Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit
Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit

Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit

Full-Time 27200 - 39600 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Bamford Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Be the welcoming face of our fine dining restaurant and ensure a seamless guest experience.
  • Company: Join The Wild Rabbit, a top-rated gastropub in the beautiful Cotswolds.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts, private medical insurance, and paid volunteering days from day one.
  • Why this job: Make memorable first impressions and be part of an award-winning hospitality team.
  • Qualifications: Previous front-of-house experience and excellent communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 27200 - 39600 £ per year.

THE BAMFORD COLLECTION IS A GROUP OF CONSCIOUSLY MINDED LIFESTYLE BRANDS COMMITTED TO NOURISHING AND NURTURING PEOPLE AND PLANET.

EARNINGS: £34,250 per annum OTE* (Paid hourly — OTE available through gratuities/service charge)

HOURS: 40 hours per week, any 5 days in 7, including weekends.

ABOUT US

The Wild Rabbit in Kingham is a fine dining restaurant and boutique hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds. Recognised in the Top 50 Gastropubs, the Top 50 Boutique Hotels, and awarded 3 AA Rosettes, The Wild Rabbit blends culinary excellence with warm, authentic hospitality. Working in close connection with Daylesford Farm, our menus showcase the best seasonal, organic produce, crafted with skill and creativity. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Callum Graham, our team combines classical technique with modern inspiration, making The Wild Rabbit one of the most exciting fine dining destinations in the Cotswolds.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a warm, polished, and highly organised Restaurant Host to be the first point of contact for our guests. This role sets the tone for the entire dining experience — from the first welcome to the final farewell. As Restaurant Host, you will be responsible for managing reservations, coordinating the flow of service, and maintaining clear communication between front of house, kitchen, and hotel teams. You will ensure every guest receives a seamless, memorable welcome that reflects the understated elegance and genuine hospitality of The Wild Rabbit.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Deliver a warm first impression; manage check-in, seating, and guest flow.
  • Build rapport, recognise returning guests, remember preferences.
  • Communicate allergens, dietary needs, and occasions discreetly.
  • Resolve concerns professionally and escalate when needed.

Reservation & Service Coordination

  • Oversee reservations and table plans for smooth service.
  • Make pre‑arrival calls to confirm bookings and gather preferences.
  • Record guest info to personalise experiences.
  • Prepare menus with the Chef team and issue accurate Running Orders.
  • Lead daily briefings and support FOH during service.

Operational Excellence

  • Maintain a fully set, presentable restaurant and high cleanliness standards.
  • Monitor table turnaround and support service pacing.
  • Follow health & safety procedures and uphold service/sustainability standards.

Teamwork & Communication

  • Work collaboratively across FOH, Bar, Sommelier, and Hotel teams.
  • Communicate clearly and share knowledge of food, drink, and brand provenance.
  • Lead by example in grooming, professionalism, and guest‑focused behaviour.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Previous experience in a host, reservations, or front‑of‑house role (fine dining preferred)
  • Immaculate presentation and a confident, welcoming manner
  • Excellent organisational and multitasking skills under pressure
  • Strong communication skills and a natural ability to build rapport
  • Tech proficiency with reservation platforms (ResDiary or similar)
  • Reliable, punctual, and committed to delivering exceptional hospitality

PERKS & BENEFITS

  • Discounts: We offer a range of discounts on our products, treatments, and dining experiences from day 1.
  • Volunteering Days: Employees are offered one paid day per year to volunteer with a charity of their choice.
  • Private Medical: We offer subsidised private medical insurance through Bupa.
  • Pension Scheme: Pay up to 9% of your salary into your pension each month; we contribute up to 4.5%.
  • Life Assurance: We offer life assurance cover, equivalent of up to a year of your annual salary.
  • Mental Health Support: Our Employee Assistance Programme provides 24‑hour support, seven days a week.

*The on target earning potential for this role is £34,250 per annum based on a 40‑hour contract – comprising a base salary of £28,250, plus a qualified estimate of £6,000 in gratuities and service charge. Please note this role is paid hourly so this is a projected salary and OTE.

About gratuities and service charge: Gratuities are paid on a pro‑rata basis. It is estimated that in 2025, full‑time employees can expect to receive in the region of £6,000 in addition to their annual salary.

Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit employer: Bamford Limited

The Wild Rabbit, part of The Bamford Collection, is an exceptional employer that prioritises both employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the picturesque Cotswolds, we offer a supportive work culture with benefits such as subsidised private medical insurance, generous pension contributions, and paid volunteering days, all while working in a renowned fine dining environment that values sustainability and culinary excellence.
Bamford Limited

Contact Detail:

Bamford Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the restaurant! Familiarise yourself with The Wild Rabbit's menu, ethos, and the local area. This way, when you chat with the team or during interviews, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what they do.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or at local events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on showcasing your warm personality and organisational skills, as these are key for a Restaurant Host.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining The Wild Rabbit family.

We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit

Warm and Welcoming Manner
Organisational Skills
Multitasking Skills
Strong Communication Skills
Rapport Building
Tech Proficiency with Reservation Platforms
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Food and Drink
Health and Safety Procedures
Teamwork
Professional Presentation
Guest-Focused Behaviour

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 express your passion for hospitality and your love for creating memorable experiences.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically for The Wild Rabbit. Highlight any relevant experience in fine dining or front-of-house roles, and mention how your skills align with our commitment to exceptional service and sustainability.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to highlight your key achievements and skills!

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 Wild Rabbit.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bamford Limited

✨Know the Brand

Before your interview, take some time to research The Wild Rabbit and The Bamford Collection. Understand their commitment to sustainability and how they incorporate seasonal, organic produce into their menus. This knowledge will help you connect with the brand's values during your conversation.

✨Showcase Your Hospitality Skills

As a Restaurant Host, your role is all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for guests. Highlight your ability to build rapport and remember preferences, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Master the Art of Communication

Effective communication is key in this position. Be ready to discuss how you would handle dietary needs or concerns discreetly. Think of scenarios where you successfully coordinated between teams, as this will demonstrate your organisational skills and teamwork.

✨Dress to Impress

First impressions matter, especially in fine dining. Make sure you arrive at the interview looking polished and professional. This not only shows respect for the establishment but also reflects your understanding of the high standards expected at The Wild Rabbit.

Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit
Bamford Limited
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