Taproom Manager

The Taproom Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the taproom, ensuring an excellent customer experience, maintaining high standards in tidiness and hygiene, managing staff performance and rotas, and ensuring full compliance with all relevant licensing, safety, and health regulations.

A key part of the role is taking a solutions-driven approach—proactively identifying issues, proposing and testing fixes before escalating—and demonstrating strong technical cellar management, operational ownership, and confident independent decision-making. The Taproom Manager is expected to lead from the front, providing a visible and calm presence on the floor during busy service periods, and ensuring consistent discipline and adherence to standards across the team.

This role also includes stock procurement, cellar management, and supporting the continued growth and reputation of the taproom.

About the role

As Taproom Manager, you’ll be the hands-on leader who ensures the taproom runs smoothly, safely, and to the highest possible standard every day. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, enjoys solving problems independently, and takes real ownership of quality—whether that’s in the cellar, behind the bar, or on the floor during a busy service.You will set the tone for the team by leading from the front, maintaining discipline, and upholding consistent standards in hygiene, bar setup, service, and closing procedures. Strong technical cellar management is essential, as is the ability to confidently propose and test solutions before escalating issues.Alongside managing the team and overseeing day-to-day operations, you’ll ensure exceptional customer service, high-quality beer presentation, efficient stock control, and full compliance with safety and licensing regulations. This is a role that combines operational expertise, people leadership, and a passion for great hospitality in equal measure.

Key ResponsibilitiesCellar & Product Management

• Maintain full technical oversight of the cellar, including organisation of stock, rotation, and quality control.

• Demonstrate strong cellar management skills with ownership of cellar standards and processes.

• Ensure beer is dispensing correctly and at the highest quality; maintain and enforce line-cleaning schedules.

• Apply a solutions-driven approach to cellar or product issues by diagnosing and trialling fixes before escalating.

Hygiene & Compliance

• Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, tidiness, and hygiene throughout the taproom, cellar, and outdoor areas.

• Ensure consistent attention to detail in bar setup, service, close, and hygiene procedures—ensuring standards never slip.

• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and licensing regulations.

• Keep accurate records for inspections, audits, and routine compliance checks.

Staff Management

• Recruit, train, and supervise bar and floor staff.

• Set and maintain staff discipline to ensure smooth day-to-day operation and adherence to procedures.

• Create and manage rotas for efficient staffing levels.

• Monitor performance, provide ongoing coaching, and take decisive action when required.

• Lead by example with a strong on-the-floor presence, especially during peak service times.

Customer Service

• Deliver and model friendly, professional, and knowledgeable service.

• Foster a welcoming atmosphere for both regular and new guests.

• Ensure the taproom remains a safe environment for patrons and staff; intervene appropriately in instances of anti-social behaviour.

• Handle customer feedback and complaints with professionalism and a solution-focused mindset.

Procurement & Stock Control

• Order and receive stock including beer, wine, spirits, snacks, and cleaning supplies.

• Maintain accurate stock levels and carry out regular stock takes.

• Negotiate with suppliers to secure the best pricing and product quality.

Financial & Administrative Duties

• Oversee daily cash handling, till reconciliation, and banking procedures.

• Monitor sales, margins, and wastage; report figures and insights to the owner regularly.

• Assist with budgeting, cost control, and the identification of operational efficiencies.

Marketing & Events

• Support promotional activities, events, and community engagement initiatives.

• Help develop and execute ideas to increase footfall, revenue, and customer engagement.

Other Duties

• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and operational; trial fixes where appropriate before escalating repairs.

• Take responsibility for staff adherence to opening and closing procedures.

Why Work With Us

Crooked River is one of Cumbria’s most recognised and well-loved taproom brands—right at the heart of the region’s craft beer scene. With our recent expansion into Cockermouth, we’re in an exciting period of growth, making this a fantastic time to join a business that’s thriving, ambitious, and full of momentum.

As part of our team, you’ll work in a friendly, reputable environment where professionalism, passion, and personality all matter. Our taprooms are pet-friendly, community-focused spaces that close no later than 9pm, meaning you can enjoy a consistent atmosphere on every shift—without the demands of late-night hospitality.

We’re also one of the most popular live music destinations in Keswick, giving the venue a lively, vibrant feel while still maintaining a relaxed and welcoming bar culture.

One of the most unique parts of working with us is the opportunity to be close to the craft itself. You’ll work directly alongside the people who brew our beer, giving you first-hand insight into the process, the ingredients, and the skill behind every pint. You’ll learn how to articulate that knowledge to customers and become part of a team that genuinely celebrates great beer.

As a member of Crooked River, you’ll also enjoy:

• Generous staff discounts on drinks and bar snacks, redeemable at any of our venues

• A positive, inclusive team of friendly staff

• The chance to help shape the experience of one of the top taprooms in Cumbria

• A workplace that values your input, initiative, and passion for craft beer

• Joining Crooked River means being part of a brand that’s authentic, growing, and rooted in its community—somewhere you can take pride in your work and enjoy being part of the journey.