Head Waiter in City of London

Head Waiter in City of London

City of London Full-Time 17.31 - 17.31 £ / hour (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the dining room, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
  • Company: MJMK Restaurants, known for award-winning dining experiences in London.
  • Benefits: 50% team discount, referral bonuses, extra holidays, and mental health support.
  • Other info: Opportunity for growth within an ambitious hospitality group.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and elevate your hospitality career in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Waiter or senior waiter in quality restaurants.

The predicted salary is between 17.31 - 17.31 £ per hour.

  • Head Waiter - Luso - MJMK Restaurants
  • £16.21 to £17.31 per hour (dependent on experience)

Luso opened on Charlotte Street in September 2025, celebrating the diversity of Portugal's Iberian coastline and countryside.

The menu blends the familiar with the contemporary, and the wine list reflects Portugal's variety, from under water aged wines to the country's long tradition of fortified wines, each bottle chosen with the same care that goes into every dish.

At Luso, energy, curiosity and passion for detail come together with a warm, generous welcome for everyone who joins the team.

As Head Waiter, you will lead the floor during service, looking after your own section and guiding the waiting team so every table feels cared for from the first glass to the last.

You will be the voice guests remember, sharing the stories behind the dishes and wines, and helping the dining room move with warmth and pace.

This role suits an experienced waiter ready for their next step, or a Head Waiter who loves the rhythm of a thoughtful, lively dining room.

A background in quality-led restaurants will serve you well, and a curiosity for Portuguese food and wine will make you feel right at home.

This is a hands‑on role for someone who leads by example on the floor.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the floor during service, keeping the dining room calm, welcoming and well paced.
  • Look after your own section while supporting the wider waiting team.
  • Brief the team before each service on the menu, specials and wines by the glass.
  • Guide guests through the menu and wine list, sharing the stories behind each dish and bottle.
  • Train and mentor junior team members, helping them grow in confidence and knowledge.
  • Work closely with the kitchen and bar so every course arrives at the right moment.
  • Welcome guest feedback and respond to it with care and generosity.
  • Keep standards of presentation, table settings and mise en place consistently high.
  • Support the management team with the smooth opening and closing of each service.
  • Uphold food safety, licensing and allergen procedures on every shift.
  • What We’re Looking For
  • The people who thrive at Luso love a full dining room and the conversations that happen around the table. You will bring:
  • Experience as a Head Waiter or senior waiter in a quality‑led restaurant.
  • Real passion for Portuguese food and wine, and a willingness to keep learning about its regions and producers.
  • The ability to read a table and tailor your service to each guest.
  • Confidence in leading a section and supporting the team around you.
  • An eye for detail, from the polish of a glass to the timing of a course.
  • Knowledge of wine service, or a real appetite to build it.
  • Warmth and generosity that make every guest feel at home.
  • Composure during busy services, with the energy to lift the room.
  • Enthusiasm for the rhythm of restaurant life, from lively weekend services to late evenings on Charlotte Street.

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 reward scheme 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 in City of London employer: MJMK Restaurants

At Casa do Frango, London Bridge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our team members as much as our guests. With a vibrant work culture that thrives on energy and passion, we offer competitive benefits including a generous team discount, opportunities for career growth within our ambitious hospitality group, and a supportive environment that prioritises mental health and wellbeing. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences while enjoying the unique advantage of working in one of London's most dynamic restaurant settings.

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Contact Details:

MJMK Restaurants Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Waiter in City of London

✨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 MJMK Restaurants. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

✨Reach Out Directly to MJMK Restaurants

Don't be shy about reaching out to MJMK Restaurants 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 in City of London

Communication Skills
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Teamwork
Customer Service 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 MJMK Restaurants 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 MJMK Restaurants

✨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!