At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, serve food and drinks, and create a positive dining experience.
- Company: Join the House of Lords, a historic and significant workplace.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, pension scheme, health programme, and late-night travel support.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Be part of democracy, develop hospitality skills, and work in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork skills; training available.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
As a Waiting Staff you'll play an important role in supporting the UK's parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members carry out their responsibilities effectively - contributing to something bigger than any one role. You'll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.
You'll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster - a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today. You'll be part of a dedicated team, working together to deliver a warm, professional, and high-quality experience for the Peers, Guests, and Staff of the House. We take pride in maintaining excellent standards of service and presentation across all areas of our hospitality operations.
As a Variable Hours member of staff, your shifts will be scheduled one week in advance, taking into account both business needs and your availability. This flexible role offers the opportunity to work across a variety of outlets, including Restaurants, Bars, and Banqueting, helping to support the department where needed. As such, you'll have the chance to develop and apply a broad range of hospitality and customer service skills in different environments.
What you'll be doing
- As Dining Room Waiting Staff: Welcome and assist Members and guests within your designated area, helping to create a positive and enjoyable dining experience.
- As Bar Staff / Restaurant Assistants: Take beverage orders from guests and provide friendly and professional table service as required.
- As Restaurant Assistants: Assist with serving food at counters and support the upkeep of dining areas through table clearing and general housekeeping.
- As Banqueting Waiting Staff: Assist with the preparation and service of a wide range of events, from cocktail receptions to breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, and formal dinners.
- Other Duties: Support the department in achieving its goals by working professionally, collaboratively, and efficiently.
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here. You'll have:
- Excellent Customer Service.
- Excellent Communication Skills.
- Great Teamwork and Collaboration Skills.
It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn):
- A vocational qualification such as an NVQ Level 2 in Food and Beverage Service (or equivalent) would be beneficial.
- A food hygiene certificate would be advantageous; however, we welcome candidates who can demonstrate a good understanding of food hygiene principles and are willing to undertake training.
- A basic health and safety qualification would be an advantage, although candidates with relevant knowledge and a willingness to learn and complete training will also be considered.
What you'll get in return
Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing, growth and contribution. You'll benefit from:
- 30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year) pro-rata.
- Generous Civil Service pension scheme.
- A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
- Paid late night taxi travel if finishing after 10:30pm, if you live within a 20-mile radius of Westminster.
- Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions.
- The chance to witness democracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance.
The work we do is vital to the House of Lords - the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independent expertise on national issues.
Ready to apply? If you're looking for an employer where you can belong, grow and thrive, we'd love to hear from you. Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Sunday 6th September 2026.
Waiting Staff - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A0PW in Canary Wharf employer: House of Lords
The House of Lords offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for an Internal Audit Manager to contribute to the UK's parliamentary democracy while working in a historic environment. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, professional growth, and collaboration, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, a comprehensive pension scheme, and access to diverse learning opportunities. Join a community that values your contributions and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Waiting Staff - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A0PW in Canary Wharf
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at House of Lords and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Waiting Staff - Variable Hours - Westminster, SW1A0PW in Canary Wharf
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at House of Lords that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at House of Lords.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at House of Lords get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at House of Lords
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at House of Lords and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
