BARTENDER / MIXOLOGIST — AKAI BRUSSELS

AKAI is looking for an experienced, fast and passionate Bartender / Mixologist to join our bar team and help deliver the cocktail experience that defines our restaurant.

Located on the 30th floor of Cardo Brussels, AKAI combines contemporary Asian-Mediterranean cuisine, premium cocktails, music and panoramic views in a vibrant, high-end environment.

Our bar operates at a high volume, particularly during dinner, weekends and events. We are therefore looking for a bartender who is not only passionate about cocktails, but who can perform consistently and efficiently under pressure.

Speed, experience and precision are non-negotiable.

You should be able to handle a busy service with multiple orders coming in simultaneously, maintain excellent cocktail quality and presentation, and keep your station organised and efficient throughout the night.

Your responsibilities

• Prepare and serve cocktails, mocktails, spirits, beers, wines and other beverages to AKAI standards.
• Execute a high volume of cocktail orders quickly, accurately and consistently, even during peak service.
• Follow AKAI recipes, specifications and presentation standards precisely.
• Maintain excellent speed of service without compromising quality.
• Prepare and maintain an efficient bar mise en place before and throughout service.
• Keep your station clean, organised and fully stocked at all times.
• Work closely with the bar team, floor team and kitchen to ensure smooth service.
• Communicate clearly and efficiently with colleagues during busy periods.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of spirits, cocktails, ingredients and bar techniques.
• Advise guests confidently on cocktails, spirits and other beverages when required.
• Deliver a professional and engaging interaction with guests at the bar and throughout the restaurant.
• Monitor stock levels and communicate shortages or requirements to the Bar Manager.
• Follow all hygiene, HACCP, safety and operational procedures.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, cleaning and bar organisation.
• Contribute to the energy, atmosphere and team culture of AKAI.
• Be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays and high-volume events.

Core skills

• Proven experience as a Bartender / Mixologist in a busy cocktail bar, restaurant, hotel or high-volume hospitality environment.
• Excellent speed and efficiency behind the bar.
• Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails.
• Ability to consistently execute cocktails according to recipe and presentation standards.
• Excellent organisation and mise en place discipline.
• Ability to handle multiple orders simultaneously while remaining calm and precise.
• Strong understanding of spirits, liqueurs, bitters, syrups, fresh ingredients and cocktail techniques.
• Professional, confident and energetic attitude.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure during intense service periods.
• Genuine passion for cocktails, hospitality and guest experience.

Bonus skills

• Experience in a high-end cocktail bar, luxury hotel or premium restaurant.
• Experience in a high-volume cocktail operation.
• Experience in a festive, lifestyle or nightlife environment.
• Experience with Japanese-inspired or Asian cocktails and ingredients.
• Knowledge of sake, Japanese whisky, shochu and Asian spirits.
• Experience with batch cocktails and high-volume cocktail preparation.
• Flair bartending or advanced cocktail techniques.
• Knowledge of wine and beer.
• Experience with VIP guests and private events.
• Additional languages, particularly Dutch, French or Spanish.

What we offer at AKAI

• A dynamic, high-quality work environment in one of Brussels' most distinctive and ambitious restaurants.
• The opportunity to work in a high-end concept combining gastronomy, cocktails, music and a unique panoramic setting.
• Salary according to the Belgian horeca barema (PC 302, Category V), based on experience.
• Additional statutory horeca benefits and premiums.
• Fair work scheduling practices, with consecutive days off whenever possible.
• Opportunities to grow within the AKAI team and develop your bartending skills.
• Training and opportunities to deepen your knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine and hospitality.
• A team culture where professionalism, personality, creativity and initiative are valued.
• The opportunity to work with a sophisticated cocktail program in a high-energy restaurant environment.
• The opportunity to be part of a growing hospitality concept bringing a fresh energy to the Brussels restaurant scene.

If you are an experienced bartender who thrives in high-volume service, loves cocktails and knows how to combine speed, precision and hospitality, we want to hear from you.

At AKAI, we don't just make cocktails — we create an experience.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• 1210 Brussels: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)
• French (Required)
• Dutch (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 2–3 years of professional bartending experience.
• Previous experience working in a busy bar or restaurant environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work at high speed while maintaining consistency and quality.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails and spirits.
• Fluency in English and either French or Dutch.
• Excellent presentation and professional communication.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Strong work ethic, reliability and discipline.
• Ability to remain calm, organised and efficient under pressure.
• Genuine passion for hospitality and cocktails.
• Positive, respectful and team-oriented attitude.

Pay: €16.89 – €20.14 per hour, depending on experience

Expected hours: 38 hours per week

Benefits:

• Uniform provided