At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the front-of-house team and ensure exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: Glyndebourne Opera House, a renowned cultural venue in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, free shuttle bus, and onsite parking.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious team and create unforgettable moments at a world-class opera festival.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and excellent customer service abilities required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth in a vibrant environment.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
Glyndebourne Opera House, set in the beautiful Sussex countryside, is one of the world's most iconic cultural venues, renowned for its opera, elegant dining, and famous summer picnics. Dining at Glyndebourne delivers high-quality hospitality across restaurants, bars, private dining spaces and outdoor catering.
We are recruiting a Restaurant Manager to lead our front‐of‐house team in the renowned restaurant led by Chef Steve Groves for the Summer Opera Festival, running from May to August 2026. This is a casual position, with hours varying week to week based on business needs. During the Festival we operate seven days a week, so flexibility is essential, including weekend work.
The role includes:
- Overseeing day‐to‐day restaurant operations
- Managing and supporting front‐of‐house staff
- Ensuring excellent service standards
- Handling guest enquiries and feedback
- Working closely with kitchen and events teams to deliver a seamless dining experience in a high‐profile, fine‐dining environment
We are looking for experienced, motivated individuals with strong leadership skills, excellent customer service abilities, and a positive, can‐do attitude. You will be able to work calmly under pressure, inspire a team, and deliver an exceptional experience for every guest.
What We Offer:
- Competitive hourly rate
- Weekly paid tronc
- Free shuttle bus from Lewes Station
- Free onsite parking
- The opportunity to lead a team in Chef Steve Groves' restaurant at one of the UK's most iconic cultural venues
Interviews will be held in February 2026. If your application is successful, we will be in touch at the beginning of February 2026 to invite you to interview.
Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates is proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to supporting and developing our people. Apply today to lead a team and deliver an unforgettable summer at Glyndebourne.
Restaurant Manager - Casual (May - August) in London employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant Manager - Casual (May - August) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have worked at Glyndebourne or similar venues. A friendly chat can lead to insider tips and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or an informal gathering, let your passion for hospitality shine through. A positive attitude can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Glyndebourne's dining experience. Familiarise yourself with their menu and service style so you can discuss how your skills align with their high standards. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at such an iconic venue.
We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant Manager - Casual (May - August) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for the restaurant industry shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for delivering exceptional dining experiences and how you can inspire a team to achieve that.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing front-of-house teams and any specific skills that align with our needs at Glyndebourne. We appreciate attention to detail!
Be Clear About Your Availability: Since this role requires flexibility, be upfront about your availability during the festival period. Let us know when you can work, especially on weekends, so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
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 this exciting opportunity at Glyndebourne. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know the Venue Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Glyndebourne Opera House and its dining offerings. Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's style, Chef Steve Groves' culinary approach, and the overall guest experience. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Restaurant Manager, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, or improved service standards. Be ready to discuss how you can motivate staff during busy periods, especially in a high-pressure environment like a summer festival.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence
Customer service is key in this role. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for guests. Highlight your ability to handle feedback and enquiries gracefully, ensuring every guest leaves with a smile. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for a positive, can-do attitude.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
Given the casual nature of the position and varying hours, it's crucial to express your flexibility. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles. This will reassure them that you're ready to tackle the dynamic environment of the Summer Opera Festival.