Head Receptionist - Fallow

Following a successful pop‑up, chef owners Jack Croft and Will Murray officially launched FOWL in October 2023, located just around the corner from their flagship restaurant Fallow St. James's. FOWL celebrates the nation's favourite bird through an all‑in, beak‑to‑feet menu concept, with monthly specials brought to you in collaboration with an epic line‑up of foodie icons! Offering both indoor and outdoor dining, FOWL is open for lunch, dinner and cocktails.

As Head Receptionist at Fowl, you will be the face and driving force of the guest experience from first contact to fond farewell. Sitting at the heart of the front‑of‑house operation, you will oversee reception services, manage reservations and table flow, and lead a high‑performing team with warmth, precision and professionalism. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who thrives in a premium, fast‑paced environment and takes pride in delivering world‑class hospitality – while mentoring others to do the same.

Responsibilities

• Lead reception operations, ensuring a seamless and exceptional guest journey in the restaurant.
• Act as the primary host and ambassador for Fowl, setting the tone at the front door and ensuring guests are greeted professionally and with great service from entering to exiting the restaurant.
• Oversee reservations, seating plans, and guest flow using SevenRooms and report any feedback to Head of Guest Operations.
• Deliver highly personalised service to VIP and high‑profile guests with discretion.
• Highlight VIP guests to management to ensure VIPs are looked after.
• Work closely with central reservations and events to ensure continuity across the business and continue to drive revenue.
• Build guest database from all walk‑in guests with full contact details including email addresses and full names and ensure return guests are profiled accordingly.
• Train, coach, and mentor reception team members to maintain outstanding service standards.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of reception colleagues.
• Handle guest concerns swiftly and professionally, maintaining a calm and solution‑focused approach.
• Collaborate closely with FOH managers and senior leadership to refine service and procedures.
• Use guest feedback and team insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain a polished, organised, and welcoming reception environment at all times.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior reception, maître d’, or assistant management role within a premium hospitality venue.
• A natural leader who inspires confidence and motivates teams.
• Exceptionally organised with strong multitasking and problem‑solving skills.
• Polished, composed, and guest‑focused – even under pressure.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Passionate about hospitality and creating memorable experiences.
• Confident using booking platforms such as SevenRooms.
• Detail‑driven, proactive, and always striving for excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Career progression.
• Continuous learning and development programme including external opportunities such as WSET and leadership courses.
• Wellbeing initiatives.
• Reward and recognition schemes.
• Free welcome lunch for you and a guest.
• 50% restaurant discounts across the group.
• 25% Friends and Family discounts.
• 50% discount on company retail.
• Supplier trips, staff parties and team socials.
• Staff meal during your shift.
• Increased holiday entitlement after three years employment.
• Enhanced parental leave (after one year's employment).
• Sabbaticals (after three years employment).
• Fowl Mouth: the opportunity for our employees to use Fowl as a venue to organise a professional pop‑up night.
• Competitive industry pay.