At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, take orders, serve food, and create memorable dining experiences.
- Company: Ottolenghi, a vibrant community hub known for its delicious food and energetic atmosphere.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, staff meals, health support, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a warm, inclusive culture that celebrates creativity and individuality.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Previous waiter experience and a love for hospitality are essential.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy-but what really matters is our people.
Ottolenghi Richmond takes everything we love about our delis and places it in the heart of one of London's most charming and green neighbourhoods.
A favourite with locals and visitors alike, our Richmond deli is a true community hub and we are now looking for a talented Waiter to join our team.
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 is essential.
- Availability to work evenings and weekends is essential.
- 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.
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Waiter in London employer: Ottolenghi Richmond
Ottolenghi is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and creative work environment in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on culinary excellence and collaboration, employees enjoy opportunities for professional growth, competitive perks, and a supportive team culture that values innovation and quality. Join us to be part of a renowned kitchen where your passion for food can truly flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Waiter in 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 Ottolenghi Richmond. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ottolenghi Richmond
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ottolenghi Richmond 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 Waiter in London
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 Ottolenghi Richmond 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 Ottolenghi Richmond
✨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!
