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- Tasks: Join our team to serve guests at the iconic House of Lords and ensure top-notch service.
- Company: Be part of the prestigious House of Lords catering team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a generous pension, and health programmes.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Experience history in the making while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Great customer service skills and teamwork spirit required.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
We are looking for Variable Hours Waiting Staff to join our Catering & Retail Services Team at the House of Lords. This is a position where you will be working as part of a team across banqueting and function rooms. Variable hours staff are booked one week ahead according to business needs and their availability. Variable hours staff may be working in different outlets (Restaurants, Bars and Banqueting) depending on the needs of the Department and require a range of service skills. Shift pattern of 4 hours or more from the hours of 7am until 11pm, Monday to Friday. This is an opportunity to work onsite at Parliament and an exciting opportunity for someone that likes a fast-paced environment and ensuring that the highest standards of service and presentation are offered at all times.
Responsibilities
- Preparation of banqueting function rooms for breakfast, lunch, tea and evenings in advance of daily events.
- Preparation of table, kitchen requirements and ensuring the reception bar is correctly prepared in accordance with the function sheet.
- To greet and receive Members and guests in your allocated area.
- To maintain accurate stock records of beverages and banqueting equipment and report any concerns to the Line Manager.
- To observe all legislative requirements including those concerning hygiene, food, health and safety at work.
- To cover duties in other Catering and Retail Services outlets as directed by the Line Manager.
What we’re looking for
- Great customer service skills.
- A basic understanding of Health & Safety.
- To be able to work well in a team environment.
What you’ll get in return
- 30 days annual leave (increasing to 35 after one year’s service) – Pro-rated.
- Generous pension scheme.
- 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.
- The opportunity to witness history in the making!
The job description provides full details about the role and what we are looking for. The work we do is vital to House of Lords, and you will be a pivotal member in the team strengthening the work of the House. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK parliament. It is independent from and complements the work of the House of Commons to: Make laws; Check and challenge the actions of the government through questions and debates; Investigate public policy and provide a forum of independent expertise.
Please complete your online application by 23:55 on Monday 4th May 2026. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact HLRecruitment@parliament.uk. The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates with diverse characteristics, including different ages, caring responsibilities, disability, gender/sex, gender reassignment/trans, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments.
Waiting Staff - Variable Hours in Hounslow employer: House of Lords
Contact Detail:
House of Lords Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Waiting Staff - Variable Hours in Hounslow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! If you're applying for a role at the House of Lords, take some time to learn about its history and significance. This will not only impress during interviews but also help you feel more connected to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about providing top-notch service, think of scenarios where you can showcase your ability to handle different types of guests. Role-playing with friends can be a fun way to prepare!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! With variable hours, you might find yourself in different outlets or situations. Show that you're open to learning and can thrive in a fast-paced environment – it’s a big plus for employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills and any relevant experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Waiting Staff - Variable Hours in Hounslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: Make sure to highlight your customer service experience in your application. We want to see how you’ve gone above and beyond to make someone’s day better, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send the same application everywhere! Take a moment to tweak your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Waiting Staff role at the House of Lords. It shows us you’re genuinely interested.
Be Clear About Your Availability: Since this is a variable hours position, let us know your availability upfront. Mention any flexibility you have for shifts, as it’ll help us understand how you can fit into our team’s needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at House of Lords
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Waiting Staff position. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like preparing banqueting function rooms and maintaining stock records. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since great customer service is a must for this job, think of examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent service. Be ready to discuss how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond for a guest. This will show that you’re a perfect fit for the fast-paced environment.
✨Teamwork is Key
This role requires working well in a team, so be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with others. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team’s success or helped resolve conflicts. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Health & Safety Basics
Having a basic understanding of health and safety regulations is crucial. Brush up on relevant legislation and be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance in a catering environment. This shows that you take the role seriously and are committed to maintaining high standards.