Location: Lyndhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Salary: £29,128.40 per annum plus Tronc (service charge)
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent (40 hours per week)
About Us
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful New Forest, Forest Lodge Hotel is part of the New Forest Collection, a group of unique hotels dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences. We are looking for a passionate, hands‑on and inspiring Food & Beverage Manager to lead our restaurant, bar and breakfast operations. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys leading from the front, developing people and creating outstanding dining experiences for our guests.
Role Overview
As our Food & Beverage Manager, you will take ownership of the day‑to‑day operation of the restaurant, bar and breakfast service, ensuring every guest receives a warm welcome and exceptional service. Working closely with the General Manager and kitchen team, you'll lead, motivate and develop your team while driving service standards, operational excellence and commercial performance. This is a varied, hands‑on role where you'll spend as much time supporting your team on the floor as you will planning rotas, coaching colleagues and improving the guest experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operation of the restaurant, bar and breakfast service.
- Assisted by our Events Team, oversee the planning and delivery of conferences, private dining, weddings and special events, ensuring every function runs smoothly from start to finish.
- Deliver exceptional guest experiences and maintain outstanding service standards.
- Recruit, train, coach and develop the Food & Beverage team.
- Lead by example, creating a positive and supportive working environment.
- Manage departmental rotas in line with business levels and payroll targets.
- Maximise food and beverage revenue through excellent service and upselling opportunities.
- Monitor departmental performance, budgets and labour costs.
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene, licensing and Health & Safety legislation.
- Handle guest feedback and resolve any concerns promptly and professionally.
- Work closely with the Head Chef and Reception team to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation and brand consistency throughout all Food & Beverage areas.
- Support the General Manager with departmental reporting, stock control and continuous improvement initiatives.
About You
You'll be a passionate hospitality professional who enjoys developing people and delivering memorable guest experiences. You'll ideally have:
- Previous management or supervisory experience within a hotel, restaurant or hospitality environment.
- A passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
- Strong leadership, coaching and team‑building skills.
- Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
- Commercial awareness with experience managing labour costs, stock and departmental performance.
- A proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Knowledge of food safety, licensing and Health & Safety legislation.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required.
Benefits
- Competitive salary of £29,128.40 per annum Tronc (service charge)
- Career development and progression opportunities within the New Forest Collection
- Staff discounts across our hotels, restaurants and accommodation
- Discounts with local partner attractions
- TiPJAR Hospitality Action Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension Scheme
- Free on‑site parking
- Company events
- A supportive, friendly and professional working environment
Join Our Team
If you're a motivated hospitality professional who enjoys leading successful teams and creating exceptional guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the team at Forest Lodge Hotel, where great food, genuine hospitality and unforgettable guest experiences are at the heart of everything we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food and Beverage Manager in Lyndhurst
✨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 New Forest Hotels. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to New Forest Hotels
Don't be shy about reaching out to New Forest Hotels 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!
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 New Forest Hotels 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 New Forest Hotels
✨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!
