Host

Full-Time 16 - 20 ÂŁ / hour (est.) No home office possible
A

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver exceptional service and create memorable dining experiences for guests.
  • Company: Join ALTA, a vibrant restaurant in the heart of Soho.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 50% staff dining discount, extra holidays, and wellness perks.
  • Other info: Opportunities for growth within an expanding restaurant group.
  • Why this job: Be the face of a dynamic restaurant and grow your hospitality skills.
  • Qualifications: 1-2 years experience in high-end restaurants and excellent communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 16 - 20 ÂŁ per hour.

Join the ALTA Team as a Host. ALTA brings the lively spirit of asador (grilled meat) restaurants and San Sebastián’s vibrant Basque bars to the heart of Soho’s iconic Kingly Court. Renowned Head Chef, Rob Roy Cameron, formerly of elBulli (Barcelona) and Rodero (Pamplona, Basque), brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the kitchen.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver exceptional service and create memorable dining experiences, serving as the face of the restaurant and ensuring a warm welcome for every guest.
  • Manage reservations, coordinate with the kitchen and bar teams, and foster a culture of outstanding service.
  • Oversee the smooth flow of service from arrival to departure, stepping in to assist the team during peak periods.

Perks & Benefits

  • 50% staff dining discount across ALTA, MOI & DOMU.
  • Extra holidays, kicking in after 2 years in the company, 1 day of holiday extra for each year completed (up to 33 days max).
  • Cycle-to-work scheme, saving on a new bike or Lime / Forest bike subscription.
  • Fantastic supplier trips & training.
  • Generous opening referral bonus: hourly staff referral ÂŁ250, salaried staff ÂŁ500.
  • Wellness, mental health, and healthcare perks.
  • Delicious meals provided on shift.
  • Opportunities for growth and professional development within an expanding restaurant group.

What we Look for

  • Warm, approachable, and professional demeanour, with a genuine passion for hospitality.
  • Natural outgoing hospitality professional who loves to interact with people.
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills.
  • Prior experience in a busy, high-end restaurant or similar setting.
  • Ability to represent our restaurant with pride and professionalism.
  • Flexibility to respond to a variety of different work situations while staying calm and proactive under pressure.
  • Approachable, reliable, enthusiastic, and a true supportive team player across all departments including kitchen and bar staff to ensure smooth operations.
  • Ambassador of our brand through exceptional food and wine knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm to share this with our guests while maintaining deep knowledge of the menu, ingredients, and preparation methods.
  • Attention to detail, ensuring the highest standards of service and presentation.
  • Flexible and adaptable, able to thrive in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Guest Experience: Act as the main point of contact for guests, ensuring each individual receives a personalised and welcoming experience. Oversee the guest journey from managing reservations to coordinating table assignments and ensuring smooth transitions throughout service. Handle VIPs and special requests with discretion and care, delivering bespoke experiences that exceed expectations. Address guest feedback and complaints promptly and constructively, resolving issues to ensure satisfaction.
  • Service: Set the tone for exceptional service standards and professionalism. Monitor and manage the flow of service, ensuring coordination between the kitchen, bar, and front‑of‑house teams. Conduct pre‑service briefings to communicate daily priorities, special events, or menu changes to the team. Step in during peak periods or when challenges arise, maintaining a calm and solutions‑focused approach.
  • Reservations and Floor Management: Optimise table assignments to maximise occupancy while maintaining guest comfort. Maintain an in‑depth knowledge of the restaurant’s menu, wine list, and overall offering to provide informed recommendations. Ensure the restaurant’s ambience, cleanliness, and presentation are consistently aligned with the brand’s standards.
  • Operations: Contribute to the development and implementation of service procedures and standards to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction. Monitor and manage inventory for front‑of‑house supplies, including menus, napkins, and service tools. Assist in planning and executing special events or private functions, ensuring flawless service and guest satisfaction.

Experience

  • At least 1–2 years of experience in a front‑of‑house host/hostess role in a high‑end or Michelin‑starred restaurant.
  • Proven expertise in delivering exceptional guest experiences in a fast‑paced environment.

Skills

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with guests and work well within a team.
  • Excellent organisational and multitasking skills, ensuring smooth service flow during busy periods.
  • Proficiency in reservation systems such as OpenTable or Sevenrooms and familiarity with POS systems.

Attributes

  • Warm, approachable, and professional demeanour, with a genuine passion for hospitality.
  • Attention to detail, ensuring the highest standards of service and presentation.
  • Calm and proactive under pressure, with strong problem‑solving skills.
  • Flexible and adaptable, able to thrive in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.

About ALTA

Our menu is a tribute to the bustling streets of San Sebastián—bold flavours, innovative twists, and shared plates designed to bring people together. Think mouthwatering pintxos, succulent grilled meats, and fresh seafood, all paired with an eclectic selection of Basque wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails. ALTA is setting the stage for a new wave of culinary excellence in London’s dynamic food scene. ALTA is part of the MAD Restaurants Group, where we celebrate the differences within our team, believing they enrich the culture and character of our restaurants. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment—embracing all ages, genders, identities, races, sexual orientations, and ethnicities—where everyone feels welcome, no matter their background.

Host employer: ALTA

ALTA is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of Soho, offering a dynamic work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. With competitive pay starting at ÂŁ16.00 per hour, generous staff discounts, extra holidays, and opportunities for professional growth within the expanding MAD Restaurants Group, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The warm and supportive culture fosters teamwork and a passion for hospitality, making ALTA a fantastic place to build a rewarding career in the culinary arts.
A

Contact Detail:

ALTA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Host

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the restaurant scene in Soho! Visit ALTA and other local spots to understand the vibe and what makes them tick. This will help you chat confidently about your experiences during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff from ALTA on social media or at industry events. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your hospitality skills! Role-play common scenarios you might face as a host, like handling reservations or dealing with guest complaints. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the ALTA team. Don’t miss out!

We think you need these skills to ace Host

Exceptional Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Multitasking Skills
Proficiency in Reservation Systems (e.g., OpenTable, Sevenrooms)
Familiarity with POS Systems
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Adaptability
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Guest Experience Management
Team Collaboration
Knowledge of Food and Wine

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating memorable dining experiences and how you connect with guests.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our vibrant team at ALTA!

Highlight Your Team Spirit: Since we value teamwork, include examples of how you've collaborated with others in a busy environment. Show us that you're not just a great host but also a supportive team player!

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on board for an exciting journey with ALTA!

How to prepare for a job interview at ALTA

✨Know the Menu Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with ALTA’s menu and the unique offerings. This shows your genuine interest in the restaurant and allows you to speak confidently about the dishes, which is crucial for a host role.

✨Showcase Your People Skills

During the interview, highlight your experience in providing exceptional guest experiences. Share specific examples of how you've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond for guests, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

ALTA values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with kitchen and bar staff in previous roles. Mention any instances where you stepped in to help during busy periods, showcasing your flexibility and proactive approach.

✨Dress the Part

First impressions matter! Dress smartly and professionally for your interview. This not only reflects your understanding of the hospitality industry but also shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to represent the brand.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>