At a Glance
- Tasks: Create memorable events by providing exceptional customer service and setting up dining spaces.
- Company: Join the award-winning Ashridge House, a stunning venue with a vibrant team.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff meals, free gym access, and a festive work atmosphere.
- Other info: Flexible hours, perfect for students looking to earn over the holidays.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, fast-paced environment during the magical Christmas season.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in banqueting or catering and a passion for hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.
Location: Ashridge House, Berkhamsted, HP4 1NS
Reports to: Head of Food & Beverage
Hours: Casual hours over the Christmas period, including evenings and weekends. Bring your festive spirit—and a flexible approach!
Love bringing a smile to someone’s face? Enjoy the buzz of a busy event? Join us this Christmas and help create the moments that make the season special.
Ashridge House is looking for enthusiastic, motivated Seasonal Conference & Banqueting Assistants to join our friendly team on a casual basis over the busy Christmas period, including weekends. With the beautiful surroundings of Ashridge House as your backdrop, you’ll help bring wonderful events to life—from sparkling Christmas celebrations and weddings to corporate conferences, private functions and afternoon teas.
You’ll be part of a friendly, professional team, giving every guest a warm welcome and thoughtful service from the first greeting to the final farewell. No two events are the same, so if you love variety, teamwork and a fast-paced atmosphere, we’d love to hear from you.
Your Part in the Festive Experience
- Make guests feel welcome with a warm greeting and exceptional customer service.
- Serve food and drinks with a friendly smile and a professional touch.
- Help set the scene for memorable events, preparing dining spaces for weddings, conferences and afternoon teas.
- Make sure every function room and dining area looks its best, ready to welcome our guests.
- Keep things moving by clearing and resetting dining spaces promptly after service.
- Team up with colleagues across the house to help every event run smoothly.
- Take pride in high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and personal presentation throughout each shift.
Could This Be Your Christmas Role?
We’re looking for enthusiastic, proactive people who love hospitality, bring a positive attitude and genuinely enjoy making guests feel special. If that sounds like you, bring your energy and experience to our Christmas team!
What You’ll Bring — Essential Skills & Experience
- A minimum of 1-2 years' previous experience in banqueting and/or catering is essential.
- Proven customer service experience and the ability to deliver excellent standards of service.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A positive, enthusiastic and motivated approach to work.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy environment.
- Flexibility to work days, evenings and weekends throughout the Christmas period.
- Must be aged 18 or over due to the handling and service of alcohol.
- A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential, as Ashridge House has limited public transport links.
A Few Extra Pluses — Desirable
- Experience working within a wedding, events or luxury hospitality environment.
- Experience serving food and beverages at formal functions and events.
- Knowledge of hospitality and food service standards.
A Little Something for You — Benefits & Perks
- Staff meals whilst on duty.
- Free access to our onsite gym & pool after shifts.
About Ashridge
Ashridge House is an award-winning Grade 1 listed neo-gothic mansion with extensive meeting and event facilities comprising 190 bedrooms, over 30 meeting rooms, 55 syndicate rooms, 7 function rooms and 190 acres of historic parkland and gardens. Delivering the highest standard of service to everyone who visits, dines, and stays with us is a fundamental part of our ethos and key to growing the business.
When you join Ashridge House, you join a community from unique backgrounds, all united by pursuing excellence in service and hospitality. Whoever you are, whatever you are passionate about—we welcome you and want you to bring that to work every day. Ashridge House is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, caste, parental status, disability, identity, experience, and everything else that makes you unique.
Seasonal Conference & Banqueting Assistant employer: EF
EF Education First is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to innovate and take ownership of their ideas. Located on the picturesque Isle of Wight, the role of Homestay Manager offers not only competitive benefits and continuous professional development but also the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse international community, making a meaningful impact on students' lives. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment, EF is dedicated to nurturing ambition and providing fast-tracked career enhancement opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Conference & Banqueting Assistant
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like EF are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Conference & Banqueting Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at EF.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with EF. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at EF
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
