Are you a grafter at heart? Do you thrive in a physical role? Then Bar back is the position for you.
You will be the best friend of every bartender, who will be reliant on you to maintain a smooth-running bar.
On a hap bar, your main duty will be overseeing the stock management. At large-scale festivals and events, the customers will be pouring to the bar as quickly as the beer is pouring! You must be switched on and proactive in assessing the needs of the bartenders to make sure there is always plenty of soft drinks, and alcohol readily available to serve but also mindful enough not to open new stock if the bar is about to close.
You may also be expected to help out with the front of the house, should there be demand for it. This can be simple things such as removing rubbish bags, maintaining general cleanliness of the bar, or may include offering a hand serving drinks to customers.
There may also be some heavy lifting expected of you. Don’t worry, if it’s not something you’re physically capable of doing then the previously listed duties will be the ones you undertake. If you’re a gym junkie and enjoy lifting, there will be plenty of opportunity for moving stock from the main trailer van and also shifting beer kegs!
If you enjoy the role of a bar back and are looking to take the next steps, speak to your on-site cellar manager! They (should time permit) will be able to take you through how to change barrels, and monitor stock management levels if you're not already familiar with these processes. This will not only give you more gratification and sense of achievement, but also put you on the right steps to becoming a cellar manager yourself.
Check out our overview of all the roles available in hap and see which suit your skills and experience best.