At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests and create an unforgettable experience at our award-winning cocktail lounge.
- Company: Join the critically acclaimed JKS Restaurants, known for its Michelin-starred venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 50% off dining, discounted gym membership, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Celebrate your uniqueness and grow with us in a supportive, dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering Michelin Star standards in a vibrant atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Previous hostess experience and a friendly, professional attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Gymkhana's 42 Cocktail Lounge are seeking a Hostess to join their team. The successful candidate will be friendly, personable and passionate about all things food and drink. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Hostess looking for a new role in an award-winning, critically acclaimed group.
The Restaurant Gymkhana is inspired by the elite clubs of India where members of high society socialise, eat, drink, celebrate and play sport. The Gymkhana menus take influence from the breadth of India, focusing on tandoori-grilled specialties, classic regional curries, biryanis and chaat-style sharing plates. The flavours are bold, rooted in tradition and richly layered with spices. The bars at Gymkhana specialise in a collection of Club Cocktails, which showcase the finest Indian ingredients and flavour combinations, offering a modern Indian interpretation on renowned classics. Gymkhana received its second Michelin Star in 2024, a decade after the first Star and winning Best Restaurant at the National Restaurant Awards and BMW Square Meal Restaurant of the Year.
Bar 42 is inspired by the exclusive captain's quarters of the Gymkhana clubs of India. The cocktails are a showcase of Indian ingredients and nostalgic Indian flavours, complemented by a list of rare whiskies and Champagnes, and Cocktail Chakna from the Gymkhana menu.
The Position
We're looking for an experienced Hostess to ensure a welcoming, engaging first impression and deliver an outstanding guest experience. This role will be primarily based at 42 Cocktail Lounge. You will be delivering Michelin Star standards and ensuring a seamless journey for our guests from start to finish.
If you have experience in the following, then we want to hear from you:
- Welcoming and interacting with our guests in a professional and friendly manner, building rapport to encourage their repeat custom;
- Managing reservations and walk-ins efficiently to optimise service capacity and ensure smooth flow;
- Responsible for managing the door and handling bookings for 42 and Gymkhana;
- Handling face to face, telephone and email queries in a polite, professional and diplomatic manner;
- Experience working with SevenRooms (preferred);
Benefits & Culture
Our team is the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry-leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow. We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and celebrate the skills and characteristics that make you unique. Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:
- Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants;
- Retail & Takeaway Discounts;
- Code App Membership;
- Discounted Gym Membership;
- Stream – stream your pay earlier;
- Company Donations for your involvement with Charities;
- Employee Assistance Program;
- Access to Financial Advice;
- Wedding Gift & New-born Care Package;
- A personalised learning & development plan to develop your skills and knowledge;
- Career progression with a fast-growing, critically acclaimed restaurant group;
- Employee referral scheme - paying up to £600 per referral;
- Staff parties & long service awards.
The Group
JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 8 Michelin stars, 6 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2025 and one of codes happiest places to work 2025. The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Ambassadors Clubhouse, Kitchen Table, Sabor, and Legado, along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar and Bibi. JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.
Hostess 42 Cocktail Lounge - London employer: Gymkhana
At Gymkhana's 42 Cocktail Lounge, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and inclusive work environment where our team members are celebrated for their individuality and passion for hospitality. As part of an award-winning restaurant group, you will have access to exceptional training and development opportunities, alongside generous benefits such as discounted dining, gym memberships, and a supportive employee assistance programme. Join us in delivering Michelin Star standards while enjoying a culture that values kindness, hard work, and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hostess 42 Cocktail Lounge - London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Familiarise yourself with Gymkhana's vibe, menu, and cocktail offerings. This way, when you chat with the team or during interviews, you can show off your passion for the place and its unique style.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on social media or at industry events. They might share insider tips or even put in a good word for you, which could give you an edge in landing that hostess role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your people skills! Since being a hostess is all about making guests feel welcome, try role-playing with friends or family. This will help you refine your approach to building rapport and handling reservations smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Gymkhana team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Hostess 42 Cocktail Lounge - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When applying, let your friendly and personable nature shine through. We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for food and drink in your application!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any previous experience as a hostess or in similar roles. We’re looking for someone who can manage reservations and interact with guests professionally, so give us the details that show you’ve got what it takes!
Be Professional Yet Approachable:In your written application, strike a balance between professionalism and approachability. We value candidates who can handle queries politely while also being warm and engaging – it’s all about that first impression!
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 fantastic opportunity at Gymkhana’s 42 Cocktail Lounge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gymkhana
✨Know the Venue Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with Gymkhana and its 42 Cocktail Lounge. Understand their menu, the vibe of the place, and what makes them unique. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Hostess, your ability to connect with guests is crucial. Prepare examples from your previous roles where you’ve built rapport with customers or handled difficult situations gracefully. This will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and passion for hospitality.
✨Dress to Impress
First impressions matter! Dress smartly and in line with the venue's style. A polished appearance reflects your professionalism and respect for the role. Think about how you can embody the elegance of a Michelin-starred establishment.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, training opportunities, or the restaurant’s future plans. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their journey.
