At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests and manage reservations for a seamless dining experience.
- Company: Exciting new restaurant opening in Mayfair, inspired by Japanese hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, service charge, staff meals, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with ongoing training and wellness initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a flagship opening and shape memorable guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine-dining and a passion for exceptional service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 Host / Hostess at MA/NA, you will be the first and last point of connection for our guests, setting the tone for the entire experience. With warmth, composure and attention to detail, you will guide guests from arrival to departure, ensuring every welcome feels calm, personal and considered. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager and service team, you will manage reservations, seating flow and guest communication, helping to create a seamless and emotionally intelligent journey. This role is ideal for someone who understands that hospitality begins before a guest sits at the table - and lingers long after they leave.
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome guests with warmth, presence and professionalism
- Manage reservations and seating plans to ensure smooth service flow
- Coordinate arrivals, walk-ins and waiting times with clarity and grace
- Communicate closely with the restaurant and bar teams to optimise table timing
- Anticipate guest needs and preferences, offering thoughtful, personalised service
- Maintain an immaculate entrance, host desk and reception area
- Handle guest enquiries, special requests and farewells with confidence and care
- Support service briefings and daily preparation alongside management
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience as a Host / Hostess in a fine-dining or luxury hospitality environment
- Strong understanding of refined guest service and etiquette
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Calm, polished and confident under pressure
- Organised, detail-oriented and proactive
- Genuine warmth and natural hospitality instincts
- Interest in Japanese culture, cuisine or hospitality philosophy
- 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
- Work alongside world-class chefs, sommeliers and hospitality 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 a welcome should feel effortless, sincere and meaningful - and you want to help shape an experience where first impressions truly matter - we would love to hear from you.
Host/hostess - New Opening - MaNa Mayfair in London employer: Ma/Na
At MA/NA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a flagship opening in the heart of Mayfair. Our work culture is rooted in warmth and genuine hospitality, where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow through ongoing training and development. With competitive salaries, wellness initiatives, and the chance to collaborate with world-class chefs and hospitality professionals, joining our team means contributing to a meaningful dining experience that transforms moments into lasting memories.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Host/hostess - New Opening - MaNa Mayfair in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by MA/NA if you can. Familiarise yourself with the atmosphere and vibe. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your warm welcome! As a Host/Hostess, your first impression is key. Think about how you would greet guests and make them feel at home. A friendly smile and a confident introduction can set the tone for the entire dining experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During your interview, be ready to discuss how you handle guest interactions. Share examples of how you've managed reservations or dealt with special requests in the past. This will highlight your ability to create a seamless experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, making you stand out in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Host/hostess - New Opening - MaNa Mayfair in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for hospitality and your interest in Japanese culture. A touch of warmth and authenticity can make all the difference.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Host/Hostess in fine-dining or luxury settings. We’re looking for those little details that show us you understand refined guest service and etiquette. Connect your past roles to what we’re doing at MA/NA!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to outline your skills and experiences, making it simple for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of the MA/NA team right from the start. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ma/Na
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, take some time to research MA/NA and its unique concept. Understand the Japanese philosophy behind the restaurant and how it influences the dining experience. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Hospitality Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experience as a host or hostess, particularly in fine-dining settings. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided exceptional service, managed reservations, and handled guest interactions with warmth and professionalism.
✨Practice Calm Communication
As a host or hostess, clear communication is key. During the interview, practice speaking calmly and confidently, even when discussing challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to remain composed under pressure, which is essential for the role.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail during the interview. Discuss how you ensure a seamless flow of service and how you anticipate guest needs. This will show that you understand the importance of creating a memorable experience for every guest.
