At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional dining experiences and wine service.
- Company: Join a 5-star luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Chelsea.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, increased holiday, discounts, and health perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique legacy with a focus on French cuisine and wine.
- Qualifications: 1 year experience in luxury dining; strong wine knowledge required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts including evenings and weekends; opportunity for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 32800 - 45600 £ per year.
What will I get?
- Salary: Up to £41,000 gross per annum (£19.71 per hour), based on a 40-hour work week. This includes the service charge and is dependent on experience.
- Increased holiday allowance with length of service
- Complimentary meal while on duty
- HSF Health Plan
- Dental cost reimbursement
- Optical cost reimbursement
- Complimentary coverage for your partner and children
- High street and grocery shopping discounts, as well as discounted cinema tickets and more.
- Gym membership discounts.
- Access to a 24/7 GP advice line and counselling services, including support for dependents.
- Employee referral program for line employees.
- Contributory pension scheme
- Learning and development opportunities.
As a Head Waiter/Waitress at Sloane, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring an exceptional dining experience for our guests with your focus being not only your section, but passionate knowledge of French Wines. We are a unique property, blending a service style of gastro precision with dining room warmth, and Parisian glamour. Our menu has existed for 25 years, delivering precise dishes that cannot be found outside of us in London. This iconic menu comes from Hotel Costes in Paris, meaning we have a legacy to uphold. It is this unique legacy that draws people to us, requiring irreproachable standards, so we are strict on set up, service, intervention on a table, and guest relations.
What sets apart our more junior waiters/waitresses and our head waiters/waitresses besides an elevated service style is their wine and food knowledge, and ability to sell. Strict sommelier service is not our style. Our wine-list is French focused, so a real passion for French wine is a must, without the fluff. Honest knowledge, care, and attention when describing and serving wine, but without fanfare or dramatics.
You will collaborate closely with our Restaurant Manager, Floor Manager, and Supervisors, as well as the rest of the team to enhance guest satisfaction and foster a culture of continuous improvement. In this role you will work hard to become part of something truly unlike anywhere else in London.
Guest Experience & Service Excellence:
- Be a dynamic and visible presence on the floor—working a section while supporting the wine sales and service of more junior waiters in their sections.
- Deliver personal, intuitive service that reflects the calm elegance of our hotel and the individuality of each guest.
- Lead by example through your service, setting the tone for energy, professionalism, and guest care.
- Direct more junior members of staff on SOPs.
- Help develop junior staff by sharing deep knowledge of food, wine, and service etiquette.
- Handle guest feedback efficiently and resolve any service issues with care and urgency.
- Engage with VIP guests discreetly and professionally, maintaining the high standards expected in our unique setting.
What are we looking for?
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a similar role within a luxury dining room/property.
- Someone who is not afraid of a quiet service, where focus and commitment must still be maintained.
- Excellent knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wines and champagne. Strong French wine knowledge with an ability to treat our wines with care, but not fuss. A desire to learn more about the wines on our list is a must.
- Someone who feels at home on the dining room floor—personable, gracious, and always guest-first.
- Excellent knowledge of food with a high aptitude to learning and describing dishes with flair to both guests and team members.
- Strong upselling skills and ability to tailor service to differing guests’ needs.
- Someone who stays informed about new trends, fashions, art, and culture.
- Ability to speak and write French is desirable but not essential.
- Self-starter with creativity, high drive, and result-oriented approach.
- Strong work ethic and ability to handle tasks under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strong leadership skills to motivate the team and maintain a high level of service.
- Calm under pressure, exceptionally detail-oriented, and always aiming higher.
- Availability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Who are we?
We are a 5-star luxury lifestyle boutique hotel located in the heart of Chelsea. Set in a 19th century building next to Sloane Square station and featuring a rooftop restaurant, an intimate cocktail bar, and thirty exceptionally designed bedrooms, the property has been elegantly restored to create unique experiences. Within one of London’s most stylish interiors, the hotel combines the quintessentially British style of the Cadogan Estate with a unique French touch. Designed as an exceptional and inspiring destination, it highlights the distinguished and historic pedigree of the Sloane Square Conservation Area in a private and intimate setting. Independently run, the hotel employs passionate, focused individuals with a determination to succeed. To assist us in hosting our wonderful clients, we are on the search for the ambassadors of this truly unique property. They will be given the opportunity to make their own mark while delivering an exceptional service of unparalleled quality.
Head Waiter/Waitress employer: ...At Sloane
Contact Detail:
...At Sloane Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter/Waitress
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with French wines and the specific offerings on the menu. Being able to discuss these wines confidently and knowledgeably will set you apart during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully trained or mentored junior staff in previous roles. This will show that you can lead by example and enhance team performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to guest relations and how you handle feedback or service issues. Highlighting your ability to maintain high standards under pressure will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in the dining and hospitality industry, especially those related to luxury service. Showing that you are informed about the latest developments will demonstrate your commitment to excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter/Waitress
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in luxury dining and showcases your knowledge of French wines. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in guest relations and upselling.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the hospitality industry and your understanding of the unique service style at Sloane. Mention your experience with wine and food, and how you can contribute to their legacy.
Showcase Your Knowledge: In your application, emphasise your expertise in cocktails, spirits, and especially French wines. Consider including a brief section on your favourite wines and why they resonate with you.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since the role involves mentoring junior staff, be sure to mention any previous leadership experiences. Discuss how you’ve successfully guided teams in high-pressure environments while maintaining service excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at ...At Sloane
✨Showcase Your Wine Knowledge
Since the role requires a strong understanding of French wines, be prepared to discuss your knowledge and passion for them. Mention specific wines you enjoy and how you would recommend them to guests.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Waiter/Waitress, you'll need to lead by example. Share experiences where you've successfully managed a team or trained junior staff, highlighting your ability to motivate and maintain high service standards.
✨Emphasise Guest Experience
Prepare examples of how you've gone above and beyond to enhance guest satisfaction in previous roles. Discuss your approach to handling feedback and resolving service issues with care and urgency.
✨Be Personable and Gracious
The dining experience is all about the guests. Practice your interpersonal skills and think of ways to make each guest feel special. Be ready to share how you create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.