Central Hotel Thurso Logo

Central Hotel

Central Hotel Group

Central Hotel LogoTop Joes Sports Bar Logo

Central Hotel Thurso
Function Room & Party Venue

Perfect for private functions, corporate events, and celebrations in the heart of Thurso.Five generations of hospitality excellence.

Central Hotel Thurso - Premier Function Room & Party Venue

Central Hotel Thurso offers a versatile private function room above Top Joes Sports Bar, perfect for private functions, corporate conferences, birthday parties,private dining events, and community celebrations in the Scottish Highlands.

Capacity

60 seated / 90 standing

PA/Sound

Available on request

Projector/Screen

Available on request

Bar Service

Via Top Joes Sports Bar

Catering

Via Cafe Cardosi

Five Generations of Scottish Hospitality Excellence

Central Hotel Thurso represents a remarkable five-generation family hospitality tradition in Thurso, Scottish Highlands. Since 1910, we've beenCaithness's premier hospitality destination. In 2011, Scott Youngson of Central Hotel Thurso continued this legacy from his cousin Brian Cardosi, maintaining our position asThurso's leading function room and party venue.

Our story began with Joe Cardosi, who journeyed from Tuscany to Scotland in 1910 and established what would become Northern Scotland's hospitality cornerstone. From the 1930sCafe Cardosi heritage to the development of Top Joe's Sports Bar in 1982, each generation has contributed to making Central Hotel Thurso the premier function room venue in the Scottish Highlands.

Today, Scott Youngson and Scott Shearer(fifth generation) continue this Central Hotel Thurso hospitality tradition across three premium venues:Central Hotel function rooms, Top Joes Sports Bar, and the heritage Cafe Cardosi. We're proud to be Thurso's most trusted function room and corporate event space in the heart of Caithness.

Book Central Hotel Thurso for Your Perfect Event

Ready to plan your private function, corporate event, or special celebration atCentral Hotel Thurso? Complete our booking form and we'll respond within 24 hours to confirm availability and provide a personalized quote for your Scottish Highlands party.

Your booking request will be sent to office@centralhotelthurso.co.uk

Top Joes Sports Bar Logo

Bar Staff Recruitment

Join the Top Joes Sports Bar team at Central Hotel Thurso and become part of our award-winning hospitality experience in the Scottish Highlands.

Job Summary

We are seeking enthusiastic and reliable bar staff for multiple positions at Top Joes Sports Bar. We have Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekend, and Student Placementopportunities available. The ideal candidate will have a passion for hospitality, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the highest standards of service and compliance with Scottish licensing laws.

Job Details

Job Title

Bar Staff Member

Location

Thurso, Caithness KW14 8EJ

Employment Type

Full-time / Part-time / Weekend / Student

Hourly Rate

£11.44+ (National Living Wage)

Reporting To

Bar Manager / Duty Manager

Role Purpose

As a member of our bar staff, you will provide exceptional customer service while serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in compliance with the Licensing Act 2003. You will support efficient bar operations, maintain venue standards, and ensure responsible alcohol service in accordance with UK licensing laws and our venue policies.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service

  • Greet customers warmly and provide friendly, professional service
  • Take orders accurately and efficiently using our EPOS system
  • Handle customer queries and complaints in a professional manner
  • Build rapport with regular customers and create a welcoming atmosphere
  • Process payments accurately including cash, card, and contactless transactions

Bar Operations

  • Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to venue standards
  • Maintain adequate stock levels and assist with deliveries and stock rotation
  • Operate bar equipment safely including beer taps, coffee machines, and glasswashers
  • Maintain accurate cash handling and end-of-shift reconciliation procedures
  • Support live sports events and special functions as required

Compliance and Safety

  • Implement Challenge 25 age verification policy consistently under Scottish licensing requirements
  • Refuse service to intoxicated customers and manage difficult situations professionally
  • Maintain accurate refusal logs and incident reporting as required
  • Follow health and safety protocols including manual handling and fire safety procedures
  • Comply with Scottish Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and premises license requirements

Venue Standards

  • Maintain high standards of cleanliness in bar and customer areas
  • Complete opening and closing procedures according to venue checklists
  • Monitor and maintain toilet facilities and customer areas throughout shifts
  • Report maintenance issues and stock shortages to management promptly
  • Present professionally in accordance with uniform and appearance standards

Skills and Experience

Required Skills

  • Minimum age 18 years (legal requirement for alcohol service)
  • Right to work in the UK
  • Basic numeracy and literacy skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work under pressure in busy periods
  • Flexibility with working hours including evenings and weekends
  • Professional appearance and positive attitude

Preferred Experience

  • Previous bar or hospitality experience
  • Personal Licence qualification (or willingness to obtain)
  • EPOS system experience
  • Knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits
  • Food safety certification
  • Experience in sports bar or live venue environment
  • Local knowledge of Thurso and Caithness area

Legal Requirements

Minimum Age: All applicants must be 18 years or older to serve alcohol under Scottish licensing laws.

Right to Work: Successful candidates must provide documented evidence of their right to work in the United Kingdom.

Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005: All bar staff must comply with the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and venue licensing conditions.

Challenge 25: Staff must implement age verification procedures, requesting ID from anyone who appears under 25.

DBS Check: May be required depending on role responsibilities and venue requirements.

Scottish Licensing Board: All operations must comply with Section 142 Guidance for Licensing Boards.

Working Conditions

This role involves working in a busy hospitality environment with the following conditions:

  • Evening and weekend work as standard requirement
  • Standing for extended periods during shifts
  • Fast-paced environment during peak periods and live sports events
  • Working with loud music and sports broadcasts
  • Manual handling of stock, kegs, and equipment
  • Close contact with customers and team members

Equal Opportunities Statement

Central Hotel Thurso and Top Joes Sports Bar are equal opportunity employers committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions are made in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Apply for Position

PDF, DOC, or DOCX format

Applications will be sent to office@centralhotelthurso.co.uk

Central Hotel Thurso - Premier Hospitality Collection

Central Hotel Thurso - Three distinctive hospitality venues in Thurso under the same caring family ownership, each offering unique experiences to locals and visitors to the Scottish Highlands. From function rooms to sports bars and heritage cafes.

Central Hotel

Function rooms & accommodation

● Available for Booking

Top Joes Sports Bar

Live sport • Pool • Great atmosphere

● Open Now

Cafe Cardosi

Coffee, cakes & casual dining

● Family Heritage Since 1930s