At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the front-of-house team and create memorable guest experiences.
- Company: Join Ardent Pub Group, a B-Corp certified company known for exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, private healthcare, and industry-leading training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community-focused pub with a commitment to quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and a passion for outstanding service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 in London employer: Ardent Pub Group
At Ardent Pub Group, we pride ourselves on being a people-first employer, where our commitment to exceptional guest experiences is matched by our dedication to employee wellbeing and growth. As a Head Waiter/Waitress at The Cadogan Arms, you will enjoy a vibrant work culture that celebrates diversity and community, alongside benefits such as private healthcare, generous dining discounts, and industry-leading training opportunities. Join us in delivering the gold standard of public houses while being part of a B-Corp certified company recognised for its positive impact and happy workplace environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter/Waitress in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pub scene! Visit Ardent's pubs, chat with staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only give you insights into their culture but also help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on social media or at events. A friendly face can make all the difference when it comes to landing that Head Waiter/Waitress role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for hospitality! During interviews, share your experiences and what excites you about creating memorable guest experiences. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Ardent family. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application in the best light possible.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter/Waitress in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for hospitality and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in the pub or restaurant industry. We’re looking for someone who can deliver exceptional guest experiences, so connect your past roles to what we do at Ardent Pub Group.
Be Genuine:We value authenticity, so be honest about your skills and experiences. If you have a genuine passion for creating memorable moments for guests, let us know! It’s all about that warm, welcoming vibe.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Cadogan Arms.
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 Guest Experience Passion
As a Head Waiter/Waitress, your passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences is crucial. Prepare examples from your previous roles where you went above and beyond for guests. Highlighting these moments will demonstrate your commitment to exceptional service and align with the pub group's ethos.
✨Lead by Example
In your interview, emphasise your leadership skills and how you inspire your team. Share specific instances where you motivated colleagues or improved service standards. This will illustrate your ability to lead the front-of-house team effectively, which is key for this role.
✨Embrace the Culture of Inclusion
Ardent Pub Group values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you contribute to a welcoming environment. Share your thoughts on teamwork and respect for all individuals, as this aligns with their commitment to creating a positive workplace culture.
