Duty Manager, Bartenders, and Wait Staff

The Observer Hotel has returned to The Rocks following an extensive heritage restoration, reopening in September 2026 as a modern interpretation of the great English tavern.

Operated by Barrelhouse Group - the team behind The Duke of Clarence, The Barber Shop and Barrelhouse Cellars - The Observer combines premium British-inspired food, craft beer, traditional cask ales, a full cocktail program, an extensive whisky and spirits offering, live entertainment and genuine hospitality within one of Sydney's most historic venues.

After a successful re-opening and high guest turnout we are recruiting additional Front of House staff to join the team.

Positions include:

Full-Time Duty Manager

Full-Time Waitstaff

Casual Bartenders

Casual Floor Staff / Waitstaff

Whether you're an experienced hospitality manager looking for your next challenge, a skilled bartender passionate about your craft, or an enthusiastic hospitality skilled looking to join a great team, we would love to hear from you.

About The Observer Hotel

Located in the heart of The Rocks, The Observer Hotel features:

Fully restored heritage pub, bar and dining spaces

Large outdoor courtyard and beer garden

Premium British-inspired food offering

Craft beer and traditional cask ales

Full cocktail program featuring classics and seasonal creations

Extensive whisky and premium spirits offering

Live music and entertainment

A focus on warm, genuine and memorable hospitality

Our goal is simple: to create one of Sydney's great pubs.

That means delivering more than great food and drinks. We want to build a team that creates the kind of genuine hospitality that makes people want to stay awhile and return again and again.

The Roles

Duty Manager

Our Duty Managers are responsible for leading shifts and ensuring The Observer delivers consistently excellent hospitality every day.

You will:

Lead the floor and bar teams during service

Manage opening and closing procedures

Maintain service,



presentation and venue standards

Resolve guest issues confidently and professionally

Support staff training and development

Ensure RSA, licensing and safety requirements are maintained

Work closely with the kitchen and bar teams throughout service

Lead from the floor and set the standard for the wider team

We're looking for confident hospitality professionals who are comfortable taking ownership of a busy shift and leading by example.

The Observer will have a serious beverage offering, combining the traditions of a great pub with the standards of a quality cocktail bar.

Our bartenders will work across:

Classic and seasonal cocktails

Premium spirits and an extensive whisky selection

Craft and draught beer

Traditional cask ales

Wine

We're looking for bartenders who are passionate about drinks, enjoy talking to guests and understand that great bartending is as much about hospitality as it is about what goes into the glass.

Previous cocktail experience will be highly regarded, particularly for our full-time positions.

Our floor team are at the heart of the guest experience at The Observer.

You will work across our dining areas, pub spaces and courtyard, providing friendly, knowledgeable and attentive service without losing the relaxed personality of a outstanding pub.

We're looking for people who:

Genuinely enjoy looking after guests

Have a positive and engaging personality

Work well within a busy team

Take pride in great service

Are interested in food and beverage

Communicate confidently with both guests and colleagues





Can remain calm and organised during busy periods

Want to learn and develop their hospitality skills

Experience is valued, but attitude, personality and a genuine interest in hospitality are equally important.

About You

Across every position, there are a few things we value highly:

Genuine passion for hospitality

Warm, engaging and confident guest service

Strong work ethic and reliability

Positive attitude and team mentality

Pride in presentation and attention to detail

Ability to perform in a busy hospitality environment

Willingness to learn and improve

A hands-on approach - no matter what your position

A current NSW RSA will be required for applicable positions.

Experience within premium pubs, cocktail bars, restaurants or high-volume hospitality venues will be highly regarded depending on the role.

Most importantly, we're looking for people who want to be part of creating something special from the beginning.

What We Offer

Join the team of a major new Sydney hospitality venue

Work within a beautifully restored heritage pub in the heart of The Rocks

Be part of building the venue culture from close to day one

Extensive cocktail, whisky, beer and food programs

Work alongside an experienced hospitality management team

Genuine opportunities for development and career progression

Supportive, collaborative and professional workplace culture

Opportunities to develop your career across Barrelhouse Group

Barrelhouse Group operates a collection of award-winning Sydney hospitality venues including The Duke of Clarence, The Barber Shop and Barrelhouse Cellars.

We are passionate about creating distinctive venues with strong identities, exceptional guest experiences and positive workplace cultures where hospitality professionals can develop and build long-term careers.

If you love hospitality and want to be part of building a new venue from day one, we'd love to hear from you.

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📌 Duty Manager, Bartenders, and Wait Staff (The Rocks)
🏢 Barrelhouse Group
📍 The Rocks