At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead service, guide the team, and create memorable dining experiences.
- Company: Exciting new restaurant in Mayfair, inspired by Japanese culinary philosophy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, service charge, staff meals, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a flagship opening and collaborate with world-class professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine-dining, strong communication skills, and a passion for hospitality.
- Other info: Join a creative environment where every detail matters.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair
About MA/NA
Opening in early 2026 in Mayfair, MA/NA is inspired by the Japanese belief that every ingredient holds an invisible energy shaped by nature and human craft. Mana is a spiritual force that is felt rather than seen. It transforms emotion into experience, and a meal into memory. MA/NA will offer a seamless connection between restaurant and bar. Refined Japanese dishes will sit alongside a world-class cocktail, wine and sake programme. Cocktails flow naturally into dinner, and dinner returns to drinks. Every detail, from service and design to sound and light, is intentional and celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.
The Role
As Head Waiter / Head Waitress at MA/NA, you will play a leading role on the restaurant floor, ensuring service is calm, precise and emotionally intelligent. You will set the tone for the guest experience, guiding your section and supporting the wider team to deliver a seamless and thoughtful journey from arrival to farewell. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager, Head Sommelier and Bar Manager, you will help connect cuisine, beverages and service into one harmonious experience. This role is suited to someone who leads by example, values detail, and understands that great service is felt as much as it is seen.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead service within your section, ensuring smooth and attentive guest care
- Act as a role model for service standards, etiquette and professionalism
- Support and guide waiters and runners during service
- Communicate confidently with guests, explaining dishes and beverages with clarity and warmth
- Work closely with the kitchen and beverage teams to maintain service flow and timing
- Anticipate guest needs and respond with calm efficiency
- Ensure tables, mise en place and service areas meet the highest presentation standards
- Assist with briefings, service preparation and close-down procedures
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Waiter / Head Waitress or senior waiter in a fine-dining or luxury restaurant
- Strong understanding of refined service standards and guest etiquette
- Interest in Japanese cuisine and hospitality philosophy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Calm, confident and composed under pressure
- Natural leader with a collaborative mindset
- Meticulous attention to detail and pride in service craft
- Passion for contributing to a high-profile new opening
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and service charge
- Opportunity to be part of a flagship opening within the Thesleff Group
- Collaboration with world-class chefs, sommeliers and beverage professionals
- Ongoing training, development and career progression opportunities
- Staff meals, wellness initiatives and a supportive, creative environment
Join the MA/NA Opening Team
If you believe great service is about balance, presence and intention — and you want to help shape a dining experience where every moment matters — we would love to hear from you.
Head Waiter/ess - New Opening in London employer: Los Mochis
Contact Detail:
Los Mochis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter/ess - New Opening in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe before your interview. Visit MA/NA if you can, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with staff. This will help you understand their service style and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Head Waiter/ess, you'll need to explain dishes and beverages with clarity and warmth. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with this.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've led a team or handled pressure in previous roles. They want to see that you can keep calm and composed while guiding others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and keen to be part of the MA/NA team right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter/ess - New Opening in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Service: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share specific experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for guests. We want to see that you understand the art of service and how it transforms a meal into a memorable experience.
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in our world. Make sure your application is polished and free from typos. Highlight your meticulous nature by providing examples of how you maintain high standards in service and presentation. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their craft!
Connect with Our Philosophy: Familiarise yourself with our Japanese-inspired approach to dining. In your application, mention how this philosophy resonates with you and how you can contribute to creating a seamless connection between food, drink, and service. We’re looking for someone who embodies our values!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of standing out. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting new opening. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Los Mochis
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the menu, especially the Japanese dishes and beverages. Be ready to discuss the ingredients, preparation methods, and the philosophy behind them. This shows your passion for the cuisine and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Since the role requires calm and emotionally intelligent service, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed guest interactions. Highlight how you anticipated needs and created memorable dining experiences.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you support your team during service. Share specific instances where you led by example or helped a colleague improve their service skills, as this aligns with the collaborative mindset they’re looking for.
✨Practice Your Communication
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex dishes and beverage pairings clearly and warmly. You might even want to role-play with a friend to get comfortable with articulating your thoughts under pressure.