At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, manage reservations, and ensure a smooth dining experience.
- Company: Ottolenghi, a vibrant restaurant known for fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, staff meals, health support, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a warm, inclusive culture that celebrates individuality and growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make a genuine impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: 1+ years in hospitality with excellent communication and people skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ 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 Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter for us, our first restaurant in Scotland.
Opening in autumn 2026, this will be a vibrant, busy restaurant with a genuine commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability at its heart.
- What you’ll do
- Welcome and greet guests warmly as the first point of contact.
- Manage reservations, walk-ins, and waitlisting efficiently.
- Communicate accurately with guests about waiting times and availability.
- Coordinate with floor and management teams to ensure smooth seating flow.
- Maintain a welcoming and well‑presented entrance and host area.
- Handle guest enquiries, special requests, and complaints with professionalism.
- Support the front‑of‑house team during service as required.
- What we’re looking for
- Previous front‑of‑house or hosting experience in hospitality, 1+ years.
- A warm, confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Genuine enthusiasm for guest experience and creating a great first impression.
- Key skills
- Natural warmth and exceptional people skills.
- Organised and calm in a fast‑paced environment.
- Confident using reservation systems and managing guest flow.
- 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 hospitality 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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Host employer: Ottolenghi
Ottolenghi in Hampstead is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. With competitive pay, comprehensive health benefits, and generous holiday allowances, employees are encouraged to grow their culinary skills in a supportive environment that values professional development and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Host
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ottolenghi
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ottolenghi 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 Host
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 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
✨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!
