At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious food and create a welcoming atmosphere for our guests.
- Company: Join the vibrant Dishoom team, known for its warm hospitality and community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, wellness support, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, smart casual dress code, and fun team events await you!
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting café opening and make a real impact in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in a busy restaurant and a passion for great service.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 20 £ per hour.
We’re opening the doors to our brand new Dishoom Café in August 2026, and we’re on the lookout for warm, big-hearted hospitality pros to join our team from July 2026. If you love great food, proper hospitality, and the buzz of being part of an opening, this is your moment. We’ll start interviews in May 2026, ready to build an exceptional team to bring Dishoom Leeds to life this summer!
We are proud to be recognised as one of the best places to work in Hospitality. Looking after people is at the core of what we do and we work hard to make life at Dishoom the best it can be. Since 2010, our restaurants have celebrated the Irani cafes and all of the food and drink of Bombay. Plus, we have kitchens to ensure our guests can enjoy our food at home!
Alongside running busy sites with large teams, we also believe in doing more. Each year, we pledge to plant a tree for every Dishoom-walle, continue to break down barriers through our cultural events, and support children through our Meal for a Meal initiative. As of this year, we have donated 30 million meals (and counting) to children in the UK and India, with every Dishoomwalle contributing 55 meals per shift to this cause.
How we’ll support you
At Dishoom, we care about supporting you and your well-being (inside and outside of work). With this, we tend to think about our team’s well-being in four different ways:
- Free weekly wage advances and emergency cash.
- Access to our savings support & financial health planning tool.
- Up to 50% off when dining at Dishoom with friends and family.
- Enhanced family leave and pay, plus specific Dishoom-walle benefits for those growing little families.
Mental & Physical
- All Babus (Managers) are fully trained in mental health support & First Aid.
- Dedicated support from our confidential advice helpline - available to you or someone in your household – 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
- On demand GP appointments, free counselling sessions and life coaching through our wellness app.
- Free fitness sessions every month (including yoga and spin classes).
- Calling all sports fans, we have our very own Dishoom Premier League (an in-house cricket tournament) where you get to compete with your team at Lord's, and an annual Dishoom Football league that runs across our cafés and Permit Room teams.
Socials
We’re a growing company and love nothing more than bringing our teams (and families) together to celebrate everyone’s hard work across the year. You’ll be invited to our:
- Family Mela (Family summer festival)
- Huge Christmas celebration
- Plus, we host regular team events across our cafes.
Team members who work at Dishoom for 5 years are invited to attend Bombay Bootcamp – an educational trip to Bombay to learn about our unique food, culture and heritage.
What to expect:
- Free team meals every shift, plus all the Chai you can drink!
- £19 - £20 per hour inclusive of tronc (based on the last 3-month’s average). We pay on a monthly basis.
- A full-time role working across 5 days, Monday - Sunday availability required.
- A weekly changing rota provided at least 6 days in advance.
- We're an all day dining Cafe, meaning our teams work a variety of daytime and evening shifts (not the usual always late nights!)
- Access to our award-winning training programmes and support. We focus on your development from day one and proudly promoted 326 Dishoomwalles last year!
- The usual number of days holiday a year - paid for at your usual rate. Our sites are closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and if you have children, we’ll provide one extra day to take them to their first day at school.
- No uniforms here - smart casual and comfortable is key, and of course trainers are fine.
Have you got Seva?
In Dishoom, we see every team member as valuable and important to ensuring the all-around brilliant experience for our guests. We are looking for friendly, attentive and organised people to join our team as Server/Waiter/Waitress. Greet our guests day or night with a smile that makes them instantly feel welcomed. Transport our guests to Bombay, with awesome knowledge of all of our drinks, bar snacks, curries, sharing plates and well-loved Dishoom dishes. You are on point for your guests' experience (whatever the number of tables); you ensure there is clear communication to your team, so that everything runs smoothly and nothing goes a-miss.
So, what are we looking for?
- Previous work experience as a Server/Waiter/Waitress - at least 1 year minimum, in a high volume restaurant environment, following detailed steps of service (including Allergen procedures) and managing a busy section.
- A desire to grow- we only promote our Head Waiters from within, plus our award-winning Babu (Manager) Masterclass programme supports our teams with the tools to be our future leaders.
At Dishoom - everyone is welcome. We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply for roles with us.
Opening Café Server — Warm Hospitality Pro in Leeds employer: Dishoom
At Dishoom, we pride ourselves on being one of the best places to work in hospitality, offering a vibrant and supportive environment for our team members. With a focus on well-being, employee growth, and community impact, we provide exceptional benefits including free meals, mental health support, and opportunities for career advancement through our award-winning training programmes. Join us in Leeds as we celebrate the rich culture of Bombay while enjoying a fulfilling career in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Opening Café Server — Warm Hospitality Pro in Leeds
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Dishoom. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Dishoom
Don't be shy about reaching out to Dishoom directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Opening Café Server — Warm Hospitality Pro in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Dishoom and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dishoom
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
