At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, manage bookings, and support the restaurant team in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Join the award-winning Heartwood Collection, known for its cosy pubs and brasseries.
- Benefits: Enjoy bespoke training, instant pay access, discounts, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities as we expand to over 60 locations by 2027.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of guest experiences and grow with a rapidly expanding hospitality group.
- Qualifications: Previous reception or front-of-house experience with excellent interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
At Heartwood Collection, we're on the lookout for passionate and vibrant individuals to join our team as a Rooms Reception Host. This is not your typical sit-down reception role. No two days are the same. It's a fast-paced, hands-on position where you'll be at the heart of the guest experience, whether welcoming guests to their rooms, supporting the restaurant team, or ensuring every detail is perfect before arrival.
We're an award-winning group of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries that truly feel like home. From the elegance of Brasserie Blanc to the charm of Heartwood Inns, we pride ourselves on serving fresh, seasonal dishes to our local communities.
What we offer:
- Bespoke training and development through our Stepping Stones programme
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program with Hospitality Action
- Instant pay access through EarlyPay
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
- Up to 1,500 Referral Bonus
- 50% off food at any Heartwood Inns or Brasserie Blanc, plus a 20% discount for family and friends
- A birthday gift and Long Service Recognition
- Discounts on hundreds of retailers and experiences via Reward Gateway
- Cycle to Work Scheme
The Ideal Candidate:
- Has previous reception, hotel, or front-of-house experience, face-to-face interaction with great interpersonal skills and provide an exceptional guest experience
- Be able to handle and manage the day-to-day operations of the reception, check-ins and check-outs, maintain and manage bookings, enquiries across rooms and the restaurant
- Ability to be flexible and maintain high standards across the front-of-house service, and assist in the restaurant when needed
- Coordinate with other departments, including cleaning, housekeeping, kitchen staff, etc. for care of the premises and guests.
- Previous administrative experience in booking and PMS (Guestline/Rezlynx, Zonal, Google Workspace, OTA Extranets) systems is advantageous
Heartwood Collection is a multi-award-winning hospitality group: Sunday Times Best Places to Work winner 2024, Double winner at the Publican Awards 2024, Best Pub Brand/Concept at the Publican Awards 2025. At Heartwood Collection, we're excited about the future. With over 40 locations now and plans to expand to more than 60 by 2027, including over 500 bedrooms, there's never been a better time to join us. We're committed to growing our team with progression opportunities across our estate. Join us and be part of a community that's warm, genuine, and full of life.
Host/Hostess - The White Hart, Lewes employer: Heartwood Inns
At Heartwood Collection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where no two days are the same. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our bespoke training programmes and numerous benefits, including instant pay access, generous discounts, and recognition for long service. Join us in Lewes and be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating memorable guest experiences in our award-winning pubs and brasseries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Host/Hostess - The White Hart, Lewes
✨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 Heartwood Inns. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Heartwood Inns
Don't be shy about reaching out to Heartwood Inns 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 Host/Hostess - The White Hart, Lewes
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 Heartwood Inns 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 Heartwood Inns
✨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!
