At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver outstanding service and create memorable dining experiences at the Royal Opera House.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in UK hospitality with a focus on craft and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and a range of employee perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a stunning cultural venue while honing your hospitality skills.
- Qualifications: Previous waiting experience and a passion for exceptional customer service are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, social events, and career progression await you!
We are Company of Cooks, and we believe brilliant food and drink starts with brilliant people. For over 25 years, we’ve been part of some of the UK’s most loved cultural destinations, from historic palaces and botanical gardens to buzzing galleries and performance spaces, running the cafés, restaurants, bars and events that bring these incredible places to life. Our values - Craft, Creativity and Community - guide everything we do. They shape how we work together, how we support our partners, and how we make each guest feel welcome. If you care about food, people and doing things properly, you’ll feel right at home here.
We are currently seeking experienced and passionate Waiting Staff to join our dynamic front-of-house team at the beautiful Royal Opera House in London.
Location: WC2E 9DD
Salary: £15- £18.00 per hour, inclusive of service charge, depending on experience, potential overtime available at x1.5 rate
Working Pattern: 20 hours per week - 5 days out of 7, shifts between 10:30am and latest finish midnight (rota basis), flexibility is essential
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver outstanding service to guests with genuine warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail
- Have deep knowledge of the food and drink menu to confidently make recommendations
- Communicate efficiently with kitchen and bar teams to ensure timely and accurate orders
- Maintain a clean, organised, and welcoming environment at all times
- Handle guest queries, complaints, and feedback with professionalism and care
- Support team members during busy service periods to ensure smooth operations
What We’re Looking For:
- Previous experience as a waiter/waitress in a high-end or busy hospitality environment (Italian cuisine experience is a plus)
- A positive, can-do attitude with a genuine passion for hospitality
- Strong customer service skills and a desire to create memorable dining experiences
- A confident, polished presence with excellent communication skills
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and manage multiple tables at once
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Right to work in the UK
What’s in it for you? Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we’ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Opportunities for training, development, and career progression in a growing hospitality group
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Family friendly support
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- Volunteering days
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Equal opportunity for full-time or part-time roles
- Share of service charge/tips
- Staff meals on shift
- Uniform provided
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Join us at Cicoria by Angela Hartnett and become part of a team that celebrates food, hospitality, and excellence every day.
Waiting Staff (Part-Time) - Royal Opera House in London employer: Company of Cooks
Contact Detail:
Company of Cooks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Waiting Staff (Part-Time) - Royal Opera House in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Royal Opera House and Company of Cooks! Familiarise yourself with their values of Craft, Creativity, and Community. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand what they stand for and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills before the big day. Think about how you would handle different guest scenarios, especially in a busy environment. Being able to demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure will definitely impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your previous experience! If you've worked in high-end or busy hospitality settings, share those stories. Make sure to mention any specific experiences with Italian cuisine, as it’s a plus for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Good luck, and we can’t wait to see you shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Waiting Staff (Part-Time) - Royal Opera House in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and people shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about creating memorable dining experiences for our guests.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any previous waiting staff experience, especially in high-end or busy environments. If you've worked with Italian cuisine, definitely mention it – we love that!
Be Professional and Personable: Your application should reflect a polished presence. Use clear and friendly language, and don’t forget to show off your strong customer service skills. We’re all about warmth and professionalism here!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to stay updated on the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Cooks
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the food and drink menu before your interview. Being able to confidently discuss dishes, ingredients, and pairings will show that you’re passionate about the role and ready to provide excellent service.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. This could be handling a complaint or creating a memorable dining experience. It’s all about demonstrating your genuine passion for hospitality!
✨Practice Staying Calm Under Pressure
Think of scenarios where you had to manage multiple tasks at once, especially in a busy environment. Practising how you would handle these situations can help you convey your ability to stay composed during peak times.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
Company of Cooks values community and collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you’ve supported your team in previous roles and your willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. This shows you’re a team player who fits their culture.