The 153rd Open Returns to Royal Portrush: Job Opportunities with Absolute Taste

The 153rd Open Championship is set to return to Northern Ireland for only the third time in its storied history, once again gracing the spectacular links of Royal Portrush.

From Monday 14 July to Sunday 20 July 2025, the world’s golfing elite—and thousands of eager spectators—will descend upon the north coast in what promises to be the UK’s most prestigious sporting event of the year.

With large crowds expected and global attention focused on the coastline, the hospitality offering at The Open has never been more important.

Absolute Taste, a leading hospitality and catering company, is now calling on those with a passion for great service to join their growing team and help showcase Northern Ireland’s renowned warmth and friendliness to a worldwide audience.

Roles Available

Absolute Taste is recruiting for multiple roles, offering competitive hourly rates in a variety of settings:

• Front of House Team (£12.21 p/h): Positions include Bar Staff, Mixologists, Wine Service, Plate Service, and Baristas.
• Front of House Team Leaders (£14.18 p/h): Supervisory roles overseeing day-to-day service and team coordination.
• Back of House Team (£12.21 p/h): Kitchen Porters, Keg Changers & Stock Rotation, and Kitchen Assistants.

Successful candidates will work across the seven days of Championship week, experiencing everything from busy retail bars along the course to high-end fine dining within hospitality suites.

A Variety of Hospitality Services

The Open caters to a broad range of tastes and dining styles:

• Street Food
• Buffets
• Afternoon Teas
• Takeaway Options
• Four-Course Plated Menus

With such a wide array of services on offer, Absolute Taste aims to place every team member in an environment that suits their skills and ambitions—ensuring they feel confident, well-prepared, and able to thrive.

The Application Process

1. Review of Applications (from March)
   All applications will be considered from March onwards.

2. Informal Telephone Chat
   Those who have less than two years of hospitality experience—or who have not submitted a CV—may be invited to an informal chat. The aim is to understand each applicant’s background and suitability, recognising that the right attitude, personality, and character can often be more important than prior experience.

    

3. Online MAPAL Training
   All team members will be required to complete online training modules—covering Allergens, Food Safety (Level 2), Health & Safety (Level 2), and more—by 1 June 2025. There is a two-hour payment added to post-event payslips to compensate for the time spent on these modules.

4. On-Site Training & Briefing Day
   Before welcoming guests, each new team member will undergo an initial shift in their assigned area without any customers present (six hours for Hospitality, four hours for Retail). During this time, managers, supervisors, and lead chefs will provide detailed guidance on menus, service standards, best practices, and back-of-house logistics to ensure everyone feels prepared and confident.

Join #TeamPortrush

This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a historic sporting occasion and to showcase the very best of Northern Irish hospitality to the world. Absolute Taste is committed to ensuring that every member of #TeamPortrush has the support and training needed to excel in a fast-paced environment.

Applications are open now, and the company looks forward to welcoming new recruits into its diverse and dedicated workforce. Absolute Taste is an equal opportunity employer, offering consideration to all applicants regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristic.

For those eager to be part of The Open’s electrifying atmosphere—and to demonstrate why Northern Ireland’s hospitality is second to none—this could be the perfect role.

For More Information

Navigate here to view these positions and how to apply.

Let’s show the world just how extraordinary Northern Ireland hospitality can be.

Photo Credit - R & A