At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the dining experience, engaging with guests and ensuring exceptional service.
- Company: Join the award-winning team at Firmdale Hotels, known for hospitality excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, free meals, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Enjoy regular social events, discounts, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a prestigious hotel, making guests feel at home.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced restaurants and a passion for outstanding customer service.
The predicted salary is between 16.5 - 17.5 £ per hour.
Join our prestigious team at Firmdale Hotels and embark on an extraordinary journey of hospitality excellence.
At our renowned Number Sixteen Hotel, we're seeking a dynamic individual to fill the pivotal role of Head Waiter.
As a Head Waiter, you'll be at the forefront of our guests' experience, embodying our commitment to exceptional service and culinary passion.
From seamlessly managing multiple tables to providing personalised recommendations, you'll thrive in our fast-paced environment where attention to detail is paramount.
Responsibilities
- Engage with guests warmly, taking orders, offering expert recommendations, and ensuring timely delivery of their culinary delights.
- Demonstrate finesse in processing payments and promptly fulfilling any guest requests with efficiency and flair.
- Champion our commitment to excellence by maintaining impeccable standards of service and hospitality at all times.
- Collaborate seamlessly with our dynamic team to uphold the reputation of our bustling restaurant as a beacon of culinary excellence.
- Utilize your exceptional organizational and communication skills to orchestrate flawless dining experiences for our discerning clientele
- What you Need
- Ability to thrive under pressure, turning challenges into opportunities to exceed expectations.
- A genuine passion for gastronomy, coupled with a keen eye for quality and presentation.
- Proven experience in high-volume, fast-paced restaurant environments, where adaptability is key.
- An unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled customer service, leaving a lasting impression on every guest.
- Outstanding organizational skills, ensuring smooth operations even in the busiest of services.
- A collaborative spirit and excellent communication skills, essential for fostering a cohesive team environment where excellence is the standard.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly rate of £16.50 to £17.50, inclusive of service charge.
- Health cash plan (including contributions towards dental, optical, alternative and complementary therapies)
- Complimentary meals on shift
- Flexible scheduling without split shifts
- Paid overtime for working Bank Holidays
- Enhanced holiday allowance based on length of service
- Ongoing training, professional development, and fully funded English lessons
- Refer a friend bonus and earn over £500
- Access to Stream, our financial wellbeing app - access your earnings before pay day, automate your savings and be supported with financial coaching
- Exclusive discounts at Design Hotels, staff sales, spa discounts, and product perks
- Discounted cinema tickets, gym membership, travel, retailers and restaurants
- Dry cleaning service for uniform and discounted personal items
- Regular social events, team activities, and fitness sessions
- One paid volunteering day, every year
- Annual long service awards with rewards at key milestones
- Season ticket loan for convenient commuting
- Cycle to work scheme
• And much more!...
About Us
Situated in the heart of South Kensington, Number Sixteen is part of our Townhouse Collection, a carefully curated group of hotels in some of London's most coveted residential neighbourhoods.
Behind its elegant white stucco façade, you'll find 41 individually designed bedrooms, a beautiful light-filled Orangery and a leafy courtyard garden, all just a short stroll from Kensington Gardens and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
This is a hotel that offers something genuinely rare: a sense of calm and intimacy in the middle of one of the world's great cities.
We look for people who share that attention to detail and who find real fulfilment in making guests feel truly at home.
You'll be joining an award-winning team
- Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024, 2025 & 2026
- One Michelin Key, 2024, 2025
- One AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence, The Orangery, 2026
- Best Afternoon Tea, Country & Townhouse, 2024
- Best Boutique Hotels in London, The Times, 2024
- Best Garden Hotel, Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Awards, 2025
- Best Garden Hotel, The London Garden Society, 2023
You can see a full list of our awards and accolades here: https://www. firmdalehotels. com/b/awards-accolades/
Firmdale Hotels was founded in London, in 1985 by husband and wife team, Tim and Kit Kemp.
Today, Firmdale has grown to include hotels and private residences across London and New York as well restaurants, bars, spas, an online shop, interior design studio and Laundry facility.
Firmdale Hotels welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive workplace.
Please let us know if you need adjustments during the recruitment process.
In line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, we do require all applicants to have the eligibility to live and work in the United Kingdom.
- Documentation will be required at interview stage
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Waiter employer: Number Sixteen - Food and Beverage
Number Sixteen Hotel is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a vibrant and supportive work culture. Located in the heart of London, we offer competitive benefits and a unique opportunity to elevate your career in the luxury hospitality sector, all while delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests.
Contact Details:
Number Sixteen - Food and Beverage Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter
✨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 Number Sixteen - Food and Beverage. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Number Sixteen - Food and Beverage
Don't be shy about reaching out to Number Sixteen - Food and Beverage 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
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 Number Sixteen - Food and Beverage 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 Number Sixteen - Food and Beverage
✨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!
