Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit in Chipping Norton

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.

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

• Guest Welcome & Experience
  • Create a warm, attentive, and memorable first impression for every guest
  • Manage check‑ins, seating, and guest flow with confidence and composure
  • Build natural rapport, remembering preferences and recognising returning guests
  • Communicate allergens, dietary notes, and special occasions accurately and discreetly
  • Resolve guest concerns with professionalism, warmth, and timely escalation when needed
• Reservation & Service Coordination
  • Manage all reservations and table allocations, ensuring smooth service flow
  • Conduct pre‑arrival calls to confirm bookings, understand guest preferences, and identify special occasions or celebration details
  • Proactively gather and record guest information — including celebrations, dining preferences, accessibility needs, or notable requests — to personalise the guest experience
  • Maintain, update, and prepare menus daily in coordination with the Chef team
  • Ensure all departments receive accurate Running Orders, including allergies (Red), requests (Yellow), and guest notes (Green)
  • Lead daily briefings, sharing key guest information to support the FOH and kitchen teams
  • Support the wider FOH team during service with a proactive, hands‑on approach
• Operational Excellence
  • Ensure the restaurant is fully set and presentable for every service period
  • Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and attention to detail at the host stand and entrance areas
  • Monitor guest turnaround times to support service pacing and section management
  • Follow health & safety procedures and escalate any concerns promptly
  • Champion The Wild Rabbit’s service standards and sustainability commitments
• Teamwork & Communication
  • Collaborate closely with Chef de Rang, Bar, Sommelier, and Hotel teams
  • Communicate clearly and respectfully across all departments
  • Share knowledge about our food, drink, provenance, and The Bamford Collection brands
  • Lead by example with grooming, professionalism, and guest‑centred 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.