At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the floor service, coach team members, and ensure a warm guest experience.
- Company: Fonda, a vibrant contemporary Mexican restaurant in Mayfair.
- Benefits: 50% team discount, referral bonuses, extra holidays, and mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth within an ambitious hospitality group with award-winning restaurants.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape unforgettable dining experiences in a lively environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality restaurants, strong hospitality skills, and a passion for food and wine.
The predicted salary is between 29412 - 35948 £ per year.
About FONDA
Fonda opened in 2024 on Heddon Street, a contemporary Mexican restaurant from chef Santiago Lastra and MJMK Restaurants.
In Mexico, a Fonda is a family-owned eatery serving traditional dishes; Santiago's Fonda builds on this to showcase regional recipes from across the country.
Crudos, tacos and plates from the grill come together in a lively menu designed to be shared, with the traditional comal at the heart of the kitchen.
Fonda is lively, fast-paced and rooted in tradition.
We want people who love being part of a team, who bring generosity to every table, and who share our drive to be best in class, with a passion for great food, drink and creating unforgettable guest experiences.
This role exists to keep service sharp, warm and consistent, shift after shift.
You'll lead by example on the floor, support the wider team, coach newer waiters and step in wherever guests need that extra bit of attention.
We're looking for someone with real experience running service in a quality restaurant, who's ready to take on more responsibility without losing the personal touch.
If you love hospitality, know how to read a room and want to help shape how Fonda welcomes people, this is a role for you.
This is a hands‑on leadership role, led from the floor.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead service on the floor, setting the pace and tone for the wider team.
- Coach and support waiters, sharing knowledge on menu, wine and technique.
- Oversee table allocations and pacing to keep service running smoothly.
- Step in on tables that need extra attention, from VIP requests to regulars.
- Check standards across the floor, from table presentation to guest greeting.
- Train new starters on Fonda's service style and standards.
- Liaise with the kitchen to keep timing and communication consistent.
- Handle guest feedback and VIP requests calmly and with genuine care.
- Support the management team with opening and closing procedures.
- Champion Fonda's culture and hospitality style throughout every shift.
What We're Looking For
We're after a Head Waiter who leads with warmth and holds the floor to a high standard, whatever the pace of service. You will bring:
- Experience leading service in a quality restaurant or hospitality environment.
- Genuine passion for food, wine and hospitality.
- Confidence coaching and developing junior team members.
- An eye for detail across every stage of service.
- The ability to stay calm and organised under pressure.
- Real warmth when welcoming and looking after guests.
- Strong knowledge of menus, wine pairing and service technique.
- Flexibility to adapt to a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment.
- A willingness to go the extra mile with a proactive, hands‑on attitude.
What we offer
- 50% team discount across all MJMK restaurants.
- Up to £500 team referral bonus.
- Opportunity to grow within one of London's most ambitious hospitality groups.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after one year with us.
- Extra day's holiday every year you're with us, up to 5 extra days.
- Mental health and well‑being assistance via Hospitality Action, offering free advice and counselling.
- Enhanced pension contributions after 5 years with us.
- Anniversary scheme reward for every year you're with us.
- About MJMK Restaurants
MJMK Restaurants owns and operates a collection of award‑winning restaurants.
Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Jake Kasumov and Marco Mendes, our journey began with Casa do Frango.
In 2020, we partnered with chef patron Santiago Lastra to open KOL, a restaurant in Marylebone celebrating Mexican cuisine with British ingredients.
KOL has since earned a Michelin star and been named one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
2024 saw two new ventures: Fonda, a contemporary Mexican concept in Mayfair, our second collaboration with Santiago Lastra, and Anglo Thai in Marylebone, a debut restaurant from husband-and-wife John and Desiree Chantarasak, blending Thai flavours with British ingredients.
Within three months of opening, Anglo Thai earned a Michelin star.
In the 2025 National Restaurant Awards, Anglo Thai was named The Square Opening of the Year and ranked 7th in the Top 100 list, followed by KOL at number 50.
Luso, a contemporary Portuguese restaurant in Fitzrovia, opened in September 2025.
We're building ambitious restaurant brands with a focus on quality, creativity and guest experience, and we're just getting started.
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Head Waiter in City of Westminster employer: Fonda
Fonda, a contemporary Mexican restaurant in the heart of London, offers an exceptional work environment where passion for food and hospitality thrives. As part of MJMK Restaurants, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises personal growth, with opportunities to develop skills and advance within one of London's most ambitious hospitality groups. With generous perks like a 50% team discount, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, and mental health support, Fonda is committed to creating a rewarding experience for its team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter in City of Westminster
✨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 Fonda. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Fonda
Don't be shy about reaching out to Fonda 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 Head Waiter in City of Westminster
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 Fonda 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 Fonda
✨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!
