Head Waiter - NEW OPENING

Head Waiter - NEW OPENING

Full-Time 17 - 17 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the floor service at Lenny's, ensuring a smooth and energetic dining experience.
  • Company: Join MJMK Restaurants, home to award-winning venues and Michelin-starred experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 50% off meals, referral bonuses, and enhanced maternity/paternity pay.
  • Other info: Opportunities for growth within a dynamic and ambitious hospitality group.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting new opening and shape exceptional guest experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in quality restaurants and a passion for outstanding service.

The predicted salary is between 17 - 17 £ per hour.

  • Head Waiter - Lenny's - MJMK Restaurants
  • KOL · Fonda · Anglo Thai · Luso · Casa do Frango · New Openings
  • (2 Michelin stars, World's 50 Best Restaurants)
  • £16.50 to £17.00 per hour (dependent on experience)

Lenny’s is a new pizzeria on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden, from Max Lewis and MJMK Restaurants.

The result of Max’s extensive travels to New Haven, Connecticut, it is built around pizzas that are crispy, chewy and charred, a revival of his much-loved pop-up now finding a permanent home in the heart of Covent Garden.

We’re building the opening team now.

We're looking for a Head Waiter to lead service on the floor at Lenny's, setting the pace and the standard for the whole team.

You'll run your section with confidence and real energy, keeping every table moving through a busy service without ever losing the warmth.

This role suits an experienced, passionate, and confident waiter ready to take the next step, the kind guests remember and the team look to for direction.

You'll work closely with the Guest Relations Manager and General Manager, shaping service from the floor up.

This is a hands‑on role for someone who wants to help build something from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead service on the floor and set the pace so every shift flows
  • Run your section with precision and pride, from welcome to goodbye
  • Support, coach, and raise the standard across the wider waiting team
  • Guide guests confidently through the food and drink menu, allergens included
  • Work hand in hand with the kitchen and bar to keep timing sharp
  • Jump in wherever service needs you most, section to section
  • Handle guest feedback with warmth, care, and confidence
  • Help train and settle new starters on the floor
  • What We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone who leads by example on a busy floor and makes great service look effortless. You will bring:

  • Proven experience as a Waiter, Waitress, or Head Waiter in a quality restaurant
  • Confidence guiding and supporting a team through a busy service
  • A warm, natural manner with guests, and genuine pride in the craft of great service
  • Strong knowledge of food, drink, and allergens, and the confidence to share it
  • Calm, organised instincts that keep you one step ahead under pressure
  • A team first attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and festive periods

What We Offer

  • 50% team discount across all MJMK restaurants.
  • Up to £500 team referral bonus.
  • Opportunity to grow within one of London's most ambitious hospitality groups.
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after one year with us.
  • Extra day's holiday every year you're with us, up to 5 extra days.
  • Mental health and well‑being assistance via Hospitality Action, offering free advice and counselling.
  • Enhanced pension contributions after 5 years with us.
  • Anniversary scheme reward for every year you're with us.
  • About MJMK Restaurants

MJMK Restaurants owns and operates a collection of award-winning restaurants.

Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Jake Kasumov and Marco Mendes, our journey began with Casa do Frango.

In 2020, we partnered with chef patron Santiago Lastra to open KOL, a restaurant in Marylebone celebrating Mexican cuisine with British ingredients.

KOL has since earned a Michelin star and been named one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.

2024 saw two new ventures: Fonda, a contemporary Mexican concept in Mayfair, our second collaboration with Santiago Lastra, and Anglo Thai in Marylebone, a debut restaurant from husband‑and‑wife John and Desiree Chantarasak, blending Thai flavours with British ingredients.

Within three months of opening, Anglo Thai earned a Michelin star.

In the 2025 National Restaurant Awards, Anglo Thai was named The Square Opening of the Year and ranked 7th in the Top 100 list, followed by KOL at number 50.

Luso, a contemporary Portuguese restaurant in Fitzrovia, opened in September 2025.

We're building ambitious restaurant brands with a focus on quality, creativity and guest experience, and we're just getting started.

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Head Waiter - NEW OPENING employer: Lenny's

Lenny’s, located in the vibrant Covent Garden, is an exceptional employer that prioritises both employee well-being and professional growth. With a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and teamwork, employees enjoy benefits such as generous discounts, free meals, and opportunities for advancement within a renowned hospitality group. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering unforgettable guest experiences in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.

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Contact Details:

Lenny's Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Waiter - NEW OPENING

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 Lenny's. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Lenny's

Don't be shy about reaching out to Lenny's 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 Head Waiter - NEW OPENING

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Customer Service
Food and Drink Knowledge
Allergen Awareness
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills

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 Lenny's 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 Lenny's

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!