What Staff Do You Need to Run a Pub?

Getting your staffing right is one of the biggest challenges facing any pub landlord. Too few staff and you’ll have customers waiting at the bar while your team burns out. Too many and you’ll watch your profits disappear faster than a pint on a Friday night.

After running pubs across the North East for years, I’ve learned exactly what staff you need to keep things running smoothly. Here’s your complete guide to building the right team for your pub.

Essential Bar Staff Roles

Your bar staff are the heart of your operation. For most pubs, you’ll need a mix of experienced and junior staff members. Start with at least two experienced bartenders who can handle busy periods, manage the till, and serve food if needed.

A bar supervisor or assistant manager is crucial for larger pubs. They’ll handle staff scheduling, stock management, and can step in when you’re not around. This role becomes essential once you’re running more than 4-5 regular staff members.

Don’t overlook glass collectors and runners. During peak times, having someone dedicated to clearing tables and restocking glasses keeps your main bar staff focused on serving customers. One good runner can dramatically improve your service speed.

Kitchen and Food Service Staff

If you’re serving food, your kitchen staffing needs depend on your menu complexity. A head chef who can manage inventory, create specials, and maintain food standards is non-negotiable for serious food operations.

Most food-serving pubs need at least one kitchen assistant or commis chef, plus dedicated food runners during meal times. For pubs focusing heavily on food, consider a dedicated kitchen porter to handle washing up and prep work.

Support Staff and Specialists

Cleaners are often forgotten but absolutely essential. Whether it’s daily cleaning or deep cleaning services, maintaining standards is crucial for your licence and reputation.

Consider a dedicated cellar person if you serve real ales or have complex beer lines. They’ll handle line cleaning, cask management, and ensure your beer quality stays consistent.

For entertainment-focused pubs, door staff become essential, especially at weekends. Check your local licensing requirements as some areas mandate door staff during certain hours.

Managing all these roles effectively requires proper staff scheduling and motivation systems. Many successful landlords now use digital tools to streamline their front of house management, making staff coordination much simpler.

Ready to take control of your pub’s staffing challenges? SmartPubTools’ free platform helps landlords across the UK manage their teams more effectively, from scheduling to performance tracking. Sign up free today and see how much easier staff management can be.