Bar back cover in London
Give your bar team the support it needs when the rota has a gap. Arrange freelance bar back cover over WhatsApp, with duties and availability agreed before the shift.
A request starts your venue onboarding and an availability check. It is not a confirmed booking until the details are agreed.
What a bar back shift usually covers
A bar back keeps the station workable so the people serving can stay on the bar. That commonly means glass collection and washing, restocking bottles and mixers, running ice, preparing garnishes and clearing as service goes.
Cellar and keg work, including line changes, is only part of the shift if you ask for it specifically and the worker has the relevant experience. Put it in the brief rather than assuming it.
Bar back or bartender?
Look at where the shift actually strains. If drinks are being made quickly but glasses run short, ice runs low or the station falls behind, that can point to a support or equipment issue and a bar back is often the useful addition.
If the queue for cocktails is long and your team is already on the bar, that can point to a need for more service capacity, which is a bartender. Check where service slows down before choosing the role you need.
What to include in your brief
- The support duties you want covered, including anything cellar related.
- Shift times, including setup before doors and clearing after close.
- Venue layout, arrival door and the on-site contact.
- Required experience, such as previous cellar or high-volume work.
- The agreed hourly rate for the shift.
Set your venue up
Send your venue details through the request form. This starts onboarding. It is not a confirmed booking.
Send your brief over WhatsApp
Share the date, times, role, address and the skills the shift actually needs.
Agree details and confirm cover
We check availability and come back to you. Cover is arranged once the worker, the rate and the details are agreed.
What it costs.
Worker wages are payable in addition to the platform fee.
Plus £10 per worker per shift + VAT. Worker wages are still payable.
The platform fee on your first shift is waived. The worker's wages for that shift are still payable.
- What is the difference between a bar back and a bartender?
- A bar back supports the bar with glasses, stock, ice and preparation. A bartender serves guests and makes drinks. Some people do both, and the duties should be agreed before the shift.
- Can I request a single bar back shift?
- Yes. Single shift requests are welcome and are subject to availability, with details confirmed before cover is arranged.
- Which skills should I specify?
- Say whether you need cellar or keg experience, how heavy the lifting is, which areas need clearing and whether the shift includes setup or close down.
Cover the gap in your rota.
Send your venue details and your brief. We will check availability and come back to you with what we can confirm.
Request cover