartender qualification I took on a six month regime learning 1000 cocktails from memory, plus the science of alcohol and lots more, receiving excellent coaching along the way. If you’re new to the brand, you also get introduced to the colourful history and heritage of Friday’s and all our values.

You have the opportunity to earn a HUGE amount of tips if you provide your guests with A+ service. The way shift patterns are worked out, I’m sure a job at Friday’s fits into most lifestyles, and if you do really well in your role there’s always scope to learn another department or two.

The Future

I want to compete in this year’s Bartender Challenge and hopefully win the UK Champion crown (I came soooo close last year, coming second, which I’m still very proud of). After that I’d like to work towards becoming a General Manager for Friday’s and running my own restaurant.

Top Tip

If you consider yourself to be a fun and happy person and have a real passion for delivering awesome service and a flair for meeting all types of people, if you are the kind of person who loves being part of a close knit, high performing team, then I would definitely recommend a job at T.G.I. Friday’s for you. Be yourself, let your personality shine, work hard and you’ll be rewarded. Trust me, it’s nothing short of amazing!!!

by Kriss Gizmo Alexander - Bar