At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the front-of-house team and create memorable guest experiences.
- Company: Join Ardent Pub Group, a celebrated and community-driven pub group.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 50% dining discount, private healthcare, and industry-leading training.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a B-Corp certified company that values people and exceptional service.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality with a passion for outstanding guest service.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
At Ardent Pub Group, everything starts with people. Whether you’re walking into one of our pubs or joining our team, you’ll be met with genuine warmth. We build pubs that are rooted in their communities, driven by purpose and built to last. We operate three acclaimed pubs - The George (Fitzrovia), The Cadogan Arms (Chelsea), and The Hound (Chiswick) - each rooted in tradition but full of fresh energy. Named Food-Led Pub Group of the Year at the 2024 R200 Awards, with The Cadogan Arms and The George both featured in the Top 100 Gastropubs list, we’ve also won the 2026 Best Premium Food Offer at The Publican Awards - cementing our reputation for leading the way in exceptional pub dining. As hospitality’s highest-scoring B-Corp certified company, we’re committed to doing business the right way - balancing exceptional guest experiences with meaningful social and environmental impact. Our culture is just as important as our performance, which is why we’re proud to be recognised in CODE Hospitality’s Happiest Places to Work 2025. Our mission is to deliver the gold standard of public houses - where quality food, drink, and service create exceptional experiences. If that resonates, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits and Culture
- Group & External Partners Dining Discount up to 50%
- Private Healthcare with Vitality after 1 year service (40% off with Virgin Active, PureGym & Nuffield Gyms)
- Employee of the Month Awards
- £1000 Values Award every quarter
- 24/7 GP & EAP Access
- Freshly cooked team meals every day
- Employee Referral Bonus up to £800
- WSET Training
- Industry leading training & onboarding
- Supplier trips
- Twice yearly staff parties
- 1 paid day per year to donate to a charity of your choosing
- CODE Membership
- Hospitality Rewards Enhanced Membership Package
- Wellbeing & EAP Support including 1 on 1 sessions
- LOS, Bday, Maternity, Paternity, Wedding Gifts
- Bespoke coaching and training courses
The Position
As Head Waiter/Waitress at The Cadogan Arms, you will play a key role in shaping the guest experience. You’ll deliver a warm, genuine welcome, ensure exceptional service throughout every visit, and lead by example—continually inspiring the front‑of‑house team to deliver the same high standards.
The ideal Head Waiter / Waitress will have:
- Previous experience as a Senior Waiter, Head Waiter, or Supervisor within a quality pub or restaurant
- A genuine passion for delivering outstanding and memorable guest experiences
- A strong interest in hospitality, with a desire to learn, grow, and develop with the business
- Excellent attention to detail and a warm, personable, and professional approach
A typical working week may look like 5 working days, including 3 single shifts and 2 double shifts. As with most roles in hospitality, shift patterns may vary depending on business needs. If you take pride in great guest service and enjoy leading a team in a welcoming, quality-driven pub, we’d love to hear from you.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At Ardent Pub Group, the greatest welcome isn’t just something we give to our guests — it’s something we extend to everyone who walks through our doors. Our pubs are built on warmth, character and community, and that only works when the people who make them thrive feel respected, valued and able to be themselves. We believe that a diverse team makes for a better pub: richer ideas, better problem-solving, more creativity and a stronger connection to the communities we serve. Inclusion isn’t an initiative for us — it’s part of how we operate every day.
Head Waiter/Waitress employer: Ardent Pub Group
Ardent Pub Group is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where creativity and passion for food are celebrated. With a commitment to employee growth and development, our team members enjoy opportunities to enhance their culinary skills in a supportive environment that values diversity and community. Located in Greater London, our fast-paced kitchens provide a dynamic setting for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter/Waitress
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pub scene! Visit The Cadogan Arms or The George, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with the staff. This will give you a feel for their vibe and help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on social media or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for hospitality! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share your experiences and what excites you about creating memorable guest experiences. Let your enthusiasm shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how you would lead a team and handle challenges in a busy pub environment. We want to see your leadership skills in action!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter/Waitress
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! We want to see that genuine enthusiasm for creating memorable guest experiences. Share a little about what makes you tick in this industry.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Waiter/Waitress role. Highlight your previous experience in quality pubs or restaurants and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for those standout moments that show you can inspire a team!
Be Personable:Your written application should reflect your warm and personable nature. Use a friendly tone and don’t be afraid to let your personality come through. Remember, we’re all about genuine warmth here at Ardent Pub Group!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardent Pub Group
✨Know the Pub Group Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Ardent Pub Group and its values. Familiarise yourself with their pubs, like The Cadogan Arms and The George, and understand what makes them special. This will show your genuine interest in the company and help you connect your experience to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Hospitality
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for delivering outstanding guest experiences. Share specific examples from your previous roles where you went above and beyond for customers. This will demonstrate that you not only have the skills but also the passion that aligns with their commitment to exceptional service.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
As a Head Waiter/Waitress, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired or trained others in the past. This will reassure them that you can maintain high standards and foster a positive team environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their training programmes, team culture, or how they celebrate employee achievements. This shows that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community and are eager to grow within the company.
