Bar Manager | Discover Michal’s Role at Balmer Lawn Hotel

Are you interested in discovering the role of a hotel bar manager?

From ensuring the bar runs smoothly to looking after the team, it’s an exciting, diverse and dynamic role. 

Michal, our bar manager at Balmer Lawn Hotel, shares his experience of being a bar manager: 

Bar Manager | Michal’s Role at Balmer Lawn Hotel

Michal has been our bar manager at Balmer Lawn Hotel for a little over a year now and is responsible for overseeing the general operations of our bar. He manages the staff, ensures guests are happy, and contributes to their overall experience at our hotel. 

While no two weeks are the same at Balmer Lawn Hotel,  Michal’s typical workday features a range of tasks to help maintain the high standards of our bar.

At the start of his day, Michal prepares the bar for the day ahead. Then, he maps out a plan for the day with the bar staff, hostesses, waiters and reception managers. 

During his shift, Michal may make menu adjustments, create and edit rotas, tidy the cellar, tend the bar or wait on guests in our lounge area. 

When guests arrive, Michal is often found showcasing his impressive flair and cocktail skills that can be learnt at our upcoming cocktail masterclass.

Throughout the week, he also orders goods, maintains the equipment and ensures everything is as it should be. As well as this, he encourages problem-solving and responsibility within his team. 

Bar Manager | Michal’s Journey Through the Hospitality Industry

Michal’s journey through the hospitality industry began at 15 years old when he discovered an interest in bartending and flair, sommelier and silver service. 

Throughout his teenage years, he honed his impressive skills by competing in many different competitions – often finishing in the top three. He then sought to gain further experience across many different work environments.

He chose to make the move to the UK, learning the ins and outs of the hospitality industry. To do this, he worked as a kitchen porter, barman, commis chef and waiter in a hotel. After teaching other staff members some of the skills he had learnt, he made the decision to leave. 

He then went on to gain experience in high-quality hotels and a steakhouse restaurant before joining our team as the bar manager.

When asked what inspired him to choose a career in hospitality, Michal said: “Creativity. In hospitality there are many opportunities to use my creativity through making cocktails and coffees, decorating tables and creating menus.”

Bar Manager | Michal’s Qualifications and Skills

Throughout his career, Michal has had the opportunity to explore his skills and interests through various courses and qualifications.

Beginning at hospitality school, Michal has had experience as a cocktail bartender, beginner sommelier and Hennessy ambassador.

As well as this, our bar manager also attended barista training and silver service for flambeing desserts, boning fish, decanting wine, Japanese tea rituals and more. 

Michal’s Time at Balmer Lawn Hotel

Michal took the opportunity to join our Balmer Lawn Hotel team in order to learn new skills. He’s particularly looking forward to achieving his WSET Level 2 or 3, beer brewer training and further lessons in English. 

He said, “The new experiences are the best part of my job. The interaction with other managers means I can learn new skills, and it’s very satisfying to show off our successes.”

Michal is a true asset to the team here at Balmer Lawn Hotel. His advice to others wanting a career in hospitality was: “Hospitality is a job where you can learn a lot. You’ll learn something new every day if you want to. You can meet so many interesting people and work in places you’ll only see in pictures.

“But it’s all about whether you want to work and do the best for the guests and yourself. It’s not simple and not without sacrifice. But when someone tells you they’ve been drinking a martini all their life but the one you prepared is the best they’ve ever had, you’ll know why you’re doing this.”

If you’re interested in discovering the career options we have available, please take a look at our website.

To find out more about our cocktail masterclass taking place in January, please email our team.

Alternatively, take a look at our blog to find out more about the recent achievement of our head receptionist.