How to Get a Job in a Pub in 2026 Without Experience?

[MacNova]

Landing a job in a pub is less about formal qualifications and more about demonstrating the right attitude and a willingness to learn. The most direct path is to walk in during a quiet weekday afternoon, between 2 PM and 4 PM, and ask to speak with the manager. Bring a printed CV and dress smart-casual. This shows initiative and respect for the manager’s time.

Your CV should highlight transferable skills like customer service, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure, even if those came from a different industry. If you have no experience, emphasize your reliability, punctuality, and a genuine interest in the pub environment. Many pubs run internal training for their specific systems, so a willingness to learn is often more valuable than prior experience.

For a realistic edge, consider obtaining a UK Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) if you're in the UK, or a TIPS certification in the US. These are not always required, but they make you a much more attractive candidate because they save the employer time and money on licensing. Start with smaller, independent pubs rather than high-volume chains. Independent landlords are often more willing to train someone with the right personality. Prepare for a trial shift—this is standard in the industry, and you will be judged on your speed, friendliness, and how you handle a busy period.

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[Sue]

I’ve been working in pubs for 15 years, and the biggest mistake people make is applying online. Face-to-face is the only way to stand out. Go in on a Tuesday afternoon, when the manager is likely doing paperwork. Ask for a trial shift straight away. It shows you’re serious and not afraid of hard work.

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[VanSophie]

From my experience as a 20-year-old student, I got my first pub job by being persistent. I applied to five different places and followed up with a phone call two days later. The key is flexibility with your schedule. I offered to work late Fridays and weekends, which most people avoid. That got me the interview.

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[DianaFitz]

I changed careers at 40 and started in a local gastropub. My advice is to lean heavily on your soft skills. For example, I used my experience in project management to show I could handle multitasking and high-pressure situations. If you’re older, don’t hide your age. Pubs value maturity and reliability over youthful energy for back-of-house roles.

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[LeViolet]

I run a pub, and I can tell you the main thing I look for is social intelligence. I can teach you how to pour a pint in 10 minutes. I cannot teach you how to read a customer’s mood or handle a drunk person with grace. In your interview, talk about times you’ve dealt with difficult people. That’s worth more than any bartending course.

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