Walk into a packed bar in Dubai on a Thursday night and you’ll notice something. The room is loud, every table is full, and yet the food still lands in front of the right guest, hot and on time. That’s not luck. That’s a good runner, and Lock, Stock & Barrel is hiring one.
If you’re new to hospitality, or you’ve done it before and want a lively venue with a strong name, this one is worth reading to the end. Here’s what the job really involves and how to get noticed.
About Lock, Stock & Barrel
Lock, Stock & Barrel, or LSB as the regulars call it, is one of Dubai’s best known party bars. The idea is simple: a relaxed, slightly industrial, retro-style place where people come for live music, sport on the big screens, sharing plates and a proper night out. It’s run by the Solutions Leisure group, has venues in several parts of the UAE, and has picked up awards over the years for its bar team, its bar food and its brunches.
Guests dress smart casual, the music is loud and the mood is social. For a runner that means one thing: you will never be bored.
What a runner actually does
Runner sounds like a small job until you try it during a Friday rush. You’re the link between the kitchen and the guest, and the whole team leans on you. A normal shift usually means:
- Collecting finished dishes from the kitchen pass and delivering them to the right table and the right seat, while they’re still hot
- Helping the waiters by carrying drinks, bringing cutlery and sauces, and clearing plates as guests finish
- Checking every dish against the order before it leaves the pass, and telling the server straight away if something looks wrong
- Keeping the runner station stocked and tidy, from napkins to condiments
- Staying in constant contact with the kitchen, the bar and the floor team so nothing sits waiting
- Following hygiene, food safety and allergen rules on every single shift
- Helping with opening and closing duties, including setting tables and basic cleaning
What they’re likely looking for
You don’t need a long CV for this one, but the right attitude matters. Expect them to look for:
- Experience as a food runner, busser or in a similar restaurant role is a plus, though keen beginners can still apply
- Good basic English, and any extra language such as Arabic, Hindi or Tagalog is a bonus in a busy Dubai team
- Fitness and stamina for long shifts on your feet, carrying trays and plates
- A neat appearance and a friendly, confident manner
- Flexibility for evenings, weekends, public holidays and late nights
- A clear answer about your visa status when you apply
How to stand out as a runner
Small habits make a big difference, and good managers notice them quickly.
- Learn the table numbers and seat positions on your first shift. Nothing slows a rush down like asking the whole table who ordered the burger.
- Call out “behind” or “hot plate” when you move through tight spaces. It keeps everyone safe and shows you’ve done this before.
- Learn what’s in each dish. Guests will ask you about allergies even though you’re not the waiter.
- If a plate looks wrong, say so. Nobody gets in trouble for catching a mistake before the guest sees it.
- Stay useful in the quiet moments. Wipe down the station, refill napkins, help a server. That’s how runners become waiters and captains.
How to apply
Use the contact details given in the original vacancy notice. Send an updated CV with a clear photo, mention the position name in your message, and keep it short and polite. Keep your phone nearby afterwards, because hospitality managers often call quickly when they like a profile. Arrive early if you’re invited for a trial or interview, and dress smart.
