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 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 Somerset House. Our close-knit team culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, while our commitment to quality ingredients and exceptional service ensures a rewarding work environment. With comprehensive training, competitive benefits, and the unique opportunity to learn from culinary heritage, Poon’s is an excellent employer for those passionate about fine dining and hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervisor
✨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, you want to impress them with your knowledge and passion for their culinary heritage.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! During interviews, let your genuine enthusiasm for hospitality shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can create that warm, family-like atmosphere, so be yourself and connect with them on a personal level.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your experience; share stories! Whether it’s a memorable guest interaction or a challenge you overcame, storytelling is key. It shows you understand the importance of creating exceptional dining experiences.
✨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 being part of the Poon’s family. Let’s get you in there!
We think you need these skills to ace Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for authentic Chinese cuisine shine through. Share any experiences or stories that connect you to the culinary world, especially if they relate to home-cooked meals or cultural traditions.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Supervisor, we want to see how you've led teams in the past. Use your application to showcase specific examples of how you've motivated and developed staff, ensuring everyone works together like a close-knit family.
Be Authentic and Personable:Poon’s is all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Make sure your application reflects your personality and communication style. We’re looking for someone who can engage with guests and make them feel at home.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hospitaliti
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the menu and learn about the signature dishes. Understanding the stories behind dishes like Claypot Rice and Magic Soup will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the cuisine.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in leading a team. Share specific examples of how you've created a positive atmosphere and trained staff, as this role is all about building a close-knit team that delivers exceptional service.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Hospitality
Poon’s values warmth and authenticity, so convey your passion for providing a welcoming dining experience. Think of ways you can connect with guests and make them feel at home, even if they’re trying Chinese food for the first time.
✨Brush Up on Wine Pairings
Since wine knowledge is key for this role, take some time to learn about cool-climate wines and how they pair with Chinese flavours. Being able to discuss these pairings confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
