At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, take orders, serve food, and create a warm dining experience.
- Company: Ottolenghi, known for vibrant food and a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, delicious staff meals, health support, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make every guest feel special in a beloved local deli.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and a passion for food and guest experiences.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
At Ottolenghi, we’re known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy—but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest. Ottolenghi Hampstead brings the warmth and creativity of our delis to one of London's most beloved neighbourhoods. Nestled in the heart of Hampstead village, our deli has become a cherished gathering place for the local community.
What you’ll do:
- Welcome and seat guests, ensuring they feel looked after from the moment they arrive.
- Take food and drink orders accurately and with genuine knowledge of the menu.
- Serve food and beverages with care, attention to detail, and great timing.
- Build rapport with guests and respond to their needs proactively.
- Maintain the dining room to a high standard throughout service.
- Collaborate with kitchen and bar teams to ensure smooth service flow.
- Handle guest queries and feedback with professionalism and warmth.
- Support the wider front-of-house team and pitch in wherever needed.
What we’re looking for:
- Previous experience as a waiter or in front-of-house hospitality.
- A genuine passion for food, drink, and creating great guest experiences.
- A warm, confident communicator who thrives in a team environment.
Key skills:
- Excellent knowledge of food and drink service.
- Attentive, calm, and professional under pressure.
- A genuine love of hospitality and making guests feel welcome.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Comfortable using relevant IT systems.
- Ability to multitask and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
- Calm under pressure with a solution-focused mindset.
- A genuine passion for food, drink, and guest experience and continuous improvement.
What’s in it for you?
- 28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays.
- Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount.
- Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts.
- Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral.
- Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses.
- A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated.
- Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service.
- A special birthday treat to celebrate your day.
- Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen.
- A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued.
If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.
Waiter employer: Ottolenghi Hampstead
At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values creativity and individuality. Located in the heart of Hampstead, our deli not only serves delicious food but also offers employees generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, health and well-being support, and extensive learning opportunities to help you grow in your hospitality career. Join us to be part of a team that is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while enjoying a supportive environment that celebrates your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Waiter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the menu inside out! When you walk into that interview, show off your knowledge of the dishes and drinks. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely passionate about what they serve.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with welcoming guests and handling queries. The more relaxed and confident you are, the better you’ll connect with the team and customers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for teamwork! Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with others in past roles. At Ottolenghi, they value a supportive environment, so let them know you’re all about lifting each other up.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows you’re keen and appreciate the opportunity, which is always a plus in the hospitality game.
We think you need these skills to ace Waiter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating memorable guest experiences—this is what we value most!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; give us the juicy details! Talk about specific situations where you’ve excelled in a busy environment or how you’ve built rapport with guests. We want to see how you can bring your skills to our team.
Keep It Professional Yet Warm:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Use clear language and check for typos. A well-written application shows us you care about the details—just like we do when serving our guests!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy—just follow the prompts and let us know why you’d be a great fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi Hampstead
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you familiarise yourself with Ottolenghi's menu. Understand the ingredients, preparation methods, and any unique dishes. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for food and drink.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role is all about creating a warm experience for guests, be prepared to share examples of how you've built rapport with customers in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle feedback or queries with professionalism and warmth.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Multitask
In a busy deli environment, being able to juggle multiple tasks is crucial. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed several responsibilities at once, especially under pressure. This will show that you're calm and solution-focused, just what they’re looking for!
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Ottolenghi values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively with kitchen and bar teams in previous roles. Share stories that highlight your ability to support your colleagues and contribute to a smooth service flow.
