At a Glance
- Tasks: Create exceptional guest experiences and oversee daily restaurant operations.
- Company: Milk Beach, a leading modern Australian restaurant in vibrant Soho.
- Benefits: Up to £16/hour, flexible hours, team events, and discounts at partner venues.
- Other info: Great mentorship, career development, and a friendly, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a fun, dynamic team and immerse yourself in Australian cuisine and culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
COMPENSATION: Up to £16.00 per hour
LOCATION: James Court, Soho, London
AVAILABILITY: Full time
MILK BEACH: The leading modern Australian restaurant in London located in a spectacular venue in Soho. One of London’s favourite premium casual restaurant destinations with a 150-cover restaurant including 80 covers inside, 10 at the bar, and 60 covers in the outdoor courtyard.
Australian hospitality is professional, knowledgeable and passionate, but also engaging, friendly and fun. Seasonal a la carte lunch/dinner menu showcasing modern Australian cuisine - coastal, barbecue, with southeast Asian and Mediterranean influences. We also have a daily breakfast service.
ROLE SUMMARY: As the Maitre D at Milk Beach Soho, you will play a pivotal role in creating exceptional guest experiences by overseeing day-to-day floor and administrative responsibilities. You will be responsible for welcoming guests at the host stand, coordinating reservations, and ensuring seamless communication between the dining area, kitchen staff, and management. Your ability to provide warm, welcoming, and efficient service will contribute to the overall success and reputation of a high-end casual restaurant in the heart of Soho.
We are looking for:
- Someone who understands Australian hospitality - to deliver sophistication and confidence but at the same time put guests at ease and make them feel at home.
- Someone with a special magic, confidence and self-awareness to approach any table to build genuine connections with guests through a chat or bit of humour.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Team Leadership: Supervise and motivate the host team to deliver exceptional customer service. Ensure hosts are up-to-date and knowledgeable about menu items, seating arrangements and restaurant policies.
- Administration and Reservation Management: Oversee the reservation system to ensure accurate bookings and optimise table turnover. Respond promptly to reservation and large group booking inquiries via phone, email or online platforms like SevenRooms. Maintain a waitlist during busy periods and manage seating arrangements to accommodate guest preferences and special requests. Complete any administration duties given by the Sales, Reservations and Events Manager (i.e., tracking daily cover counts, tracking gift cards, sending upcoming cover emails etc.).
- Guest Relations: You have a warm, welcoming, and bubbly personality. Guests recognise you the moment they arrive and immediately feel at home. Anticipate guest needs and provide assistance as required, including seating arrangements and coat check services. Handle guest complaints and inquiries professionally, seeking resolution promptly and effectively.
- On the Floor Responsibilities: Greet and seat guests upon arrival with a friendly and welcoming demeanour. Assist the floor staff with serving food and drinks on a busy night. Liaise with kitchen and waitstaff to manage table availability and ensure timely seating. Coordinate with management regarding VIP guests and any operational issues. Communicate effectively with other departments to maintain a smooth flow of operations.
- Quality Assurance: Conduct regular inspections of the dining area to ensure cleanliness, organisation, and adherence to health and safety standards. Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements to enhance the overall guest experience. Collaborate with management to develop strategies for improving efficiency and guest satisfaction.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
- Previous experience in a similar role within the hospitality industry, preferably in a high-volume restaurant environment.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Full-time availability; available to work late evenings, including weekends (Sat or Sun), if required.
- Adaptable to changes and eager to learn & develop new skills, with a growth mindset and a commitment to personal and professional development.
- A 'can-do' attitude with a positive and proactive approach to work.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Proficiency in reservation management software (preferably SevenRooms) and basic computer and Microsoft Office skills.
- A passion for providing outstanding customer service and creating memorable dining experiences.
- Have great energy and enthusiasm, with a willingness to go above and beyond to achieve goals.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Great chances to learn from a highly experienced front of house team.
- Great mentorship and career coaching.
- Career development and educational support.
- Friendly and motivating work environment.
- Personalised recognition schemes.
- Flexibility and work/life balance.
- Meals, softs, coffees, and teas while on shift.
- Perks including up to 50% off bills at all partner venues.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Team social events.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Australian cuisine and culture? If so, we look forward to hearing from you. To apply, please send your CV, along with a brief introduction explaining why you are a great fit for this exciting role to nadia@milkbeach.com (Head of People). Please note that references will be requested, so kindly have two available upon request.
Maitre D in London employer: Milk Beach, Soho
At Milk Beach Soho, we pride ourselves on being a leading modern Australian restaurant that offers not just a job, but a vibrant career in the heart of London. Our team enjoys a friendly and motivating work environment, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, mentorship from experienced staff, and unique perks like discounts at partner venues. Join us to be part of a dynamic culture that values exceptional service and genuine connections with our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maitre D in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant inside out! Familiarise yourself with Milk Beach's menu and vibe. When you walk in, you want to exude confidence and knowledge about what makes this place special.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or even past employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips on what the team values and how to stand out during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your people skills! As a Maitre D, you'll need to charm guests and handle any hiccups with grace. Role-play common scenarios with friends to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It shows you're serious about joining the Milk Beach family. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Maitre D in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a bit of humour or warmth that reflects the Australian hospitality vibe we cherish.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Maitre D role. Highlight any relevant experience in hospitality, especially in high-volume settings. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this exciting opportunity!
Craft a Compelling Introduction:In your brief introduction, explain why you’re a perfect fit for the role. Connect your skills and experiences to what we’re looking for, and show us your passion for creating memorable dining experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and makes sure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Beach, Soho
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Maitre D, you'll need to be well-versed in the menu and its influences. Familiarise yourself with the seasonal a la carte offerings and be ready to discuss how they reflect modern Australian cuisine. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Hospitality Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of Australian hospitality. Share examples of how you've created warm and welcoming experiences for guests in the past. Highlight your ability to connect with people through genuine conversation and humour, as this is key to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle guest complaints. Think of specific situations where you successfully resolved issues or improved guest experiences. This will showcase your leadership and communication skills, which are crucial for the position.
✨Exude Confidence and Positivity
Your energy and enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates. Approach the interview with a positive attitude and confidence in your abilities. Remember, the Maitre D role is about making guests feel at home, so let your personality shine through during the conversation.
