At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the front-of-house team to create unforgettable dining experiences.
- Company: Poon’s, a Michelin-starred restaurant celebrating authentic Chinese home cooking.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, staff meals, and Sundays and Mondays off!
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and access to culinary expertise.
- Why this job: Join a close-knit team and share your passion for Chinese culinary traditions.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in front-of-house leadership; no Chinese cuisine experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Poon’s, we bring the warmth and authenticity of home‑cooked Chinese food to the table. Our nourishing plates are complemented by an extensive Chinese tea list, alongside an aromatic offering of 70+ cool climate wines – both of which are supplied by female or family‑run vineyards or plantations.
Poon’s at Somerset House opened November 2025 and represents the revival of a legendary Michelin‑starred Chinese restaurant that first opened in London’s Chinatown in 1973. Amy Poon has resurrected her family’s culinary legacy with a restaurant that celebrates authentic Chinese home cooking in one of London’s most prestigious cultural destinations.
This is not your typical Chinese restaurant – Poon’s focuses on the real food cooked in Chinese homes daily. The restaurant combines seasonal, quality British ingredients with fine Chinese products, guided by recipes passed down through generations of a family with imperial culinary heritage.
As a Supervisor at Poon’s, you will lead the front‑of‑house team in delivering an exceptional dining experience that educates and delights our guests while supporting some back‑of‑house tasks. You will be responsible for the following:
- Service Leadership: Set the tone for professional, warm, and engaging service across both dining rooms, overseeing a team of waiters, hosts, and runners.
- Guest Experience: Greet guests with genuine hospitality and guide them through an unfamiliar cuisine with confidence, patience, and storytelling ability.
- Menu Mastery: Develop deep knowledge of signature dishes and articulate their significance and backstories.
- Relationship Building: Create a welcoming atmosphere that transforms first‑time visitors into regular patrons who understand and appreciate authentic Chinese home cooking.
- Team Development: Train and mentor front‑of‑house staff on service standards, menu knowledge, wine pairings, and the unique narrative of the restaurant.
- Quality Standards: Maintain the high standards expected at Somerset House while preserving the intimate, homely atmosphere that defines the Poon’s experience.
Who You Are:
- Storytelling: Explaining unfamiliar dishes, helping guests understand their significance.
- Confident Decision‑Making: Handling the unknowns of restaurant service with composure.
- Cultural Curiosity: A genuine interest in authentic Chinese culinary traditions.
- Team Leadership: Building a close‑knit, collaborative team.
- Service Excellence: High standards appropriate to a prestigious location.
- Wine Knowledge: Understanding how cool‑climate wines pair with complex Chinese flavours.
Experience & Requirements:
- Minimum 2+ years of front‑of‑house leadership experience.
- Proven track record managing teams and creating exceptional guest experiences.
- Strong knowledge of wine service and beverage pairing.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in new openings is a significant advantage.
- No experience in Chinese cuisine required—what matters is respect for the cuisine and willingness to learn.
What Sets Poon’s Apart:
- Heritage: A revived Michelin‑starred legacy rooted in imperial Chinese culinary tradition.
- Location: Somerset House is one of London’s most beautiful and culturally significant addresses.
- Mission: Every service contributes to educating London about authentic Chinese home cooking.
- Quality Over Shortcuts: A family‑owned business that invests in proper resources and ingredient quality.
- Team Culture: Close‑knit team environment, where you have the opportunity to help shape service culture.
Working Here:
- Front‑of‑House Leadership & Team Management.
- Fine Dining Service Excellence & Guest Relations.
- Wine Knowledge & Beverage Pairing.
- Menu Expertise & Culinary Storytelling.
- Opening Restaurant Operations & Systems Building.
- Conflict Resolution & Problem‑Solving.
- Training & Staff Development.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive menu and culinary training.
- Wine and beverage education program.
- Staff meals.
- Competitive discretionary service charge.
- Pension scheme eligibility.
- Health and wellbeing support.
- Professional development in fine dining hospitality.
- Access to Amy Poon’s culinary expertise and family heritage knowledge.
- Sundays and Mondays off (rare in hospitality).
The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday, and closed on Sundays and Mondays (except for occasional private events). We are not a chain and not a concept, so as part of the team you are also part of the family.
Supervisor in London employer: Hospitaliti
At Poon’s, we pride ourselves on being more than just a restaurant; we are a family that celebrates authentic Chinese home cooking in the heart of London. Our team enjoys a supportive and close-knit work culture, with opportunities for professional growth through comprehensive training in culinary arts and wine pairing, all while working in the prestigious Somerset House. With Sundays and Mondays off, competitive service charges, and access to Amy Poon's culinary expertise, we offer a unique and rewarding environment for those passionate about hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervisor in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant inside out! Familiarise yourself with Poon’s menu, especially those signature dishes like the Claypot Rice and Magic Soup. When you walk in for your interview, being able to chat about the food will show your genuine interest and passion.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Since this role is all about sharing the rich history behind the dishes, think of a few engaging ways to explain why they’re special. This will not only impress during interviews but also help you connect with guests later on.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Think about examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or created a welcoming atmosphere. We want to see how you can inspire others to deliver that warm, family-like service we pride ourselves on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Poon’s family and contributing to our mission of educating London about authentic Chinese home cooking.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervisor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for authentic Chinese cuisine shine through. Share any experiences you've had with food that inspire you, and how you can bring that passion to Poon’s.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Supervisor, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about times you've successfully managed a team or created a positive atmosphere in previous roles.
Be Authentic and Personal:We want to get to know the real you! Use your application to tell your story and why you’re excited about joining Poon’s. A personal touch can make all the difference.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Poon’s.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hospitaliti
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Poon’s menu. Familiarise yourself with signature dishes like the Claypot Rice and Magic Soup. Being able to discuss their significance and backstories will show your genuine interest in the cuisine and impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Since storytelling is key in this role, prepare a few anecdotes about your experiences in hospitality. Think of times when you’ve engaged guests with food stories or created memorable dining experiences. This will highlight your ability to connect with customers and enhance their experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Be ready to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Share specific examples of how you've trained and mentored staff, resolved conflicts, or built a collaborative team environment. This will illustrate your capability to lead the front-of-house team effectively.
✨Express Your Cultural Curiosity
Poon’s values a genuine interest in Chinese culinary traditions. Be prepared to talk about what excites you about authentic Chinese cuisine and how you plan to share that passion with guests. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but are truly invested in the restaurant's mission.
