At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, take orders, and ensure a warm dining experience.
- Company: Ottolenghi, known for vibrant food and a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: 28 days leave, delicious meals, health support, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make every guest feel special.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and a passion for great food.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
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.
Warm Front-of-House Waiter — Detail‑Oriented Guest Experience employer: Ottolenghi Hampstead
At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates individuality and creativity. 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 enhance personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a team that values warmth, collaboration, and a genuine passion for hospitality, making every guest experience truly special.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Warm Front-of-House Waiter — Detail‑Oriented Guest Experience
✨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 prove you’re genuinely passionate about what they serve.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your warm welcome! Role-play with a friend or in front of a mirror. The way you greet guests sets the tone for their experience, so nail that first impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your teamwork skills! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve collaborated with others in past roles. At Ottolenghi, they value a supportive team environment, so let them know you’re all about that.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Ottolenghi family!
We think you need these skills to ace Warm Front-of-House Waiter — Detail‑Oriented Guest Experience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for food and guest experiences shine through. Share any personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for creating memorable moments for guests.
Be Detail-Oriented:Since attention to detail is key in this role, make sure your application reflects that. Double-check for typos and ensure your format is clean and professional. We want to see that you can present yourself well!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked in front-of-house roles before, don’t hold back! Mention specific tasks you’ve excelled at, like managing orders or building rapport with guests. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running.
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 shows you’re keen to join our team!
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 guest experience, be prepared to share examples of how you've built rapport with guests in the past. Think of specific situations where you went above and beyond to make someone feel welcome or resolved a guest's issue with professionalism.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
During the interview, highlight your ability to maintain high standards in service. You might want to discuss how you ensure accuracy when taking orders or how you keep the dining area tidy and inviting. This will resonate well with their focus on detail-oriented service.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Expect some role-playing during the interview to assess your response to guest queries or feedback. Practice staying calm under pressure and think about how you would handle various situations. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your warm, confident communication style.
