At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to deliver exceptional dining experiences and manage events.
- Company: Old Queen Street Café, a stylish brasserie in historic Westminster.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured training, team meals, and 50% restaurant discount.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic environment where your leadership can shine and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and a passion for food and service.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
In the heart of historic Westminster, Old Queen Street Café is a British brasserie offering refined food in a relaxed, elegant setting. Located moments from Parliament, we serve as a space to debate the news of the day within a beautifully restored townhouse, featuring a 50-cover restaurant, events space, and private members' club. Lantana leads the creation and delivery of this unique hospitality experience on behalf of our client, political and cultural magazine UnHerd. We are now looking for a Restaurant Manager to join the leadership team. This is a senior role for someone commercially aware, operationally sharp, and confident in taking ownership of a high performing site.
What You'll Be Doing
- Driving exceptional customer experiences through active engagement and elevated hospitality
- Inspiring and developing your team through coaching, structured feedback, and clear expectations
- Maintaining high operational standards across cleanliness, safety, and compliance
- Ensuring all food and drinks are delivered to spec and with consistency
- Building and maintaining a strong day to day relationship with our client, ensuring clear communication and seamless delivery of expectations
- Owning the operational delivery of events and private dining, from planning through to execution, ensuring smooth service and maximising revenue opportunities
- Leading the team to confidently deliver high quality events, setting clear briefs, managing timings, and maintaining standards throughout
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training to build a confident, capable team
- Preparing and leading for high demand services, events, and large bookings
- Driving sales through strong shift leadership, upselling, and team focus on items per cover
- Supporting stock control and cost management to deliver strong gross profit, minimising waste and shrinkage
- Monitoring labour and flexing the rota to maintain productivity targets
- Ensuring accurate reporting and adherence to all financial procedures
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in a management role within a quality, event driven, high volume hospitality environment
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and develop a team
- Commercial awareness and confidence in managing costs, labour, and sales performance
- High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence
- A genuine passion for food, drink, and hospitality
- Someone who takes ownership, solves problems proactively, and raises standards
What We'll Be Doing In Return
- Supporting your development into a senior leadership role within the business
- Providing structured training and progression opportunities
- Serving team meals from our menu
- Offering 50% discount across our restaurants
- Giving an additional day off for your birthday
- Providing an annual CODE app subscription
- Enrolling you into the Hospitality Action support programme
- Celebrating success through team events and socials
You must have the right to work in the UK to apply. Lantana is proud to be a London business and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are happy to provide support throughout the application process where needed.
Old Queen Street - Restaurant Manager employer: Job Search Place Limited
At Lantana, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the heart of Westminster, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. As a Restaurant Manager, you will benefit from structured training opportunities, a supportive team environment, and unique perks such as team meals and a birthday day off, all while contributing to a high-performing venue that celebrates excellence in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Old Queen Street - Restaurant Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Job Search Place Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Job Search Place Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Job Search Place Limited directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Old Queen Street - Restaurant Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Job Search Place Limited and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
